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Federal Aid Programs

Student Aid Index

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

What Is the Student Aid Index? 

Student Aid Index (SAI) indicates a student’s financial need as determined by your application for aid. The lower the SAI the higher the need. For example, if you have an SAI of -1500 (negative fifteen hundred) 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 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. 

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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? 

Enrollment intensity is a percentage assigned for calculations, depending on your total enrollment. See chart below for more information. 

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 and is the foundation of a students’ 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 enrollment intensity a student is enrolled in on the Census Date (Freeze Date) each semester at the end of the add/drop period. 

Students must continue to meet and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to remain eligible each year. It is very important that you receive and follow your educational plan so you can successfully complete your degree or transfer to a four-year university before your eligibility expires. 

Summer Pell Grant

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

  • You must have completed a financial aid application for your current school year at City College  
    • (Fall 2024-Summer 2025 is the 24/25 school year and Fall 2025-Summer 2026 is the 25/26 school year). 
  • 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 must not have reached the Pell Grant Lifetime eligibility of 600% 

 

Pell Lifetime Eligibility

Students can receive a maximum of 600% Pell eligibility. 100% of Pell is equivalent to full time enrollment in two semesters in the same academic year. However, once you have earned a Bachelor's Degree, you are no longer eligible for a Pell Grant even if you haven't reached the 600% limit. 

The 600% total eligibility applies to all schools and colleges.  

**Note: If you have already received your full Pell Grant (100%) for the 2024-2025 school year (Fall enrolled in 12 units and Spring enrolled in 12 units), you may still be eligible to receive additional Pell Grant funds for Summer. In addition to the other eligibility requirements, you must enroll in at least 6 units for Summer. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

FSEOG is a federal grant program designed to assist students who are low-income and eligible for Pell Grant. The award 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 to be considered for this award. Students who complete their FAFSA after April 15th will not be considered FSEOG eligible. 

The award of FSEOG funds is extremely limited due to the small 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 are typically $400 per semester.