Do you have a Special or Unusual Circumstance Financial Aid needs to know about? Professional Judgements are Available to all Delta College Students! 
Click on the links below to request one. (You will need to login using your MyDelta Dashboard username and password.)

  • Special Circumstances refer to the financial situations (loss of a job, etc.) that justify an aid administrator adjusting data elements in the COA or in the SAI calculation.
  • Unusual Circumstances refer to the conditions that justify an aid administrator making an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation (e.g., human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abandonment, abusive home environment, incarceration), more commonly referred to as a dependency override.

Financial Aid Mission Statement

At San Joaquin Delta College, our mission is to support and empower students in their pursuit of higher education by providing equitable access to financial resources. We are committed to offering comprehensive financial aid solutions that address the diverse needs of our student body, ensuring that financial barriers do not hinder academic success. Our goal is to foster an inclusive educational environment where every student has the opportunity to thrive, through transparent processes, personalized guidance, and dedicated support.

Financial Aid Department Philosophy

At San Joaquin Delta College, the Financial Aid Department is guided by the philosophy that access to education should be equitable and attainable for all students. We believe that financial aid is not just a service but a fundamental component of the educational experience, enabling students to focus on their academic and personal growth without undue financial stress.

Our philosophy is grounded in the following principles:

  1. Equity and Inclusivity: We strive to create a fair and inclusive financial aid system that supports students from diverse backgrounds and with varying financial needs. We are committed to ensuring that all students have the opportunity to benefit from higher education.
  2. Transparency and Integrity: We uphold the highest standards of transparency and integrity in our processes. Clear communication and honest practices are essential to maintaining trust and providing accurate, timely information to our students and their families.
  3. Personalized Support: Recognizing that each student's financial situation is unique, we offer personalized assistance to help students and families navigate the complexities of financial aid. Our goal is to provide tailored solutions that align with individual needs and circumstances.
  4. Empowerment and Education: We aim to empower students by providing them with the knowledge and tools necessary to make informed financial decisions. Through educational resources and counseling, we help students understand their options and responsibilities, fostering financial literacy and independence.
  5. Commitment to Excellence: We are dedicated to continually improving our services and staying informed about best practices in financial aid. By embracing innovation and seeking feedback, we ensure that our services remain effective, efficient, and student-centered.

Through these principles, we endeavor to support our students in achieving their academic goals and preparing for successful futures, irrespective of their financial background.

 

Understanding My Cost of Attendance

Most financial aid awards are based on demonstrated financial need, which is the difference between the cost of attendance and the SAI (Student Aid Index) (e.g., Cost of Attendance - SAI = Need). The SAI is determined from the information reported on the FAFSA. All awards are subject to availability of funds.

Ex. Cost of Attendance (COA) =   $15,000
Student Aid Index =   $10,000
Remaining Need = $ 5,000

Note: Cost of Attendance for a school is not a bill that you or your parent(s) will need to pay for school. This is simply a school generated budget based on what we determine it would cost for a potential student to support themselves, while going to school, for a 9-months Academic year period. The only costs that you are directly responsible for paying for school would be what we consider "Institutional Costs" (Tuition, Books & Fees). All other budget items in the cost of Attendance will vary based on your specific circumstances

How are Student Budgets Established?

In order to promote equity and inclusion among our student populations, budgets have been established and are applied to all applicants. This means that all students with similar circumstances will receive the same allowance for registration fees, books, supplies, rent, food, transportation, and personal expenses, regardless of being a financial aid recipient or not. Exceptions may be made to the budget in cases where special needs can be shown and documented.

2025-2026 9-Month Student Budgets

COA Comp-onent CA. Resident
With Parents		 CA. Resident
Off-Campus		 Non - Resident
With Parents		 Non - Resident
Off-Campus		 Inter-national
Students		 VA - Chap. 33
With Parents		 VA - Chap. 33
Off-Campus		 Costs Payable to the School vs. Costs Paid to Others
Enrollment Fee $1,104 $1,104 $9,696 $9,696 $9,696 $1,104 $1,104 School
Student Fee $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 School
Books and Supplies $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Others
Food $9,315 $9,315 $9,315 $9,315 $9,315 $9,315 $9,315 Others
Housing $8,550 $17,100 $8,550 $17,100 $17,100     Others
Transportation $1,791 $1,962 $1,791 $1,962 $1,962 $1,791 $1,962 Others
Personal/Misc $4,059 $4,968 $4,059 $4,968 $4,968 $4,059 $4,968 Others
International -
Mandatory Medical Insurance		         $1,000     Others
Totals $26,895 $36,525 $35,487 $45,117 $46,117 $18,345 $19,425  

2025-2026 Summer Budget

COA Comp-onent CA. Resident With Parents CA. Resident Off-Campus Non - Resident With Parents Non - Resident Off-Campus Inter-national VA - Chap. 33 With Parents VA - Chap. 33 Off Campus Costs Payable to the School vs. Costs Paid to Others
Enrollment Fee $276 $276 $2,562 $2,562 $2,562 $276 $276 School
Student Fee $68 $68 $68 $68 $68 $68 $68 School
Books and Supplies $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $2,000 $2,000 Others
Food $2,070 $2,070 $2,070 $2,070 $2,070 $2,070 $2,070 Others
Housing $1,900 $3,800 $1,900 $3,800 $3,800     Others
Transportation $400 $436 $400 $436 $436 $400 $436 Others
Personal/Misc $902 $1,104 $902 $1,104 $1,104 $902 $1,104 Others
International - Mandatory Medical Insurance               Others
Totals $6,116 $8,254 $8,402 $10,540 $10,540 $5,716 $5,954  

 

2024-2025 9-Month Student Budgets

COA Comp-onent CA. Resident
With Parents		 CA. Resident
Off-Campus		 Non - Resident
With Parents		 Non - Resident
Off-Campus		 Inter-national
Students		 VA - Chap. 33
With Parents		 VA - Chap. 33
Off-Campus		 Costs Payable to the School vs. Costs Paid to Others
Enrollment Fee $1,104 $1,104 $9,696 $9,696 $9,696 $1,104 $1,104 School
Student Fee $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 School
Books and Supplies $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 $2,000 Others
Food $8,100 $8,100 $8,100 $8,100 $8,100 $8,100 $8,100 Others
Housing $6,750 $13,500 $6,750 $13,500 $13,500     Others
Transportation $1,791 $1,962 $1,791 $1,962 $1,962 $1,791 $1,962 Others
Personal/Misc $4,059 $4,968 $4,059 $4,968 $4,968 $4,059 $4,968 Others
International -
Mandatory Medical Insurance		         $1,000     Others
Totals $23,880  $31,770 $32,472 $40,302 $41,302 $17,130 $18,210  

2024-2025 Summer Budget

COA Comp-onent CA. Resident With Parents CA. Resident Off-Campus Non - Resident With Parents Non - Resident Off-Campus Inter-national VA - Chap. 33 With Parents VA - Chap. 33 Off Campus Costs Payable to the School vs. Costs Paid to Others
Enrollment Fee $276 $276 $2,562 $2,562 $2,562 $276 $276 School
Student Fee $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 $76 School
Books and Supplies $500 $500 $500 $500 $500 $2,000 $2,000 Others
Food $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 $1,800 Others
Housing $1,500 $3,000 $1,500 $3,000 $3,000     Others
Transportation $400 $436 $400 $436 $436 $400 $436 Others
Personal/Misc $902 $1,104 $902 $1,104 $1,104 $902 $1,104 Others
International - Mandatory Medical Insurance               Others
Totals $5,454 $7,192 $7,740 $9,478 $9,478 $5,454 $5,696  

Resident & Non-Resident Tuition

Resident Enrollment Fee is $46 per unit.

Non-Resident Enrollment Fee is $381.00 per unit, plus $46 per unit enrollment fee. Tuition for non-residents of California are higher. See Fees / Tuition information for the current semester on the Admissions and Records website.

Student Fees

Student fees can be broken down into 4 separate fees and are assessed per semester: 

  • Mustang Fee = $10
    • The Mustang Pass is your official campus ID card. By paying the $10.00 Student Activity each fall and spring semester you are eligible to receive a Mustang Pass or new validation sticker. With your Mustang Pass, you get instant access to free campus events, promotional giveaways, services and discounts at the bookstore and cafeteria. Learn More
  • Student Representation Fee = $2 (Optional. Students are able to Opt-in / Opt-out)
    • Provides support for students or representatives who state positions and viewpoints before the city, county, and district governments, and before offices and agencies of the state and the federal government. A student may, for religious, political, financial, or moral reasons, decline to pay the $2.00 fee.
  • Health Service Fee = $26
    • This fee provides our Delta students access to Health Services, Prevention services, Health Education, Disabled Student Support, Mental Health, & Telehealth to provide the same health services to our online Delta students.

VA Students Receiving BAH (Basic Allowance for Housing)

Per Federal regulations, students receiving BAH through their Chapter 33 military benefit have their cost for housing excluded from their Cost of Attendance budget, since this expense is being paid for from a third-party source.

Costs Payable to the School vs. Costs Paid to Others

Costs Payable to the School are those costs paid directly to the college and billed through your Delta student account. These include items such as Enrollment Fees, as well as Student Fees. Direct costs are different from the estimated Cost of Attendance.

Costs Paid to Others will not appear on your bill, but are estimated expenses associated with going to college and should be included in your budget. These include items like Books, Transportation, Personal Expenses, and Room & Board.

The Cost of Attendance is an estimate of expenses based on what the College determines it would cost a student to support themselves while attending college, and includes BOTH your Direct & Indirect costs.

Additional Mandatory Fees

These Fees may be added to the Student Budget if required for the student's course of study. These fees are automatically assessed to a student's COA during their last semester here at Delta College. This is determined by the date the student petitions for graduation. These are the following programs with fees:

  • Nursing = $500 Licensure & Certification Fee
  • Early Childhood Education = $90 Licensure & Certification Fee

Dependent/Child Care & Student with Dependents Expenses

May be added to the Student Budget upon submission of appropriate written documentation to the Financial Aid Office, and if those expenses exceed the are greater than what has been accounted for in the existing COA.

Increased Medical and/or Disabled Student Expenses

These items may be added to a Student Budget for services and equipment, NOT covered by assisting agencies and/or existing Insurance coverage, upon submission of appropriate written documentation to the Financial Aid Office.

Transportation Costs

May be adjusted for those Out-of-State students who need to travel home during holiday breaks.

Independent Student Determination

A Student is determined to be “Independent” if they meet the following criteria:

  • Older than 24 years of age
  • Married
  • Have a spouse/child or other that you support 51% or more during the current award year of July 1 – June 30th

 

In unusual circumstances, an aid administrator can determine that a student who doesn’t meet any of the criteria listed above should still be treated as an independent student. A student may indicate that they have an unusual circumstance by selecting “Yes” to Question 7 on the FAFSA form. The student may then skip the parent sections of the form. Students who select “Yes” to this question will be given provisional independent student status and directed to provide documentation to their financial aid office for determination.

Active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces

Persons on active duty in the U.S. armed forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, or Coast Guard) for purposes other than training are independent.

Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces

The FAFSA Simplification Act aligns the definition of veteran with the definition used by the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs (VA) to determine veterans’ benefits. The Act cites Title 38 of the U.S. Code for the definition of a veteran. Generally, a veteran is an individual who:

  • Served on active duty in the U.S. armed forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, Space Force, or Coast Guard) for other than training and who was discharged or released under a condition other than “dishonorable”; or
  • Served on active duty for training or inactive duty for training in the U.S. armed forces and was disabled from injury incurred or aggravated in the line of duty.

Members of the National Guard or Reserves are only considered veterans if they were called up to active federal duty by presidential order for a purpose other than training. It does not matter how long the active duty lasted or if the student returned to reserve status afterward, but, as with the other qualifying veterans, the student must have had a character of service that was not “dishonorable.”

The FAFSA form also tells students to answer “Yes” to the question about veteran status if they aren’t yet a veteran but will be by June 30, 2025.

Students serving in ROTC or currently attending a U.S. military academy are not veterans. Additionally, students who attended a U.S. military academy or military academy preparatory school but were discharged prior to commission (commonly known as “early exit cadets”) are not veterans.

 

Veteran Definition

If a student indicates they are a veteran in Question 5, the FPS performs a match with VA records to confirm that status. The VA sends the result back, which appears as a match flag in the FAA Information section of the output document. For VA Match Flags 2, 3, and 4 (listed below), a comment and a C flag will appear on the FAFA Submission Summary only if veteran status is the sole reason that the student would be independent. See Volume 7 of the 2024-25 FAFSA Specifications Guide for additional details.

  • VA Match Flag 1: Confirmed – There won’t be any comments on the output document if the VA confirms that the student is a veteran.
  • VA Match Flag 2: Not a Qualifying Veteran – A student will receive this flag if the VA database indicates they are not a veteran.
  • VA Match Flag 3: Not found by VA – A student will receive this flag if the student is not in the VA database.
  • VA Match Flag 4: Active Duty – If the student is currently on active duty, they are not a veteran yet. However, if their active duty will end by June 30, 2025, they count as a veteran for purposes of determining dependency status. Because the student should have answered “Yes” to the active-duty question, they would be independent by that criterion and wouldn’t have to resolve this situation.

A student who receives a VA Match Flag of 2 or 3 and is independent for reasons other than being a veteran can receive aid as an independent student without resolving the problem with their veteran status, although the student should have the VA correct its database if it has incorrect information. If the student is not independent for reasons other than being a veteran, the student must either resolve the problem with their veteran status or correct their FAFSA form.

If the student is a veteran, they should correct any problem with the VA or provide documentation showing they are a veteran, or will be one by June 30, 2025. Students should provide the financial aid office at their school a copy of their DD214 (the Certificate of Release or Discharge from active duty, with “Character of Service” as anything but “dishonorable”). If it shows that the student is a veteran, they can receive aid as an independent student. If a National Guardsman or a reservist who served on active duty (for other than training) did not receive a DD214 but can obtain a letter from a superior officer that documents the call-up to active duty and that classifies the character of service as anything but “dishonorable,” the student will be considered a veteran for FSA purposes. If the VA match problem is due to an error in the VA’s database, the student should contact the VA and correct the error. A subsequent transaction will then redo the match with the VA.

If the student is not a veteran and will not be one by June 30, 2025, they must correct their answer to Question 5 and invite at least one parent to contribute to their FAFSA form.

 

Children and Legal Dependents

Students who have legal dependents are independent. Legal dependents include children or other people (except a spouse) who meet all the following criteria:

  • They live with the student (or, in the case of children, live apart from the student due to a qualifying temporary absence under IRS code, such as living apart due to college enrollment).
  • They currently receive more than half of their support from the student.
  • They will continue to receive more than half of their support from the student between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025

If one or both student’s parents are directly or indirectly providing more than 50% support in cash or other assistance to the student’s child, then the student could not claim to have a legal dependent who receives more than half of their support from the student. “Indirect support” includes support that a parent gives to the student on behalf of the child. If the student is living with a parent who is paying for most of the household expenses, the parent would usually be considered the primary source of support to the student’s child, and the student should not indicate they have legal dependents. However, there may be some cases where the student can demonstrate that they provide more than half of their child’s support even while living at home with their parents, in which case the student could indicate they have legal dependents.

If the student receives money or other support for the legal dependent from sources other than their parents, the student may count it as part of their support to the child. Sources include government programs, such as Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), that provide benefits for dependent children. So, a student may be considered independent when the benefit they receive is the primary support for the child. However, child support received from a noncustodial parent cannot be counted as part of the student’s support to the child.

When a student completes a FAFSA form after the award year has begun and indicates they have a legal dependent who is not the student’s child, the support already given by the student during the award year plus the future support for the remainder of the award year must total more than 50% for the whole award year for the individual to meet the definition of a legal dependent.

 

Legal dependent examples

1: A student and their disabled sibling currently live together. The sibling receives a small disability payment each month, but the student provides more than 50% support for the sibling and expects to continue to do so through the award year. The sibling is considered a dependent of the student and can be included in the student’s family size on the FAFSA form. The student is also an independent student due to having a legal dependent.

2: The same student and disabled sibling currently live together and expect to continue to do so through the award year. The sibling receives a small disability payment AND a pension payment each month. The combination of the pension and the disability payment will be enough that the student won’t be providing more than half of the sibling’s support. Therefore, the student won’t be able to include the sibling in their family size. Additionally, the student may or may not be independent, depending on their responses to other dependency questions.

3: A student is appointed legal guardian of their minor cousin, who lives with the student. The cousin receives Social Security benefits, which are paid to the student since the cousin is a minor. These benefits provide more than half of the cousin’s support. Because the cousin lives with and is supported by the student (through the Social Security benefits) throughout the award year, the student indicates they have a legal dependent on the FAFSA form and is an independent student. However, if the cousin did not live with the student, the student would not be able indicate they have a legal dependent and would only be independent if they meet other independent circumstances.

4: A student and their partner live together but are not married. The student pays $1,500 per month to support their partner. The partner also has earned income of $2,000 per month and receives $200 per month from their parents. The partner uses all of this for their support. The student cannot consider their partner a legal dependent since the $1,500 they provide is not more than half of the partner’s total support of $3,700.

5: In April 2024, a student applies for aid for both 2023-24 and 2024-25 award years. One month prior to that, their parent moved in with the student. The parent is undocumented and does not work or qualify to receive other federal benefits. Even though the student provides all their parent’s support, the months of support for March through June 2024 (the end of the award year) would not be more than 50% for 2023-24 award year. Therefore, the student cannot claim their parent as a legal dependent on their 2023-24 FAFSA form. If the parent had moved in before the midpoint of the year, the student would have been able to count the parent as a dependent for 2023-24. However, because the two plan to live together and the student plans to provide more than 50% support at least through June 2025, the student can count the parent as a dependent for 2024-25.

6: A student lives alone with their infant child. The infant child’s other parent pays $200 per month in child support to the student. The student also receives the equivalent of $500 per month from government assistance programs for the child. The student provides the remainder of the child’s support through part-time work. The student can consider the child a legal dependent as they live together and the student provides more than 50% of the child’s support.

7: A student lives alone with their infant child. The child’s other parent shares custody of the child and pays $1,000 per month in child support to the student. The student receives the equivalent of $500 per month from government assistance programs for the child. The student does not work and relies on the child support and government assistance to support the child. The student cannot consider the child a legal dependent, even though the child lives with the student, because the student does not provide more than 50% of the child’s support. If the student is not otherwise independent, the student will need to provide parent information on the FAFSA form. If the child’s other parent is also a student, they could consider the child a legal dependent on their FAFSA form if the child lived with them and they provide more than 50% of the child’s support.

Orphan, Foster Child, or Ward of the Court

A student who is an orphan – both parents are dead – when 13 or older is independent even if the student has subsequently been adopted. Likewise, a student who was, at any time since the age of 13, a foster child or a ward of the court is independent even if their status changed later.

A student is a ward of the court if a court has assumed legal custody of the student. In some states the court may impose its authority over a juvenile who remains in the legal custody of their parents; such a student is not a ward of the court. Also, incarceration of a student does not qualify the student as a ward of the court. In some states the phrase “ward of the state” is used; if it is not due to incarceration, this is considered the same as a ward of the court for dependency status.

If an institution requires that a student provide documentation that they were in foster care at age 13 or older, you must consider any of the following documentation to be adequate:

  • Submission of a court order or official state documentation that the student received federal or state support in foster care.
  • A documented phone call, written statement, or verifiable electronic data match from
    • a state, county, or tribal agency administering a program under part B or E of Title IV of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 621 et seq. and 670 et seq.);
    • a state Medicaid agency; or
    • a public or private foster care placing agency or foster care facility or placement.
  • A documented phone call or a written statement from an attorney, guardian ad litem, or Court Appointed Special Advocate.
  • Verification of the student’s eligibility for an education and training voucher under the John H. Chafee Foster Care Program under section 477 of the Social Security Act (42 U.S.C. 677).
  • A documented phone call or written statement from a financial aid administrator who documented the student’s circumstance in the same or a prior award year.

 

Emancipation and Legal Guardianship

Students are independent if they are, or were upon reaching the age of majority, emancipated minors (released from control of their parent or guardian) or in legal guardianship, both as adjudicated by a court of competent jurisdiction in their state of legal residence at the time of the adjudication. The emancipation must be determined by a court, not by an attorney, though the basis for it can vary by state.

Students placed in legal guardianship to their parents—e.g., if they are disabled adults and under their parents’ care—are not independent for Title IV program purposes. Similarly, guardianship of a person’s estate does not qualify as a legal guardianship of the student for this purpose. If the student’s documentation says “custody” instead of “guardianship,” they should contact you for additional guidance. Most states have a clear definition of legal guardianship that is distinct from custody, but if a given state does not, ask your school’s legal counsel for help with this question.

 

Unaccompanied Homeless Youth

A student is independent if, at any time on or after July 1, 2023, the student is determined to be an unaccompanied youth who is homeless or is self-supporting and at risk of being homeless. In determining independence due to homelessness, we will consider documentation from any of the following entities—provided through a documented phone call, written statement, or verifiable electronic data match—to be adequate:

  • A local educational agency homeless liaison (or designee), as designated by the McKinney-Vento Homeless Assistance Act (42 U.S.C. 11432(g)(1)(J)(ii)).
  • The director (or designee) of an emergency or transitional shelter, street outreach program, homeless youth drop-in center serving individuals who are experiencing homelessness.
  • The director (or designee) of a Federal TRIO program or a Gaining Early Awareness and Readiness for Undergraduate program (GEAR UP) grant.
  • A financial aid administrator at another institution who documented the student’s circumstance in the same or a prior award year.

In the absence of a determination by the entities above, SJDC Financial Aid Office, must make a case-by-case determination of homeless youth status based upon a written statement from, or a documented interview with, the student that confirms that they are an unaccompanied homeless youth, or unaccompanied, at risk of homelessness, and self-supporting.

 

Applying for Financial Aid at Delta College

The first step to getting Financial Aid is to apply. If you are a US Citizen or Permanent Resident, you will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are NOT a US citizen or a permanent resident, you will need to complete the Dream Act Application.  

The Delta School Code is 001280

Use the steps below to help guide you through the process of applying, or come to the Delta Connect Center for in-person support.

1. Eligibility Requirements

Individuals must meet the following requirements to be eligible for Federal Financial Aid:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen of the United States.
    • An eligible non-citizen is a US permanent resident who has an I-151, I-1551, or I-1551c (Alien Registration receipt card). If you do not possess these, you must have an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the U. S. Immigration and Naturalization Service (INS).
  • Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) certificate, or equivalent. No diploma or GED? Contact the Financial Aid Office.
  • Be an undergraduate student enrolled in an Financial Aid Eligible Program at Delta working toward a degree or certificate.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
  • You must not owe a refund on any grant received at any college or university or be in default on any student loan, such as the Perkins Loan or Stafford Loan.

You may also be required to submit some or all of the following:

  • A copy of your and/or your parents signed IRS Federal tax return transcript for the prior, prior year including all schedules and attachments or you and/or your parents Income Certification, (if they or you did not file).
  • Untaxed Income Verification of any untaxed benefits received.
  • Veteran's Benefits Verification.
  • A copy of your Social Security Card.
  • U.S. Citizenship documents if you are a Naturalized Citizen or in the process of becoming one.

Additionally, the Financial Aid Office may request other information or documentation.

Programs Eligible for Financial Aid

2. Applying for Financial Aid

Use the steps below to apply for financial aid.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

For US Citizens or Permanent Residents

  1. Create a FSA ID (What's this?)
  2. Fill out and submit a FAFSA
    • Include Delta College school code 001280 on your application
    • Select the appropriate application year (e.g., if applying for aid in Fall 2024/Spring 2025, select the 2024-2025 year)
  3. You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) approximately 1-3 weeks after submitting your FAFSA.
  4. You will receive a Notice to Log In through your Delta College Student Email. Check your student email inbox often.
  5. Once you receive the email, log into MyDelta to check your Financial Aid Status.  (Learn how)

California Dream Act Application

Use if you are not a US citizen or a permanent resident.

  1. Go to the California Dream Act Application site
  2. Start the application (You will be asked two questions prior to beginning the application process)
  3. Follow the on-screen directions provided and submit your application
  4. Wait approximately 1-2 weeks to receive a Notice to Log In through your Delta College Student email. Make sure to check your Student Email often.
  5. Once you receive the email, log into MyDelta to check your Financial Aid Status.  (Learn how)

Learn more about upcoming changes to the 2025-2026 FAFSA and CA Dream Act (CADAA) applications:

2025-2026 FAFSA Information & Resources

Link to CA Dream Act Simplification Information

 

Important Reminders

  • Familiarize yourself with the eligibility requirements of receiving financial aid.
  • FSA ID: If you haven't logged in to the Federal Student Aid site (such as studentaid.gov or StudentLoans.gov) since May 10, 2015, you will need to create a FSA ID before you can log on in the future.
  • AB540 and DACA Students: If you are an AB540 student and are not sure if you're eligible for financial assistance, answer the questions on the California Dream Act Application. You may still qualify for aid through the California Dream Act. O, si no es elegible para solicitar ayuda federal o bajo documentado, complete la solicitud de California Dream Act.
  • California College Promise Grant (CCPG): Fill out fewer applications by starting a FAFSA/Dream Act Application. Your eligibility for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is also determined when you complete the FAFSA or Dream Act Applications.
  • Delta College Student Email: Check your Delta College Student Email account often. Your Financial Aid Notice To Log In will be issued to you there.
3. Create your Student Forms Account

Student forms is how the Financial Aid office communicates any outstanding ‘Tasks” or forms that need to be completed by our students. In order to access these forms and completed them within the required timeframe, you must first create your Student Forms Account. To do so, please follow the steps below:

  1. Log onto you MyDelta Dashboard
  2. Click on the Campus Logic Tile
  3. Complete the registration from (All information on the registration form must match your FAFSA application)
  4. Click on the task on the main screen
  5. Each item you need to complete is represented by a black drop-down bar. You will either complete the form on the site by clicking the “Fill Out” button, or you will need to upload the requested documents.
4. Complete Verification

Applications and Information to be Verified

Each year, the FAFSA Processing System (FPS) of the U.S. Department of Education selects a number of Free Application for Federal Student Aid forms (FAFSAs) for a process called verification. If your FAFSA is selected for verification, San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC) will need to collect additional documentation from you in order to verify some of the information you provided on your FAFSA. For example, SJDC may ask for additional information about your income, the number of people in your household, and other relevant details.

The verification process is separate from the requirement to resolve conflicting information and verify unconfirmed citizenship/eligible non-citizen status, Active Duty status, and Veteran’s status. Any discrepancies in a student’s application or unconfirmed status must be resolved before aid eligibility can be determined.

Schools are required to verify all FAFSAs selected by FPS. Additionally, the institution has the right to verify any FAFSA not selected by FPS for verification, for example, by collecting documentation to determine the independence status or by exercising professional judgment.

  1. Log on to you MyDelta Dashboard
  2. Locate and click on the Campus Logic Tile
  3. Click on the Tasks listed and “Fill Out” or “Upload” the requested documents.
  4. Click on “Complete” & “Finish” once you have completed all forms.

If you have any questions or concerns with verification or any additional documents requested, please contact your Financial Aid Specialist

Verification Deadline & Failure to Submit

It is important to complete the verification process before SJDC can award or disburse Federal aid/Cal Grant/Student Success Completion Grant (if eligibility requirements are met). If the verification process is not completed by the deadline, students may not be eligible for the mentioned grants, which means they will need to find other means to pay for their college expenses, unless they are eligible for the CA College Promise Grant to cover the enrollment fees. SJDC reserves the right to cancel out all aid that has been awarded if the required documentation has not been submitted within 30 days of requirement notification.

To ensure that the verification process is completed on time, requested verification documentation must be submitted to SJDC in a timely manner, but no later than SJDC’s published deadline for the award year. If you are selected for verification but do not wish to complete the process you may only be eligible for Unsubsidized aid. If you wish to cancel any of your aid please submit a cancellation form through Campus Logic.

5. Submit any Special Circumstances

Professional Judgment refers to the authority of a school's financial aid administrator to adjust the data elements on the FAFSA and to override a student's dependency status (Unusual Circumstance). The school does not have the authority to change the need analysis formula itself or to make direct adjustments to the Student Aid Index (SAI). Instead, the school may adjust the inputs to the formula. The changes to the inputs are dictated by the impact of the special circumstances on the family's income and assets. The standard formula is then applied to the new data elements, yielding a new SAI figure (Special Circumstance).

  • Special Circumstances refer to the financial situations (loss of a job, etc.) that justify an aid administrator adjusting data elements in the COA or in the SAI calculation.
  • Unusual Circumstances refer to the conditions that justify an aid administrator making an adjustment to a student’s dependency status based on a unique situation (e.g., human trafficking, refugee or asylee status, parental abandonment, abusive home environment, incarceration), more commonly referred to as a dependency override.

Process

  1. Log onto MyDelta Dashboard and click on the Campus Logic Tile.
  2. Click on the “Manage Request” tab to request a specific PJ request.
    1. COA Adjustment – Housing Status (With Parent vs. Off campus)
    2. SAI Adjustment – Adjustment to income loss
    3. Unusual Circumstances – Dependency Override
  3. PJ's will be reviewed within 2-3 weeks and a decision will be sent to your preferred email.
  4. Any necessary corrections will then be made to your FAFSA application and may take another 2 weeks to process.

All professional judgment cases will be reviewed by the financial aid case manager assigned to you as long as all appropriate forms have been submitted by the published deadline date. Please be sure to submit all documentation as soon as possible since the process does take some time.

6. View Financial Aid Offer Letter

In receiving an offer of financial aid from Delta College, you (the student) acknowledge responsibility for understanding and complying with all the laws, regulations and rules that govern each financial aid program. The FINANCIAL AID TERMS OF OFFER (hereby referred to as TERMS OF OFFER) is an official agreement between you and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Department and is in force throughout the duration of the academic year. Failure to comply with all the laws, regulations and rules may result in cancellation or award adjustments and may require repayment of part or all funds already disbursed to you. Because the laws and rules governing financial aid programs frequently change, the TERMS OF OFFER is subject to change without prior notice. The following general requirements apply to all financial aid programs: 

  1. Availability of Funds: All awards are made based on student eligibility and funding determined by the federal government, or state. In the event that the state or federal government reduces or eliminates funds, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Department will reduce and/or cancel your award. 
     
  2. Change in Information: You must immediately report any change in your name, address, or telephone number. It must be reported to Admissions and Records. You will also you will need to update your information with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. https://disbursements.bmtx.com/refundchoices​, our third-party disburser.
     
  3. Enrollment, Change in Enrollment Status, Late Starting Classes, and Withdrawal: The financial aid offer is made on the condition that you are enrolled and attending courses at this college. The awards will be based on your enrollment intensity:
    Enrollment chart showing enrollment status and intensity
    Enrollment Intensity Chart

    You can use this Pell Grant Calculation Sheet to determine your Pell Grant Eligibility.
    Example Worksheet
    Download Pell Calculation Sheet (MS Excel)

     
    • Financial Aid Census Date: The Financial Aid Census Date marks the end of the add/drop period for Financial Aid purposes. On these dates, the Financial Aid Office takes a "snapshot" of the student's active enrollment for the term. The number of actively attending units as of the Financial Aid Census Date will determine the amount of financial aid that is disbursed to you.
      Start and Key Dates Chart
      The latest Start and Census dates for the semester can be found on the Registration and Key Dates webpage
       
    • A change in enrollment status during a semester may change or cancel your award. If you withdraw, your remaining financial aid award will be cancelled, and you may be responsible for paying back some of the funds you previously received.
    • Withdrawing From School: Any student who receives financial aid and withdraws from ALL title IV eligible courses prior to completing 60% of the semester/program and/or courses may be required to repay a portion, or all financial aid received. CONTACT THE FINANCIAL AID OFFICE BEFORE WITHDRAWING FROM ANY COURSE.
       
  4. Satisfactory Academic Progress: By accepting financial aid, you have read and understood the Financial Aid Satisfactory Academic Progress policy, summarized as follows:
    • Student is enrolled in an eligible program for the purpose of completing an AA/AS Degree or Certificate Program. 
    • Student will maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average (CGPA) of 2.0. 
    • Student will complete at least 67% of units attempted each semester, and 67% of their cumulative units attempted. 
    • Student must not have already completed 150% or more units of total college coursework required for the program the student is enrolled in. This unit total includes all repeated courses at Delta and all courses at other higher education institutions. NOTE: All courses will count towards a student’s financial aid eligibility. As soon as a course is passed with a grade “D” or better, students may only receive financial aid for one more repetition of the course. 
       
  5. Overpayments: Students must repay any funds received in excess of the amount to which they are entitled; regardless of the reason they received those excess funds. 
     
  6. Application of Financial Aid Disbursements: Financial Aid will be applied to student's tuition/enrollment fees first; any leftover funds will be disbursed to the student.

 

Financial Aid Withdrawal and Repayment Policy

Per federal/state regulations, schools must determine the amount of financial assistance a student earns if they withdraw from school. The Programs at San Joaquin Delta College covered by this law are: 

  • Federal Pell Grants 
  • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs) 
  • Direct Loans 
  • Cal Grants

Once a student withdraws from school, the student may owe money back or may be eligible for a post-withdrawal disbursement. 

Financial Aid will return any amount of unearned aid for both the Institutional Portion and Student Portion of the calculation.

*If you receive financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from any course. 

 

7. Create Bank Mobile Account

Providing and delivering your financial aid is our top priority here at San Joaquin Delta College. Your choices in how you receive your money matters, so Delta College delivers your refund with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. Visit this link for more information: https://disbursements.bmtx.com/refundchoices/.

Learn More About Your Refund Choices

Additional Resources:

How to Receive Your Refund 

San Joaquin Delta College (SJDC) delivers your refund with Bank Mobile Disbursements providing you with choices and offering great customer service.

The most common type of money we disburse to students are funds left over from financial aid awards, loans, or grants after tuition has been paid.

Students receiving these funds have usually requested this additional support to help them with books and living expenses.

If you don't receive financial aid, you still may receive money back from SJDC in the future.

Going through this process now can ensure you'll receive any money owed to you by SJDC in a timely manner.

Here's what you need to do to get started

  1. First, make sure your mailing address is up to date with your school.
  2. Look for an email from BankMobile containing your Personal Code to validate your identity. This code is needed to select how you will receive your refund money.
  3. The kit will include a Personal Code to validate your identity. This code is needed to select how you will receive your refund money.
  4. You will also receive a Personal Code by email which will be sent to the email address on record with your school.
  5. Next, go to refundselection.com and enter your Personal Code.
  6. Select how you would like to receive your money.
  7. After eight days, if you have not selected, look for a bright green envelope in the mail. This is your Refund Selection Kit. Please follow steps 3-6 once you receive this kit.

 

The choices you will see are:

Deposit to an existing account: money is transferred to an existing account the same business day we receive the funds from your school. Typically, it takes 1 - 2 business days for the receiving bank to credit the money to your account.

Deposit to a Bank Mobile Vibe checking account: if you open a Bank Mobile Vibe checking account (upon identity verification), money is deposited the same business day we receive the funds from your school.
 

Disbursement Schedules

We make every effort to maintain the published disbursement schedule; however, it is subject to change.

Credit Balance Disbursements

Please be aware that schools have up to 14 days from the time your funding is applied to your student account to release your funds. Although we try to get these credit balances to students within 2-3 days after funds are applied to your account, we may experience some unforeseen circumstances that could hold up this process. Funding will ultimately be released by no later than the 14th day.

Degree Audit

All student courses are evaluated to determine if each course is applicable to the completion of a student’s program. Courses that are not part of a student’s program of choice, or any additional courses needed for transfer, are not courses that are covered with Federal financial aid. Other Financial Assistance may be used to cover these courses.

8. How to File an SAP Appeal

Instructions on How to file a SAP Appeal

A student who is placed on an Unsatisfactory/Maximum Time Frame status may appeal to FAO. In order to do so, the student must follow the instructions below. Appeals are reviewed within 2-3 weeks of being received. After carefully reviewing a student’s appeal, a decision notification will be sent to the student via text message or email. A student must include in the appeal the circumstances involved for not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Standard, as well as what has now changed with those circumstances that will allow you to continue your education.

  1. To appeal, a student must log onto the MyDelta Dashboard and click on the "Campus Logic" Tile. 
  2. Click on the 'Manage Request" button in the top right hand corner.
  3. Type a short request like” I need an SAP appeal”. Explain in detail the extenuating circumstances that caused you to fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress.


A. Unsatisfactory appeal must address the following questions:

You must enroll in at least 6 credits that align with your program   

  • Why were you unable to maintain SAP for the terms in question?
  • What steps have you taken or will you take to achieve and maintain SAP or finish the degree?​​​​​​

Examples of these extenuating circumstances include but are not limited to:

  • Illness, injury, or other health-related episode or condition that can be documented by a medical professional;
  • Death of a family member or other person of close relation;
  • Circumstances related to an outbreak of COVID-19, including, but not limited to, the illness of a student or family member,  compliance with a quarantine period, or the general disruption resulting from such an outbreak;
  • Disabilities verifiable by the DSPS Office;
  • Activities associated with a student’s service in the United States Armed Forces or other entity providing essential services to the public; 
  • Issues experienced by students transitioning to collegiate academic requirements, which have been resolved or are being remediated with the intervention of Academic Advising.

B.  Maximum Time Frame appeal must address the following questions:

  • What did you study previously and what are you studying now?
  • Why were you unable to maintain SAP?
  • Why do you need more time to complete your degree?
  • Why did/do you change your major or need a second degree?
  • What steps have you taken or will you take to achieve and maintain SAP or finish your degree?
  1. Attach all the necessary supporting documents along with the appeal form on Student Forms. If you are appealing for Maximum Time Frame, then you will need to submit a copy of your Student Ed. Plan which should list only ONE GOAL along with the remaining courses and Prior Applicable Credits Evaluation for Maximum Time Frame Appeal, both of which should be signed by the counselor.