MiraCosta College Continues to Celebrate Financial Aid Awareness

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month and MiraCosta College continues to celebrate by raising awareness. March 2 is the priority filing date for FAFSA and CADAA. Contact MiraCosta College Financial Aid office for assistance and more information at 760.795.6711 or mccfinaid@miracosta.edu.

Some of our family members, friends, and colleagues, who immigrated to the United States seeking freedom and new opportunities, may be concerned about the new federal regulations regarding “public charge” rules.

Any federal, state, or local education benefits received, such as Pell grants or other forms of student financial aid, is NOT considered as part of a “public charge” determination. This is based on a legal advisory from the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office.

While the district is unable to provide legal advice, eligible students may still apply for financial aid and other forms of educational assistance without penalty. In addition, through the Undocumented People Rise in Solidarity and Empowerment (UPRISE) grant, free services are available to students and their loved ones, including legal consultations, emergency safety planning for immigrants, family nights, peer networking events, mental health counseling, academic and career counseling, entrepreneurship training, civic engagement and advocacy training, and a textbook loan program. For more information, contact Cindy Oropeza at coropeza@miracosta.edu or 760.284.1276 x6203.

MiraCosta College is dedicated to providing high-quality education to the community and reiterates its continued support for current and future students.

About MiraCosta College

The MiraCosta Community College District has served the coastal North San Diego County area for over 80 years. More than 21,000 credit students per semester in over 70 disciplines enroll in associate degrees, university transfer and workforce readiness certificate programs. The college also serves a wide spectrum of educational needs in the region ranging from programs for adult education, basic skills, and ESL to a California Community College pilot program offering the nation’s first baccalaureate degree in biomanufacturing. MiraCosta College is accredited by the Accrediting Commission for Community and Junior Colleges (ACCJC) and the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC).