"I wish I had known about financial aid before I registered."

The cost of an education may not hit you until you actually have to come up with the money. California community colleges were once free. Then the cost became $5 per unit, then $6, suddenly up to $26, and now back down to $20 per unit as of January, 2007. Still the best buy in public education.

Financial aid helps pay for tuition, textbooks, supplies, transportation and any other educational expenses that might get in your way and keep you from attending school. This Financial Aid Budget shows a typical cost of attending Gavilan College. Figures could change for extra expenses like child care, the purchase of a computer, or expenses related to a disability.

We offer many programs to assist you in achieving your educational and career goals. These programs can come in 4 different forms:

1. Scholarships - you do not have to repay.
2. Grants - you do not have to repay.
3. Work study - you earn the money through on-campus work.
4. Loans - you do have to repay.

Please contact the Financial Aid office at 848-4727 with any questions that you may have. We are here to help you!