Career & Vocation

Career education is all about preparing you for a livelihood that can support you and your family while doing something you love.

California’s community colleges are the largest provider of workforce training in the world with more than 200 programs – crafted in collaboration with business and labor and taught by industry professionals – ranging from digital animation to engineering to automotive technology.

Many of their life-changing programs can be completed in less than a year, and – at just $46 per unit – you can’t beat the price.

Career Education Financial Aid Information

At California Community Colleges, we’re always working and striving to remove or reduce the financial barrier to a higher education. As such, more than one million students receive some form of financial aid – totaling nearly $3 billion annually.

You might qualify, too.

Basic requirements for eligibility are:

• U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen [see the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for more detail]

• Register with Selective Service (if required)

• Working toward a degree, certificate or eligible goal (such as transfer to a four-year college or university)

• No federal grant refunds owed, or federal educational loans in default

• High school graduate, or achieved equivalent of a high school diploma – California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or General Education Diploma (GED)

• No recent drug possession or drug sales convictions (see the FAFSA for more detail)

Additional factors that determine your eligible aid amount:

• Family size

• Number of family members in college

• Family income and assets

• Your specific college costs – enrollment fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses

• Timeliness is also a factor. It’s critical to apply as early as possible and always respond to requests from the financial aid office quickly.

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Please understand that the financial aid resources are finite. So, students who are responsive and prompt give themselves the greatest opportunity for benefits.

It’s also important to inquire about any special eligibility you might have.

And lastly, stay in contact with your financial aid office – be diligent and thorough in your communications.

Individual college financial aid offices can cover all eligibility details and answer any specific questions you may have.