The Financial Aid/EOPS Office offers a variety of aid programs, including grants, loans, scholarships, and work study opportunities to assist students in meeting the cost of attending Napa Valley College.
Students are urged to contact the Financial Aid/EOPS Office for application information. Don't disqualify yourself! If you think you need financial aid, apply for it.
If you are a new applicant, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will be considered for the Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Work Study, State Work Study, Extended Opportunity Programs and Services, and Federal Direct Loan. The application period for each award year begins January 1 prior to the beginning of the Fall Semester. Check with the Financial Aid/EOPS Office, Room 102. A new application is required for each academic year. For more information, call 253-3020.
Priority for financial aid funding is given to students who demonstrate the highest need. If your application is filed by March 2nd and your file is complete, it will be considered first priority. Aid will then be awarded by the order of need. Applications will be accepted throughout the academic year. Awards will be made throughout the year as long as funds are available.
In order to qualify, you must be a regular student enrolled in an eligible program leading to a degree or certificate, be in good academic standing, demonstrate financial need, be a U.S. citizen, or eligible non citizen; certify compliance with selective service registration requirements, not be in default on any loan or owe a repayment on any grant made under any Title IV program, have a social security number, and have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
The evaluation of your financial aid eligibility begins with a determination of family contribution which is an assessment of your, and/or your family's ability to pay. Based on information provided on the FAFSA, an expected family contribution is calculated. This amount determines your eligibility for need-based financial aid.
Financial aid applications are processed centrally by a national processor. That process determines the family contribution based on a standard methodology established by the federal government. This methodology evaluates a number of factors which includes your income and assets (and those of your parents if applicable) and your family size. A financial aid staff member reviews the results of the analysis and makes appropriate adjustments for your personal circumstances.
You don't have to be poor to qualify, but you do have to show that you need aid. Need is the difference between what it costs to attend college and what you and your family can afford to pay toward the cost.
The following budget offers a guideline of expenses for a school year at Napa Valley College:
Estimated 9-Month Standard Budget
Fees $511
Books and Supplies $1260
Room and Board $9468
Transportation $990
Miscellaneous $2250
Single, independent/dependent away from home (TOTAL) $14,479
Any student or parent who would like to discuss detailed expenses should contact the Financial Aid/EOPS Office, (Room 102) at 253-3020.
Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, EOPS Grant, CARE Grant, Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant C are disbursed twice each semester. Federal Direct Loans are disbursed in two payments during the eligible loan enrollment period. Loan payment dates vary by individual borrower eligibility and require supplemental documentation prior to each disbursement. Checks are mailed to the address on file in the Financial Aid/EOPS Office. Checks will not be forwarded. Federal and District Work Study checks are issued at the end of each month and are picked up in the Business Office, Room 207.
Federal Work Study Jobs are available to students who qualify for financial aid. These are positions on-campus and off-campus which pay $6.75 to $11.00 per hour for approximately 15 to 20 hours per week. Students must work to earn a Federal Work Study award.
Student Assistant Jobs are available to students who do not qualify for other federal and state funds. These on-campus positions pay $6.75 to $11.00 for a maximum of 20 hours per week. In addition, part-time jobs are developed through the Career/Re-Entry Center. These positions are off campus and are available to any eligible student enrolled at the college.
Tutoring jobs are available both on-campus and at off-campus school sites. For those students considering a career in teaching, tutoring is an excellent opportunity to gain valuable experience in a school setting.
Students enrolling in a program of study abroad approved for credit at Napa Valley College may be eligible for financial aid.
Students who receive financial aid payments are subject to repayment rules as outlined by the federal government. A student who withdraws, drops out, or receives all failing grades (F, NC, W) at the end of the term, may be required to repay all or part of any financial aid funds received.
If you are receiving financial aid, please check with the Financial Aid/EOPS Office before completely withdrawing from school.
Board of Governor's Fee Waivers are available to students in need of enrollment fee assistance. To be eligible, a student must be a California resident, and at the time of enrollment, be a recipient of Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance, or meet the following income standards:
Number Total Family
in Household Income Last Year
1 $13,470 or less
2 $18,180 or less
3 $22,890 or less
(Add $4710 for each additional dependent.)
For students who do not meet the above criteria, eligibility for a BOGW may be determined by completing a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). A social security number is required to apply for a BOGW.
Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants are available to students who are at least one-quarter Native American. These grants provide supplemental funds for educational expenses. Contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs at (916) 978-4329 for application information.
Cal Grant Awards are available to students who meet specific criteria and appy by March 2nd each year. Entitlement grants are awarded to high school seniors and students who graduated from high school the previous year. Competitive grants are awarded to students who are not eligible for an entitlement grant and who meet specific scoring criteria. California community college students who missed the March 2nd deadlline may apply for additional Cal Grant consideration. The deadline to apply is September 2.There are three types of awards available:
Cal Grant A Awards are available to students who will attend a 4-year California college or university, but will be held in reserve for a Community College student until they transfer.
Cal Grant B Awards are available to students from low-income households and average up to $1,551 per year. This award may be used at both California Community Colleges and at four-year California collges or universities.
Cal Grant C Awards of up to $576 per year for training-related costs are available to students pursuing a vocationally orientated course of study of no more than 2 years in length.
CARE grants are available for single parent EOPS students receiving CalWORKs/TANF with at least one child under fourteen years of age to help pay for books, transportation, and child care. Support services to assist students in meeting their goals are part of the program.
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services Awards are available to educationally disadvantaged students with financial need. Additional support services are available through the program.
Pell Grants of up to $4050 per academic year are available to qualified students. This federal aid program is designed to provide assistance to those who demonstrate a financial need while attending college.
Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants of $100 to $4,000 per academic year from federal funds may be available for students who have financial need.
Scholarships ranging from $100 to $5,000, are awarded each year to students. Annual workshops, along with individual assistance are provided to help students with the application process. All students meeting scholarship requirements are encouraged to apply. Applications are accepted in December and January for the following academic year. For more information contact the Financial Aid/EOPS Office.
Emergency Loan funds for books and supplies are available on a limited basis through the Napa Valley College Foundation. Apply at the Financial Aid/EOPS Office at the beginning of each semester. Funds are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.
William D. Ford Federal Direct Loans are available to eligible students who have completed the financial aid application process. These loans have a low variable interest rate and are repayable six months after the borrower ceases to be a half-time student. Loan applications are available August 1 through April 1. For additional Direct Loan information, contact the Financial Aid/EOPS Office.
Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)
The Extended Opportunity Programs and Services program offers a wide variety of special support services and financial aid to eligible students. Services include academic and financial aid advising, personal and career counseling, registration assistance, outreach activities, assistance with transfer to 4-year schools or transition to work. Other services include referrals to the many social service agencies in the community. The staff offers individualized attention with a personal approach. Bilingual assistance is provided.
Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)
This program is sponsored by the California Community College Chancellor's Office and provides financial aid for books, transportation and child care, as well as counseling and other support services to single parents. To qualify, a student must apply and be eligible for EOPS, must currently be receiving CalWORKs/TANF and must have at least one child under fourteen years of age.
California Work Opportunity and Responsibility to Kids Act (CalWORKs)
The CalWORKs program is a work/welfare program sponsored by the State Department of Social Services and is operated by each county's Welfare Department. Individuals who qualify for CalWORKs are referred by Social Services to the CalWORKs program and the CalWORKs counselor on campus. CalWORKs students must be on TANF and enrolled in an approved vocational program.
Student Support Services (TRIO Program)
Student Support Services (SSS) is a federally funded program designed to provide academic support to low-income, first generation, and disabled students to enhance their success in college. Students must meet federal income criteria and must have a goal of obtaining a certificate, A.A./A.S. degree, or transferring to a four-year institution. Program participants will receive services that include: academic advising, career guidance, tutorial assistance, cultural and academic field trips, and special workshops. For more information, contact the EOPS/Financial Aid Office or the SSS Office.
Talent Search is a federally funded pre-college program designed to reach out to low-income, potential first-generation college students to encourage them to stay in school, promote to the next grade level, graduate from high school and attend college. Services include counseling, advising, tutoring, mentoring, college visits, and cultural activities. Identified schools in the Napa Valley Unified School District are eligible for services.
Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid/EOPS Students
Each recipient of financial aid at NVC must maintain satisfactory academic progress in order to remain eligible for aid. Financial Aid refers to all federal, state, and local funds administered by the Financial Aid/EOPS Office. Satisfactory Academic Progress means the completion of the minimum number of units required by federal, state, and local guidelines, a 2.0 GPA, and progress towards completing a degree or certificate.
The Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid/EOPS students requires that each recipient, based on enrollment status at the time of the final payment for the semester, complete the minimum number of units as follows: full-time, 18 units/year; 3/4 time, 14 units/year; 1/2 time, 9 units/year; less than 1/2 time, at least 2 classes/year. Recipients must also maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA. A recipient will be immediately suspended from financial aid if he/she withdraws from all units during the semester or completes all units with "F," "NC," and/or "W" grades AND may be required to repay all or part of the funds received. Students who have a cumulative GPA of less than a 2.0 may be denied financial aid. The complete Academic Progress Policy for Financial Aid/EOPS students is available in the Financial Aid/EOPS Office and on the college website at www.napavalley.edu in the financial aid section under forms.
Students experiencing academic difficulties are encouraged to use the college's support services to maintain satisfactory academic progress and to remain in good standing. Students who fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress standards may have their aid suspended. Extenuating circumstances that adversely affect academic performance (e.g., illness, family problems) will be considered.
Financial Aid Limitations: Students are expected to complete their academic program in the equivalent of eight full-time semesters or at the end of 90 units. Financial aid may be denied if a student has completed any one of the following:
1. A.A./A.S. Degree
2. Vocational Certificate
3. B.A./B.S. degree or higher
4. 90 semester units
Students in the above categories will be required to submit a Petition for Special Circumstances to be considered for financial aid at Napa Valley College. Academic transcripts from all prior schools must be on file and evaluated in the Admissions and Records Office prior to submitting the petition. Units from all institutions attended will be considered when evaluating eligibility.
Federal regulations require that students who withdraw completely prior to completing 60% of the term or receive all "F", "W", and/or "NC" grades at the end of the term will be required to repay all or part of the funds received for that term. Students should contact the Financial Aid/EOPS Office to learn how much will have to be repaid BEFORE withdrawing from school.
Students who owe a repayment of financial aid funds will be ineligible to receive additional aid at this or any college until the student makes satisfactory arrangements for repayment. Students may have their repayment reduced or canceled if they attend an academic related activity or re-enroll and complete at least 1/2 unit during the term from which they withdrew. Contact the Financial Aid/EOPS Office for more information.
The Office of Veteran Affairs, Room 102, exists to aid veteran students and dependents who receive educational benefits from the Veterans Administration. Students who intend to use VA educational benefits must contact the office each semester to complete all necessary forms. It takes the Veterans Administration a minimum of eight weeks to process the documents for benefits, and students should plan accordingly. Those seeking four-year degrees are advised to keep track of their entitlement and anticipate any funding limitations.
Educational Plans: Students who apply for educational benefits from the Veterans Administration must be matriculated. At NVC, this is accomplished by completing assessment and orientation and meeting with the veterans counselor to develop an educational plan. All previous college coursework and official separation papers (Form DD214) must be on file and evaluated in the Admissions and Records Office prior to developing an educational plan. The process may take several months. Students should have transcripts from all other institutions sent to NVC as early as possible.
Satisfactory Academic Progress: Federal regulations state that Napa Valley College is required to report a termination of benefits for any veteran or eligible person who remains on academic or progress probation for more than two terms. Students on academic probation must improve their grade point average to a 2.0 minimum for graduation. Students on progress probation must receive grades "W", "I", or "NC" in less than 50% of their cumulative units to regain eligibility. Payment of educational assistance allowance to a student terminated for unsatisfactory progress may resume at Napa Valley College once the student has been removed from probation.