Financial Aid

Empire College cares about our students. We understand that not everyone can easily pay for college. This is why we accept many forms of financial aid and assistance to help you in achieving your dreams.

Federal and state financial aid programs are administered by Empire College School of Business to all students determined to be eligible and who maintain satisfactory progress. Eligibility for all financial aid programs is based upon a "Need Analysis" and/or prior academic performance.

Federal Pell Grant (awards up to $5,350): Considered the "ground floor" program of all need-based financial aid, this program provides grant money that requires no repayment after graduation.

Cal Grant A: This grant assists with tuition and fees. Your course of study must be for at least two academic years.

Cal Grant B: The Cal Grant B program provides a living allowance and tuition and fee assistance.

Cal Grant A and B Entitlement: Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the basic requirements and applies by the deadline will receive a Cal Grant A or B Entitlement award.

Cal Grant C: Cal Grant C awards may be used to pay for tuition and training costs. Funding is available for up to two years. To qualify, your course of study must be at least four months long.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) (awards up to $500): This federally funded program is designed to assist economically deprived students attain higher education. The program differs from the Pell Grant and the Cal Grant programs in that the College determines eligibility. Grants are based on financial need and do not require repayment.

A student may borrow under the Federal Stafford Loan Program OR the Federal Direct Loan Program.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan (loans up to $3,500 for first-year undergraduate students): Available at relatively low interest rates through banks, savings and loans, and credit unions, these loans are guaranteed by EdFund.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan (loans up to $6,000 for first-year undergraduate students): The Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan is similar to the above. However, this loan is not based on financial need. A student may borrow under both the Federal Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loan program, but the total may not exceed Stafford Loan limits.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program: Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans are the same as Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, except the lender is the U.S. Department of Education rather than a bank. Direct Loans have the same loan limits as the Federal Stafford Loan Program.

Federal Perkins Loan Program (loans up to $4,000): The federal government provides funds to be apportioned by the College for low-interest student loans. Eligibility and amounts of the loans are determined by the College. Qualification for this program is based on need. Repayment commences nine months after graduation or withdrawal from the College program.

Federal Parent Loans for Students (PLUS) (loans up to the cost of education less any other financial aid): These loans enable parents to borrow on behalf of dependent undergraduates. Repayment commences as early as 60 days after the loans are made.

College Work-Study: The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to each student's course of study.

• The State Department of Rehabilitation
• Private Rehabilitation Agencies
• The United States Bureau of Indian Affairs
• The California Indian Manpower Corporation
• The Workforce Investment Board, which administers Sonoma County Job Link

Empire College's programs are approved for the training of veterans and eligible persons.

Choosing a lender is an important decision - one that will affect you for the life of your loan. Empire College works with a variety of lenders committed to providing quality service to their borrowers and offering repayment incentives to help you manage your loan debt. Contact the Financial Aid Office at 707-546-4000 for lender information.

Contact us for more information