By Sara Ballenger

Foothill College students will feel the effects of the state budget crisis when they go to back to school Sept. 22.

With the approval of the state’s budget in August also came a 64 percent increase in student enrollment fees for the state’s community college system, which for Foothill students translates to $18 per semester unit, up from $12.

“Financial aid is available and the state did make some additional dollars available for students,” said Kurt Hueg, director of the Foothill College Marketing Department. Foothill offers the following financial aid:

State Financial Aid

Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver: State law requires that students attending California Community Colleges pay an enrollment fee. The California Community Colleges Board of Governors Fee Waiver waives the enrollment fees for all eligible California residents.

CAL Grants:

Entitlement Award: Every graduating high school senior who has a grade point average of at least 3.0, meets the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements and applies by March 2 within one year of graduation is guaranteed this award.

Cal Grant B: Is for students from disadvantaged or low-income families who otherwise would not be able to pursue higher education.

Entitlement Award: Every graduating high school senior who has a grade point average of at least 2.0, meets the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements and applies by March 2 within one year of graduation is guaranteed this award.

California Community College Transfer Entitlement Award: Is either a Cal Grant A or B. High school seniors who graduate after June 30, 2000, attend a California community college and then transfer to a qualifying baccalaureate degree-granting college may be eligible for this award.

Cal Grant C: Helps vocationally oriented students acquire marketable job skills within a short time.

Cal Grant T: Helps cover one year of tuition and fees at a program of professional teaching preparation in California in exchange for teaching service.

Federal Financial Aid

Pell Grant 10

This program provides financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students based on need. Awards range from $400 to $3,619 and provide assistance to resident and non-resident students.

Federal Supplemental

This program is designed for undergraduate students with exceptional financial need who without the grant would be unable to continue their education.

Educational

Opportunity Grant

This program is designed for undergraduate students of exceptional financial need who without the grant would be unable to continue their education.

Federal Work Study

The Federal Work-Study Program provides jobs for students who have financial need and want to earn some money toward education through employment.

Federal Stafford

Student Loans

The Federal Stafford Student Loan Program consists of low-interest loans made to students by a lender such as a bank, credit union or savings and loan association.

Federal Plus Loans

Parents who have good credit may borrow on behalf of a dependent child who is an undergraduate student.

Federal Perkins Loans

Administered through Foothill College, the Federal Perkins Loan Program assists students in paying their educational expenses. Borrowers must complete entrance counseling prior to receiving the loan. Priority is given to students who demonstrate the greatest need.

Hope Scholarship

The Hope Scholarship in amounts up to $1,500 is offered to make the first two years of college accessible to all students. For more information about financial aid at Foothill, logon to www.foothill.edu/reg/faguide.html, or call 949-7246.