Apply for Financial Aid (FAFSA or CADAA)
Every student parent should apply, even if you think you won't qualify. The FAFSA (or CADAA, for undocumented students) is how you get every grant on this page. Note: You must reapply every year.
• FAFSA: fafsa.gov — about 30 minutes
• California Dream Act Application (CADAA): dream.csac.ca.gov — for undocumented and eligible non-citizen students
Need Help with Financial Aid?
For more information, visit our Financial Aid Home Page or connect with us directly:
In Person: Financial Aid Office — Student Services Building (Building 23, One-Stop)
Email: financialaid@vvc.edu (Opens email app)
Phone: (760) 245-4271 ext. 2917
Grants — Money you don't pay back
Federal Pell Grant — up to about $7,400/year
The biggest federal grant. If you qualify, the money goes straight toward your costs. No repayment. To apply, complete the FAFSA.
Cal Grant — up to $6,000 extra for student parents
California's state grant. If you have a dependent child under 18 and you're in financial need, you can get up to $6,000 per year on top of the regular Cal Grant — for rent, books, and other costs beyond tuition. Apply by completing the FAFSA or CADAA and submitting a GPA verification form.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth — up to $5,000/year
For current and former foster youth under age 26. Use it for tuition, living costs, or anything that keeps you in school. Up to five years of funding. Apply at chafee.csac.ca.gov. NextUp at VVC (NextUp@vvc.edu, ext. 2929) helps foster youth apply and access additional campus support.
Cost of Attendance (COA) Adjustments — Get More Aid
Your financial aid package is calculated based on a standard budget VVC builds for students. However, as a parent, your real-world costs are much higher (childcare, a larger apartment, more transportation expenses). Federal law allows VVC to legally raise your financial aid budget to match those real costs.
If approved, an adjustment can unlock more grant money, work-study, or loans. Common things you can ask to be added:
• Childcare costs
• Rent and utilities for a family-size place
• Medical and dental care for you and your kids
• Books and required supplies
• Transportation to and from class
To request one, contact the Financial Aid Office. Bring proof of the expense (a daycare bill, a lease, a utility bill).
Dependent Care Allowance — childcare counts toward your aid budget
This is the most common COA adjustment for student parents. If you pay for childcare while you go to class, study, do an internship, or commute, those costs can be added to your aid budget. Ask Financial Aid for the Dependent Care Allowance form.
Federal Work-Study — a part-time job built around your classes
Earn money in a job that fits your school schedule. Most positions are on campus. You must complete the FAFSA to be considered.
More ways to get money for books, gas, and supplies
If you're already enrolled in one of these programs, they can give you direct help with school costs on top of financial aid. These benefits don't reduce your other aid.
| Program | Core Benefits | Campus Location & Hours | Contact |
| EOPS | Money for books/supplies, priority registration, dedicated counseling. |
Building 23 (One Stop) |
EOPS@vvc.edu |
| CARE (Must be in EOPS first) | For single parents on CalWORKs: Extra meal vouchers, grants, school supplies, parking, dedicated counseling. |
Building 23 (One Stop) |
EOPS@vvc.edu |
| CalWORKs | For county CalWORKs recipients: Direct help with books, gas cards, school supplies. Work-study earnings do not reduce county cash aid. |
Building 23 (One Stop) |
CalWORKs.Office@vvc.edu |
| NextUp | For current/former foster youth: Money/support for books, supplies, tutoring, counseling, food, transportation, emergency housing, childcare, school fees. |
Building 10B |
NextUp@vvc.edu |
| Veterans Resource Center (VRC) | For veterans, active duty, military-connected: Help stacking GI Bill (w/ housing allowance), CalVet Fee Waiver, Chapter 35 (Dependents' Assistance for your kids later); admissions/financial aid paperwork; work-study. |
Lower Campus, Building 80.01C |
VRC@vvc.edu |