Where we foster excellence in education that challenges students of every background to develop their intellect, character, and abilities; to assist students in achieving their educational and career goals; and to be responsive to the greater community.
Most financial aid programs, like the Pell Grant, SEOG, Work-Study, and Cal Grants, are given out based on the classes that count toward your program of study.
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG), which covers class fees for eligible California residents, have different rules and are not affected the same way.
As a student, you can meet with counselors to help you talk about your school goals, both short-term and long-term. They can help you choose the best program for you at IVC and make a plan for which classes to take each term so you can finish your degree or certificate in the best and fastest way.
It’s very important that your program of study is officially listed in your student record. If you want to choose or change your program but haven’t done it yet, talk to a counselor right away to fill out the Major Change Request form. Don’t sign up for classes for your new major until you see the update in WebSTAR and DegreeWorks.You many only change your program once a semester, and you may only have one active program of study at a time.
Only classes that match your official program of study can count. Program of study changes cannot be applied to previous semesters.
Financial aid is given based on the idea that students will take a full load of eligible classes during the Fall and Winter/Spring terms. If you take fewer classes, your financial aid might be adjusted. But in most cases, you can still get financial aid even if you take less than a full schedule.
| Enrollment Status Types | |
| Full-Time | 12+ units |
| Three Quarter Time | 9 -11.5 |
| Half-Time | 6 - 8.5 |
| Less than Half-Time | .5 - 5.5 |
If your financial aid was lowered because you signed up for classes that don’t count
toward your program, talk to a counselor to go over your options.
If you have questions about financial aid, you can call 760-355-6266 or email contact.finaid@imperial.edu (make sure to include your Student ID Number in the email).
How will I know if a class doesn’t count toward my program of study? When does this happen?
IVC uses a tool called DegreeWorks to check if your classes are part of your program of study. This check happens before the semester starts. If you are in a class that doesn’t count, you’ll see it marked in DegreeWorks and get an email to your school account. The check happens again right before financial aid is given out, and one last time when your attendance is confirmed—this is called the "freeze date."
Important: Make sure your classes, program of study, and any changes are correct before the freeze date. If you're given aid after the freeze date, a later freeze date may apply.
How will I be told if a class doesn’t count?
You’ll get a message in your school email. You can also check DegreeWorks to see which classes count and which don’t.
What if a class is going to be substituted into my program?
Your counselor must approve and submit the change before the freeze date for the class to count for federal financial aid.
How do electives count?
If your program lists specific electives, only those will count unless your counselor submits a change. If there isn’t a list, any class can count as an elective if there’s still space in your program for more elective units (up to 60 total to graduate).
Do internships and required prep classes count?
Yes, if they are needed for your program. Prerequisite classes can count too if they are required before you take another class in your program. But you can only get financial aid for up to 30 units of these types of classes (including any remedial or prep courses from all colleges you've attended).
Do ESL (English as a Second Language) classes count?
Yes, if you are in an eligible program, ESL classes count for federal financial aid.
What if I want to change my major after the freeze date?
If you change your program after the freeze date, your current aid will not be taken back—even if your new program of study doesn’t include the classes you already took.
Can I change my program of study just to get aid for a class that doesn’t count now?
If a class doesn’t fit your current program of study, you might not be in the best program for your goals. Talk to a counselor first. Changing programs should be done carefully, because it can affect your future aid if you take too long to finish (the 150% rule). Always ask a counselor before switching.
What if there aren’t enough classes in my program for me to be full-time this term?
Only classes in your program of study count for federal financial aid. But even if you're not full-time for federal aid, you may still get state aid like CCPG, which pays your class fees. For example, if you only have 6 units left to graduate, just those 6 units will count for most aid in your final term.
What if I think a class should count, but DegreeWorks says it doesn’t?
Check to make sure your program of study is correct in DegreeWorks and that your catalog year is right. Then talk to a counselor for help fixing it.
If I take 17 units, but 3 of them don’t count, will I still get full financial aid?
Yes, if at least 12 units count toward your major, you are still considered full-time and can receive your full federal aid eligibility for awards like the Pell Grant.
What should I do if some of my classes don’t count toward my program of study?
Your federal financial aid might be reduced. You have two options:
What if none of my classes count toward my program of study, but I still want to take them?
You won’t get federal aid, but you might still get state aid like CCPG to help pay for your classes. If you don’t qualify, you can use a Payment Plan to make college more affordable. If you want aid later, be sure to keep your GPA and class completion rate up, or you might lose your aid in the future.