Understanding the Recalculation Date and Its Impact on Your Financial Aid

The Recalculation Date, also known as the census date or freeze date, is a critical point in the semester for students receiving financial aid, specifically Federal Pell Grants and Cal Grants. On this date, the Financial Aid Office evaluates your eligibility based on your current enrollment status, which can have significant implications for your financial aid awards.

• Fall 2024: September 3, 2024, at 12:00 pm
• Spring 2025: February 3, 2025, at 12:00 pm

Key Points to Remember

• Evaluation of Enrollment Status: The Financial Aid Office will check your enrollment status on the Recalculation Date. If your actual enrollment status does not match the status used to calculate your Pell Grant or Cal Grant, your award will be adjusted accordingly.
• Possible Adjustments to Awards: The award amounts displayed in your MyVcccd portal are not final until after the Recalculation Date. Any changes in your enrollment, such as dropping or adding classes, can result in an increase or decrease in your financial aid.
• Financial Responsibility: If you have dropped units since the start of the semester, you may have to return a portion of the grant money received. This is because your grant was initially calculated based on a higher enrollment status.
• Consequences of Overpayment: Failing to repay any overpayment of financial aid can have serious consequences. It can jeopardize your eligibility for future financial aid, making it crucial to monitor your enrollment status and ensure it aligns with the financial aid you have been awarded.

Finality of Financial Aid Awards After the Recalculation Date

It's crucial to be aware that no revisions will be made to your financial aid awards after the Recalculation Date. This means your financial aid will be locked in and will not change, regardless of any future adjustments to your enrollment status. Your financial aid award will increase or decrease based on your enrollment status as of the following dates:

• Fall 2024: September 3, 2024, at 12:00 pm
• Spring 2025: February 3, 2025, at 12:00 pm

What This Means for You

• Finalized Awards: After these dates, your financial aid awards are final. Any changes in your enrollment status—such as adding or dropping classes after these dates—will not result in an adjustment to your financial aid.
• No Additional Grants for Late Enrollment: Any classes you add after the Recalculation Date will not be counted towards your Federal and State grant eligibility, even if those classes start later in the semester. This means that your grant amounts will be based solely on the number of units you're enrolled in as of the Recalculation Date.
• Plan Accordingly: Ensure that your enrollment status accurately reflects your academic plans by these deadlines. If you anticipate needing to adjust your schedule, it's critical to do so before the Recalculation Date to ensure your financial aid reflects your true enrollment.

Recommendations for Students

• Regularly Check Your Enrollment Status: Stay informed about your current enrollment and how it impacts your financial aid.
• Avoid Late Additions: Try to finalize your course schedule before the Recalculation Date to ensure that all your classes count towards your financial aid eligibility.
• Be Cautious with Dropping or Withdrawing: Before dropping or withdrawing from any classes, consult with the Financial Aid Office to understand how it will affect your financial aid and whether you might have to repay any funds.
• Maintain Required Enrollment Levels: Ensure you stay enrolled in enough credits, especially if you are relying on loans or state grants that require a minimum number of credits.
• Understand the Recalculation Date: Mark this date on your calendar and make sure your enrollment status is accurate before it arrives.
• Consult with the Financial Aid Office: If you're unsure how changes in your enrollment might affect your financial aid, contact the Financial Aid Office for guidance.

By understanding the significance of the Recalculation Date, you can avoid unexpected financial obligations and ensure that your financial aid accurately reflects your academic enrollment.

Fall 2024:

• 1st Disbursement: August 13, 2024, and weekly thereafter on Fridays.
• 2nd Disbursement: September 06, 2024,**

Note: First-time borrowers of loans will have a 30-day delay for disbursements

**Second disbursement of Fall Only Loan depends on the date the loan was processed

Spring 2025:

•  1st Disbursement: January 14, 2025, and weekly thereafter on Fridays
•  2nd Disbursement:  February 7, 2024,**

Note: First-time borrowers of loans will have a 30-day delay for disbursements,

**Second disbursement of Spring Only Loan depends on the date the loan was processed

Summer 2025:   Disbursement: TBD

Note: There is only one disbursement during the summer semester.

**Please note that disbursements dates are tentative and can be subject to change.**

You will receive your refund 7 to 21 days after the payment appears on your MyVCCCD portal account, depending on the payment method you chose and the date your classes begin. The date noted on your MyVCCCD portal is an internal processing date ONLY. Please be aware this is NOT the disbursement date for your funds. Your payment schedule reflects a full-time enrollment assumption. If you are not enrolled full-time, the amount you will receive will be less and prorated based on your actual enrollment.

Fall 2024:

• December 6

Spring 2025:

• May 16

Summer 2024:

• July 25

Fall 2024:

• November 22

Spring 2025:

• April 25

Summer 2025:

• July 18

You may complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA anytime throughout the academic year. The 2024-25 FAFSA requires 2022 income information. The deadline is June 30.

The 2025-26 FAFSA will be available beginning Dec. 1. The 2024-25 FAFSA requires 2023 income information. FAFSA deadline to be considered for the Cal Grant is March 2. For assistance in completing the FAFSA, please visit the Workshops section. If you are a dependent student, please bring a parent with you to complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application.

We will guarantee a 2024-2025 award package before school begins if you complete all your outstanding financial aid requirements by May 28

If you complete the 2024-2025 financial aid process by May 28:

• You will not have to wait in long lines at the financial aid office before Fall 2024 begins August 13
• You will increase your chances of receiving more aid. Some grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, such as Federal Work-Study.
• You will be provided with an award package for 2024-2025 by July 1
• If eligible, you will receive aid during the first week of school.