You Can Afford Merritt College
Unlock Financial Aid for College Expenses
Don’t let finances get in the way of your dreams. Get help covering college costs like tuition, books, and even rent with a variety of financial aid options designed to support your educational and career aspirations. Explore the possibilities and find the financial resources you need to succeed.
Financial Assistance That DOES NOT Require Repayment
When you submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), you are automatically considered for federal and state grants. U.S. citizens complete the FAFSA, while undocumented students need to submit the CADAA.
California – State Aid Programs:
Federal Aid Programs:
Scholarships Provide Funds That You DO NOT Need To Repay
Scholarships can be found in a variety of places outside of the college. Try these:
- Oakland Promise College Scholarship: Financial assistance for Oakland public school graduates who attend Merritt College or other higher education institutions.
- East Bay College Fund – Great Expectations Scholarships: Scholarships for students from Oakland public schools, including those planning to attend Merritt College.
- Rotary Club of Oakland Scholarships: Scholarships for Oakland high school graduates pursuing higher education.
- East Bay Consortium/Cal-SOAP Scholarships: Scholarships aimed at increasing the number of students from low-income families who attend college.
- Scholarships that don’t require US Citizenship
- Get more ideas from Studentaid.gov
Be cautious when searching for scholarships to ensure your information is protected. Remember, you should never have to pay to find or apply for scholarships or financial aid. Learn more about identifying potential scams.
Assistance That You Earn & DOES NOT Need To Be Repaid
The Federal Work-study Program provides jobs for students with financial needs, allowing them to earn money to help pay educational expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study.
Financial Assistance That DOES Require Repayment
Federal Loans
Federal loans are low–interest loans originated through the Department of Education for students to help pay for the cost of a student’s education after high school. Accepting a loan means accepting responsibility for a long-term financial obligation for repaying the money borrowed, including interest costs and fees. Before you request a loan, make sure you find out the true costs, interest rates, and how long it will take to repay the loan. Go to Peralta’s Student Loans page to get answers to questions regarding federal direct student loans.
Other Programs
There are a number of other support programs that can assist with financing your education and other expenses. Visit the individual websites for more information and apply!
CalFresh
The CalFresh Program, federally known as the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), issues monthly electronic benefits that can be used to buy most foods at many markets and food stores. The CalFresh Program helps to improve the health and well-being of qualified households and individuals by providing them a means to meet their nutritional needs.
Extended Opportunities and Services (EOPS)
EOPS is a state-funded program that serves students from low-income, educationally disadvantaged backgrounds. A FAFSA or Dream Act is required to be eligible. In addition to academic, career, and personal counseling services, students are also provided the following financial resources:
- Book Assistance
- Vocational Supply Grants
- End-of-Year Grants for all eligible students
- Free Graduation Caps and Gowns
- Financial Aid Liaison
Cooperative Agencies and Resources for Education (CARE)
CARE is a state program, which provides financial aid as well as counseling services. The program is specifically designed for students who are single parents, with a need for child care, transportation and/or books and supplies. The grants range from $100 – $600 per academic year and do not need to be repaid. A FAFSA or Dream Act is required to be eligible.
- Book Vouchers: As funding permits and when not granted through the county
- Bus Passes or Gas Card: As funding permits, must meet qualifications
- School Supplies: As funding permits
- Meal Vouchers: Must have financial need
- Child Care Grants: As funding permits, must be in good financial aid standing
- Caps & Gowns: FREE cap & gown for CARE graduates
CalWORKs
CalWORKs services include, but are not limited to work-study opportunities, academic and personal counseling, as well as a cooperative partnership with the Department of Social Services. They provide students with the following financial resources:
- Book Assistance: As funding permits, when not granted through the county
- Bus Passes and/or Gas Card: As funding permits; must meet qualifications
- Work Study Programs: Job referrals on and off campus
NextUp
Watch videos and read stories about real community college students, current and former foster youth, who received help through NextUp.
The NextUp program offers eligible current and former foster youth support and services that could include:
- Help with books and supplies
- Transportation
- Tutoring
- Food
- Emergency Housing