Types of Financial Aid

The Federal Pell Grant is need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

Award amounts are based on your financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Your financial need is determined by your Student Aid Index (SAI), which is calculated from your FAFSA.

To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA.

You may be eligible for Pell Grant funds in fall, spring, and summer if you meet eligibility requirements. You cannot receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at the same time.

Eligibility Requirements

• Complete the FAFSA every academic year
• Demonstrate Pell Grant eligibility under federal regulations
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Important Information

• Award amounts vary each year based on federal guidelines and enrollment status
• Pell Grant eligibility is limited to approximately six years (600% Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU))
• You may be eligible for Pell Grant funding during fall, spring, and summer terms
• In some situations, you may be required to repay a portion of your aid if you withdraw from classes

Award Information

• Eligible students may receive up to $7,395 for the current award year

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is need-based financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

FSEOG is awarded to students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI), including those who are Pell-eligible.

To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA and enroll in at least 6 units per semester.

FSEOG funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

Eligibility Requirements

• Complete the FAFSA every academic year
• Demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by federal regulations
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Be enrolled in at least 6 units per semester

Important Information

• FSEOG funding is limited and awarded on a first-come, first-served basis
• Receiving a Federal Pell Grant does not guarantee receipt of FSEOG
• You must meet enrollment and eligibility requirements each term
• In some situations, you may be required to repay a portion of your aid if you withdraw from classes
• Funding is available only while annual federal allocations remain available

Award Information

• Awards at Butte College are up to $720 per academic year

Actual award amounts may vary based on enrollment, financial need, and available funding.

Cal Grants are state-funded financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

Eligibility is determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) based on information reported on your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), your verified Cal Grant GPA, and other eligibility factors.

There are multiple Cal Grant programs, including Cal Grant A, B, and C. Students are automatically considered for all eligible Cal Grant programs.

Eligibility Requirements

• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every academic year
• Have a verified Cal Grant GPA on file by the applicable priority deadline
• Be a California resident or eligible AB 540 student
• Meet California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) eligibility requirements
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Important Information

• To be considered, you must submit a FAFSA or CADAA and a verified Cal Grant GPA by the priority deadline
  • For California Community College students, the priority deadline is September 2
  • For students transferring to or attending a CSU or UC, the priority deadline is March 2
• Award amounts and eligibility vary based on state regulations, enrollment status, and financial need
• Some Cal Grants may be held in reserve while you attend a community college and used after you transfer
• You must meet enrollment and eligibility requirements each term
• In some situations, you may be required to repay a portion of your aid if you withdraw from classes

Additional Opportunities

• Students with dependent children may qualify for increased Cal Grant awards
• Current and former foster youth may qualify for expanded eligibility and extended time to receive Cal Grant funding

Award Information

• Cal Grant A helps pay tuition and fees at qualifying four-year California colleges and universities
  • While attending a California Community College, Cal Grant A does not pay tuition and fees; however, your award eligibility will be held in reserve for up to two years until you transfer to a four-year college
• Cal Grant B provides an access award to help with educational expenses while attending college
  • Eligible students may receive up to $1,648 for the current award year
  • Eligble students with dependent children, or who are current or former foster youth, may receive up to $6,000 for the current award year
• Cal Grant C assists students enrolled in qualifying Career Technical Education (CTE) programs
  • Eligible students may receive up to $1,094 for the current award year
  • Eligble students with dependent children, or who are current or former foster youth, may receive up to $4,000 for the current award year

Actual award amounts are determined based on state eligibility criteria, enrollment status, and other factors.

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) helps cover enrollment fees at California Community Colleges and does not need to be repaid.

Eligibility is based on income and other factors. Many students qualify, even if they do not receive other types of financial aid.

You can be considered for CCPG by completing the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). If you do not wish to complete one of these applications, you may submit a separate CCPG application.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a California resident or eligible AB 540 student
• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every academic year
• Meet California income standards
• Receive CalWORKs/TANF, SSI, or General Assistance
• Qualify under certain special classifications, including dependents of veterans
• Maintain academic and progress standards required for continued eligibility

Important Information

• CCPG covers enrollment fees only and does not include other expenses such as student service fees, books, or living costs
• CCPG is available regardless of enrollment level if all eligibility requirements are met
• Eligibility is determined annually and may change from year to year
• Applying early can help ensure your enrollment fees are waived as soon as possible
• CCPG may be received in combination with other financial aid programs if you are otherwise eligible

The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) provides additional financial aid to help students attend full-time and complete their program.

SSCG does not need to be repaid and is awarded in addition to other financial aid for eligible students.

Eligibility Requirements

• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every academic year
• Receive a Cal Grant B or Cal Grant C award
• Be enrolled in at least 12 units
• Demonstrate unmet financial need
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study

Important Information

• You must be enrolled in at least 12 units to receive SSCG
• Award amounts may change based on your enrollment status and eligibility
• You must meet enrollment and eligibility requirements each term
• SSCG funding is limited and awards are made only while funds remain available
• Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee that an award will be disbursed

Award Information

• Students enrolled in 12–14.5 units may receive up to $1,298 per semester
• Students enrolled in 15 or more units may receive up to $4,000 per semester

Actual award amounts may be reduced based on financial need and available funding.

The California Chafee Grant provides financial aid to current and former foster youth to help pay for college or career training. 

Chafee Grant funds do not need to be repaid and may be used to help cover educational expenses such as housing, transportation, child care, books, and supplies.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a current or former foster youth who was in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18, or a youth who was placed in out-of-home care by a tribe or tribal organization between the ages of 16 and 18
• Be under the age of 26 as of July 1 of the award year
• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every academic year
• Complete the Chafee Grant application
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Important Information

• Chafee Grant funds may be received in addition to other financial aid programs
• Funding is limited and awarded while annual funding remains available
• You must meet enrollment and eligibility requirements each term

Maintaining Eligibility

• You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) to continue receiving Chafee funds
• Students who do not meet SAP may be required to meet with college staff and develop or update an academic plan to continue receiving Chafee funding
• Students may continue receiving Chafee Grant funding for up to two years while working to regain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), as permitted under California law
• Students who lose eligibility may have options to regain eligibility through the Chafee reinstatement process
• Students who return after a break in enrollment may regain Chafee Grant eligibility, subject to program requirements

Award Amounts

• Eligible students may receive up to $5,000 per academic year

Actual award amounts may vary based on enrollment, financial need, and available funding.

The Butte College Promise Scholarship helps eligible students attend Butte College by covering enrollment and student service fees.

This program is designed for first-time, full-time college students and may cover these fees for up to two (2) consecutive academic years (fall and spring semesters only).

The Butte College Promise Scholarship does not provide cash aid and does not cover other expenses such as books or living costs.

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a first-time college student (college courses completed while in high school do not affect eligibility)
• Be a California resident or eligible AB 540 student
• Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every academic year
• Submit your FAFSA or CADAA by the college census date
• Be enrolled in at least 12 units at the college census date each term
• Meet all program requirements and maintain eligibility each term

Important Information

• BCPS covers fall and spring semesters only
• Summer enrollment is not covered by BCPS
• The scholarship is available for up to two consecutive academic years
• The scholarship is applied directly to your student account and is not paid as cash

Award Amounts

The value of the scholarship varies based on the number of units enrolled and applicable fee rates.

Learn more about the Butte College Promise Scholarship

BC for Free

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is need-based financial aid that allows students to earn money through part-time employment while attending school.

Unlike grants and scholarships, Work-Study funds are earned through employment and are paid as wages for hours worked.

Work-Study is not automatically included in your financial aid offer. You must apply for and obtain a Work-Study position to begin earning funds.

Eligibility Requirements

• Complete the FAFSA every academic year
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Be enrolled in at least 6 units
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Meet all employment and hiring requirements

Important Information

• Jobs may be available on campus or with approved off-campus partners
• You must apply for and obtain an eligible Work-Study position before you can begin earning funds
• Students may work up to 20 hours per week while classes are in session
• You are paid for hours worked and receive your earnings as a paycheck
• Funding is limited and awarded until funds are fully allocated for the academic year
• Job availability is limited, and positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis
• You must meet enrollment and eligibility requirements each term

Award Amounts

• Work-Study awards represent the maximum amount you may earn through approved employment during the award period
  • Students may not earn more than their total Work-Study award amount.
• Actual earnings depend on the number of hours worked and the amount of your Work-Study award
• Student Assistant positions are paid at the current California minimum wage, which is $16.90 per hour as of January 1, 2026

Visit the Career Center For help finding a Work-Study job and exploring other work opportunities

Visit the Career Center

Scholarships are financial aid that does not need to be repaid.

Scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, community involvement, leadership, talents, program of study, or other donor-established criteria.

At Butte College, scholarships are managed by the Butte College Foundation.

Important Information

• Most scholarships require a separate application
• Scholarship eligibility and award amounts vary by scholarship program and donor requirements
• Scholarships may be received in combination with other financial aid programs, if eligible
• Scholarship funds generally do not need to be repaid

Learn More About Scholarships

Explore scholarships

Federal Direct Student Loans are offered through the U.S. Department of Education to help cover college costs. These loans must be repaid with interest.

Unlike grants and many other forms of financial aid, student loans are not automatically awarded at Butte College. To be considered, you must complete the FAFSA, be enrolled in eligible coursework, and complete the Butte College loan request process.

Federal Direct Student Loans do not require a credit check or co-signer.

There are two types of Federal Direct Loans:

• Subsidized Loans – Available to students who demonstrate financial need. The federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half-time and during certain other periods.
• Unsubsidized Loans – Available regardless of financial need. Interest begins accruing when the loan is disbursed.

Eligibility Requirements

To be considered for a Federal Direct Loan, you must:

• Complete the FAFSA every academic year
• Be enrolled in an eligible program of study
• Be enrolled in at least 6 units
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Meet all applicable federal eligibility requirements
• Complete all required loan documents, including Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN)

Important Information

• Federal Direct Loans must be repaid, even if you do not complete your program of study
• Interest rates and loan fees are established annually by federal law
• You must be enrolled in at least 6 units to receive or maintain loan eligibility
• You must meet enrollment and eligibility requirements each term
• Federal loan eligibility and annual borrowing limits may be adjusted based on enrollment status and other federal requirements
• Students who graduate, withdraw, or drop below half-time enrollment are required to complete Exit Counseling

Current Annual Loan Limits

Dependent Students

Independent Students

Current Interest Rates and Loan Fees 

Rates and fees shown are current as of the 2026-2027 award year and are subject to change for future award years.

Loan funds are subject to federal origination fees. As a result, the amount disbursed may be slightly less than the amount borrowed.

Visit StudentAid.gov TO LEARN MORE about federal DIRECT student loans

LEARN MORE ABOUT FEDERAL DIRECT STUDENT LOANS

Federal Parent PLUS Loans are federal loans available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover educational costs not met by other financial aid.

These loans must be repaid with interest and are based on a credit check completed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Unlike student loans, Parent PLUS Loans are borrowed by the parent and remain the parent's responsibility to repay.

Eligibility Requirements

• The student must complete the FAFSA every academic year
• The student must be enrolled in an eligible program of study
• The student must maintain eligibility for federal financial aid
• The parent must meet federal eligibility requirements
• The parent must complete a Parent PLUS Loan application
• The parent must pass a federal credit check or qualify through the appeal or endorser process

Important Information

• Parent PLUS Loans must be repaid and cannot be transferred to the student
• Interest rates and origination fees are established annually by federal law
• Parents may choose to begin repayment immediately or explore available deferment options
• Parents are encouraged to carefully consider their ability to repay before borrowing

Award Amounts

• Parent PLUS annual borrowing limits are established by federal law and may vary based on the student's grade level and dependency status
• The amount a parent may borrow may be less than the maximum annual limit based on the student's individual eligibility and other aid received

Visit StudentAid.gov TO LEARN MORE about and to APPLY for a Parent PLUS Loan

Learn more about Parent PLUS Loans

Private student loans are offered by banks or other lenders to help cover educational expenses not met by other financial aid.

These loans must be repaid and typically have higher interest rates and fewer repayment options than federal student loans.

Private student loans require a credit check and may require a co-signer.

Important Information

• Interest rates and repayment terms vary by lender
• Approval and loan terms are determined by the lender, not the college
• Private loans should be considered only after exploring all other financial aid options

Butte College Requirements

Butte College certifies private student loans on a limited, case-by-case basis. Students must meet all of the following:

• Have a current FAFSA or CADAA on file
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• Be enrolled in at least 6 units in eligible coursework
• Have exhausted all available financial aid options
• Demonstrate unmet financial need

Private loan certification may also be limited to certain programs that have higher costs or scheduling requirements.

Eligible Programs

Private loan certification is currently limited to students in the following programs at Butte College:

• Registered Nursing (ADN)
• LVN to ADN
• Respiratory Care
• Law Enforcement Academy (Basic and Fish and Game Emphasis)
• Fire Fighter 1 Academy
• Welding
• Out-of-state residents

Explore Private Loan Options

View private loan lenders through ELM Select