There are several types of financial aid available to students at Merced College. Our financial aid awards include federal and state grants & loans, state fee waivers, work-study jobs, and scholarships.
You can receive multiple forms of financial aid. Many of our students receive an award which is a combination of several forms of financial aid.
You do not need to be a full-time student to receive financial aid. Your award can be prorated for three quarter-time (9 to 11 units), or half-time (6 to 8 units). At less than half-time you may or may not receive an award. It depends on your EFC or Expected Family Contribution.
Please note that you can only receive financial aid at one school at a time. If you have questions, please contact the Merced College Financial Aid Office.
Types of Financial Aid Awards
| Award | 2020-2021 Maximum Award |
| Federal Pell Grant | $6,345 |
| Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant | $800 |
| Cal Grant B |
$1,656 Student with Dependents - $6,000 |
| Cal Grant C |
$1,094 Student with Dependents - $4,000 |
| Student Success Completion Grant 24+ Units |
$1,298 |
| Student Success Completion Grant 30+ Units |
$4,000 |
| Chafee Grant for Foster Youth | $5,000 |
| Federal Work Study Program | Student jobs on and off campus |
| California College Promise Grant | Waives per unit enrollment fee |
| Merced College Foundation Scholarships | Available every March - we typically award more than $100,000 |
| Direct Subsidized & Unsubsidized Loans | Amount varies - MUST BE REPAID |
California College Promise Grant "minimum need" threshold
Beginning Fall 2012 all students being awarded Promise Grant fee waivers must meet the minimum need threshold of $1104. At Merced College, only students with an estimated family contribution (EFC) of 10415 or less will be eligible to receive a fee waiver based on FAFSA eligibility standards.
Net Price Calculator
The net price calculator is a tool for students and parents to use to get the estimate of what it may cost to attend Merced College each year. It is important for you to understand that the information you receive from the calculator is a broad estimate, and is based on previous years historical data which is updated annually in April by the Chancellor's office. Many factors come into play when we award financial aid to students including, but not limited to: deadlines, levels of funding, grade levels, and academics.
You can now check your status online at MC4Me.