Financial aid is awarded on the basis of financial need, except for some student loan programs. When you apply for federal student aid, the information you report is calculated using a formula established by Congress. The formula determines your Student Aid Index (SAI), an amount you and your family are expected to contribute toward your education (although this amount may not exactly match the amount you and your family end up contributing). If your SAI is below a certain amount, you may be eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, assuming you meet all other eligibility requirements.
There is not a maximum SAI that defines eligibility for the other financial aid programs. Instead, your SAI is used in the following equation to determine your financial need:
| Cost of Attendance (COA) - Studnet Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need |
We calculate your cost of attendance and subtract the amount you and your family is expected to contribute toward that cost. If there is anything left over, you are considered to have financial need. A financial aid package is put together for you that comes as close as possible to meeting your financial need. However, because funding is limited, the amount awarded to you may fall short of the amount of which you are eligible. Also, in determining your need for aid we must first consider other educational resources you are expected to receive during the school year.
California Residents pay the following fees:
- Enrollment Fee $46 per unit
- Health Fee $27 per semester (Fall and Spring)
- Health Fee $22 per semester (Summer)
- Student Representation Fee $2 per semester
- Student Center Fee $1 per unit, not to exceed $10 per academic year
- Student Activities Fee (optional) $5 per semester
Above enrollment fees are based on a 14 unit average per semester.
Out-of-State residents pay a tuition fee of $397.00 per credit unit as well as the in-state Enrollment Fee of $46 per unit and the Non-California Resident Capital Outlay Fee of $15.00 per unit.
ADDITIONAL EXPENSES – Specialized programs may incur additional expenses.
Ventura County Community College District
| 2025-2026 Student College Budget (9 months) - California Residents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Budget Components* | With Parents, Without Dependents | All Others |
| Tuition and Fees (Full-Time) | $1,356 | $1,356 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment costs | $1,089 | $1,089 |
| Transportation Expenses | $2,094 | $2,291 |
| Living Expenses | $12,770 | $32,174 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Costs | $4,140 | $5,067 |
| Total | $21,449 | $41,977 |
*Budgeted expenses are estimated for the purpose of calculating financial aid – actual costs may vary by individual.
* If you're in a Bachelor's Degree program, you will pay about $2,352 more per semester for upper-division classes (based on 14 units per semester).
| 2025-2026 Student College Budget (9 months) - non-California Residents | ||
|---|---|---|
| Budget Components* | With Parents, Without Dependents | All Others |
| Tuition and Fees (Full-Time) | $1,356 | $1,356 |
| Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment costs | $1,089 | $1,089 |
| Transportation Expenses | $2,094 | $2,291 |
| Living Expenses | $12,770 | $32,174 |
| Non-Resident and Capital Outlay Fees (Full-time) | $11,536 | $11,536 |
| Miscellaneous Personal Costs | $4,140 | $5,067 |
| Total | $32,985 | $53,513 |
Important Information:
- Bachelor’s Degree Program Fees: If you are enrolled in a Bachelor's Degree program, you will incur an additional cost of $2,352 per semester for Upper-Division Units, based on 14 units per semester.