Packaging Policies

Financial aid packages are created for students throughout the academic year. Applicants who complete their financial aid files by College priority deadlines will receive maximum consideration in the distribution of funding resources according to funding criteria. Eligible applicants completing a file after the priority deadline will be packaged with Federal Pell Grant, Federal Work Study (dependent on availability of funds), and loans. Bakersfield College employs an up-front policy of grants first, work study second, and loans last.

Guidelines for Awarding Financial Aid:

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is determined as a result of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
The Federal Pell Grant is the foundation of the financial aid package and eligibility is based on the Student Aid Index (SAI).
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is awarded according to federal guidelines. Federal Pell Grant recipients with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI) have first priority for FSEOG funding. The minimum FSEOG award is $400.
Award packages are created based on expected full-time enrollment. Grants are disbursed on a prorated basis based on enrollment./li>
The College reserves the right to issue adjusted award letters when errors occur in calculating awards.
Students must log on to MyBanWeb to view their financial aid awards.

In addition:

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) will be automatically accepted.
To accept Federal Work Study (FWS), students must meet with the On-Campus Job Placement Coordinator.
Students must attend a loan workshop to accept their Direct Loans.

NOTE:Bakersfield College has a large applicant pool and limited funding allocations. Not all students meeting the priority deadline are awarded funds from all programs..

Student Aid Index

Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is a formula-based index number ranging from –1500 to 999999. Where your SAI falls within the SAI range helps your school determine how much financial support you may need. Your SAI is an index number used by financial aid professionals when creating an aid offer. Your SAI is calculated using information that you (and other contributors, if required) provide on the FAFSA form.