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Las Positas College

Federal Grants & Programs

Federal aid helps students pay for college through grants, loans, and work-study programs, administered by the U.S. Department of Education. Students must complete the FAFSA annually to determine eligibility. Grants, like the Federal Pell Grant, provide need-based aid that doesn’t require repayment. Federal loans, including Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans, offer borrowing options with lower interest rates than private loans. The Work-Study Program allows students to earn money through part-time jobs.

The Federal Pell Grant is a need-based grant provided by the U.S. Government to help students pay for college. This is free money that does not need to be repaid.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Must apply via the FAFSA
  • Must be enrolled in at least 12 units to receive the full award amount
  • Not eligible if you already have a bachelor’s degree or higher
  • Must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Award Amounts & Enrollment Status

*2025-2026 Academic Year

  • Maximum award: Up to $7,395 per year (for full-time enrollment)
  • Award amount varies based on financial need and enrollment status
  • Part-time students receive a prorated amount

Covers the following terms:

  • Summer 2025, Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026
    *Students cannot receive Pell Grant payments for summer from two different FAFSA years.

How to Apply

Submit the FAFSA: FAFSA Application
Deadline: June 30, 2026 (for the 2025-2026 academic year)
Annual Renewal: Pell Grants can be renewed each year if eligibility is maintained.

2025–26 Award Year
The maximum Federal Pell Grant award is $7,395 for the 2025–26 award year (July 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026).


Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility (LEU) Limits

You may receive the Pell Grant for a maximum of 12 full-time semesters (equivalent to 6 years or 600% of total funding eligibility).

*Once you reach this limit, you will no longer be eligible for Pell Grant funds.

Check Your Pell Lifetime Eligibility:

 

FSEOG (Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant)

  • $600 grant for half-time students with a $0 Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Limited funds, awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.


    How to apply

    To get the FSEOG, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form so your college can determine how much financial need you have. The financial aid office will award FSEOGs to students that have the most financial need. The FSEOG does not need to be repaid, except under certain circumstances.

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based financial aid program that provides eligible students with part-time employment to help cover educational expenses.

How It Works

  • FWS jobs are funded by the federal government and offer students monthly paychecks based on hours worked.
  • Hourly pay: $16.50 - $17.50 per hour.
  • Students can only earn up to the amount of their FWS award, which is determined by the Financial Aid Office based on unmet financial need.

Benefits of FWS Employment

  • Flexible work schedules that fit around class times.
  • On-campus positions allow students to work in academic departments, gaining valuable experience.
  • Community service positions may be available off-campus for students interested in serving the local community.

How to Apply for Federal Work-Study

  1. Complete the FAFSA as early as possible: FAFSA Application
  2. Select "Yes" when asked about Federal Work-Study interest on your FAFSA.
  3. Search for open positions: FWS Job Listings
  4. Contact the hiring supervisor – be prepared with a resume and your availability.
  5. Interview and get hired – Positions are filled on a first-come, first-served basis.

Student Assistant Positions

Student Assistant jobs are on-campus positions funded by individual college departments. These roles do not require a financial aid application. You must contact the department you'd like to work in.

Common Hiring Departments

  • Learning Resource Center (Building 2100)
  • Disabled Student Services (Building 1600-First floor)
  • Tutorial Center (Building 2100)
  • Physical Education Department (Building 2500)

*For more information about on-campus job opportunities, visit the LPC Financial Aid Office or check department postings.

Job Listings (Handshake)

The Federal Direct Loan Program (outside link to Department of Education) provides financial assistance to students from low- and middle-income families. Loans help cover education costs, and repayment begins six months after graduation or when enrollment drops below half-time (6 units).

How to apply for a Federal Direct Loan through LPC

Types of Direct Loans

  • Subsidized Loan: Available to students who demonstrate financial need. The federal government pays the interest while the student is in school and during the grace period.
  • Unsubsidized Loan: Available to students regardless of financial need. Interest accrues while the student is in school and must be paid by the borrower.

Application Period for 2025-2026

Fall 
September 3 - November 20, 2025
Spring       February 3 - April 30, 2026

Loan Disbursement & Refund Schedule (2024-2025)

Academic Year Loan Period Inclusive Dates First Payment Second Payment
Fall 2025 &
Spring 2026
 08/2025-05/2026  09/30/2025 01/27/2026
Fall 2024 Only  08/2025-12/2026  09/30/2025  10/21/2025
Spring 2025 Only  01/2026-05/2026 02/24/2026 03/24/2026
  • Funds are released via BankMobile Disbursements.
  • Loans will not be disbursed until the Add/Drop Period is completed.
  • New borrowers must wait 30 days into their first semester to receive funds.
  • Students in late-start courses must have at least 6 units started before funds are released.

Loan Approval & Denial Policies

The Financial Aid Office may deny loans if a student:

  • Has a history of loan default or excessive student loan debt.
  • Demonstrates poor academic progress or attendance.
  • Fails to meet financial aid eligibility requirements.
  • Is not making satisfactory academic progress in their program.

Loans are awarded in two disbursements per semester. No more than half the annual loan amount will be awarded during the fall semester.


Responsible Borrowing & Resources

For more information, visit: