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Federal Aid Programs

Student Aid Index 2024-2025

The Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) is being replaced with Student Aid Index (SAI) starting in Fall 2024. 

What Is the Student Aid Index? 

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is a formula-based index number ranging from –1500 to 999999. Where your SAI falls within the SAI range helps your school determine how much financial support you may need. 

A negative SAI indicates you have a higher financial need. For example, if you have an SAI of –1500, you’ll qualify for a maximum Pell Grant award assuming you have not exhausted your lifetime amounts and meet all student eligibility requirements. Learn how the SAI is calculated.

Your SAI is not

  • a dollar amount of aid you’ll receive,
  • what your family is expected to provide, or
  • your final financial aid offer. 

What Is Enrollment Intensity? 

Beginning in the 2024-2025 acadamic year enrollment intensity is replacing enrollment level system used to calculate federal aid eligibility. See Chart below to determine your enrollment intensity. 

SAI Index Chart

Enrollment Level

Full-Time 12 or more units
3/4 time 9 to 11.5 units
1/2 time 6 to 8.5 units
Less than 1/2 time Less than 6 units

Your enrollment status will be frozen after the add/drop period each semester and will be the basis for your Pell Grant refund. Once your Pell Grant award has been processed and your enrollment status for the semester has been determined, it will not be adjusted if you add units after the Census date (Freeze Date). The Census Date (Freeze Date) for the Fall and Spring semesters along with the main disbursement/refund dates are posted on the Payment, Refunds, & Direct Deposit page.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program ans is the foundation of a students's total "aid package." Eligibility is determined by the federal government from the information provided by parents and students on the FAFSA. The Pell Grant is paid based on the Student Aid Index (SAI)  and the enrollement intensity a student is enrolled in on the Census Date (Freeze Date) each semester at the end of the add/drop period.

Summer Pell Grant

To be eligible to receive a Summer Pell Grant, you must meet the following criteria:

  • You must have completed financial aid file for the 2023-2024 school year at City College
  • You must not be disqualified based on the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards for Financial Aid.
  • If you were disqualified for the Fall or Spring semester, you will need to submit a new appeal for the Summer to be considered for a Summer Pell Grant.
  • You qualify for a 2023-2024 Federal Pell Grant and you did not receive your full (100%) Pell Grant award for the school year.
  • You must enroll in all of your Summer classes for all summer sessions up front. The Census Date (Freeze Date) is February, 15th, 2024
  • You must not have reached the Pell Grant Lifetime eligibility of 600%

The 600% total eligibility applies at all schools and colleges. However, once you have enred a Bachelor's Degree, you are no longer eligible for a Pell Grant even if you haven't reached the 600% limit. You must continue to meet and maintain SAP to remain eligible each year. It is very important that you follow your educational plan so you can successfully complete your degree or transfer to a four year university before your eligibility expires.

**Note: If you have already received your full Pell Grant (100%) for the 2023-2024 school year (Fall enrolled in 12 units and Spring enrolled in 12 units), you may still be eligible to receive an additional Pell Grant funds for Summer. You must enroll in at least 6 units for Summer and meet the criteria listed above.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a federal grant program designed to assist students who are low-income and Pell Grant eligible. Awarding of FSEOG funds is determined by the Financial Aid Office based on available resources. Students are encouraged to complete the FAFSA before March 2nd and to have all required forms on file ASAP in order to be considered for this award. Students who complete their FAFSA after April 15 th will not be considered FSEOG eligible.
 
Awarding of FSEOG funds is extremely limited due to the scmall amount of funds received each year.
 
SEOG Eligibility Guidelines:
  • FAFSA application date
  • File complete date
  • Greatest financial need
  • Enroll in at least 6 units

FSEOG awards typically are awarded for $400 per semester.