Tuition & Financing Federal Grants & Loans

FEDERAL GRANTS & LOANS

Availability:

* Federal Grants & Loans are only available at California Institute of Applied Technology in California

  • California Institution
  • New Mexico Institution

Applying for FAFSA - Grants & Loans

Federal and private student loans use different eligibility criteria. Federal student loans, offered by the government, are based on your financial and family situation, as provided in your FAFSA.

  • For Subsidized Loans, the US Department of Education pays the interest while the student is in school at least half time, grace (if offered) and authorized deferment periods.
  • For Unsubsidized Loans, the borrower is responsible for paying interest during the in-school or grace periods, or a post-school deferment.
  • For Pell Grant: A Pell Grant is money the government provides for students who need to pay for college. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. Eligible students receive a specified amount each year.

At CIAT, we’re here to help you apply for scholarships, federal aid, and private loans to ensure you get the most out of your financial aid package.

Enrollment Deadline: September 13th, 2025
Step One

Complete your CIAT application

Complete the CIAT online application to take your first step to gaining entry approval into CIAT’s Degree or Certificate programs.

Apply Online
Step Two

Apply for FAFSA

In order to establish your eligibility for financial assistance, you must first complete the initial Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). When you’re filling out the form, use our CIAT school code 042598 and have additional financial documents, such as your tax returns and pay stubs, ready.

Apply Online
Step Three

Processing

When you submit your FAFSA, the US Department of Education generates a Student Aid Report (SAR) that calculates your financial need and determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). CIAT will receive a copy of your application and begin processing how much financial aid (grants and loans) we can award you.

Step Four

Award

Last, but not least: your financial award. Once we determine you qualify for financial assistance, you must review and sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN), a legal document in which you promise to repay your loans, with interest and fees, to the US Department of Education. Please read it carefully!

Federal Grants and Loans FAQs

CIAT students have access to a variety of federal aid options, including:

  • Pell Grants:

    Need-based grants that provide up to $6,895 per year and don't need to be repaid.

  • Federal Direct Subsidized Loans:

    Need-based loans where the government pays the interest while you're in school.

  • Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans:

    Loans where you're responsible for the interest, even while in school.

  • Federal PLUS Loans:

    Loans available to graduate students or parents of dependent undergraduate students.

The first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov. Use CIAT's school code 042598 when filling it out. The FAFSA collects information about your (and your family's, if applicable) financial situation to determine your eligibility.

The FAFSA requires you to provide details about your income, assets, household size, and other financial information. Our financial aid experts can guide you through the process to ensure the application is filled out accurately and efficiently.

The amount of aid you qualify for depends on your financial need, dependency status, and program costs. Pell Grants generally can provide up to $6,895 per year, while federal student loans have annual and aggregate limits. We'll work with you to put together the best possible aid package.

FAFSA applications can be completed year-round, but it's recommended to submit them at least 2 weeks before the start of your first class to avoid any delays in tuition payments. The FAFSA for the upcoming academic year is released each October 1st.

Absolutely. Cal Grants are available to California residents attending qualifying colleges and universities, including CIAT. The Cal Grant application deadline is March 2nd each year when you renew your FAFSA.

Have more questions? Reach out today and admissions advisor will answer any other questions you have!

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Earn up to $15K in Scholarships!

Take the first step to receive a personalized financial plan that complements your education and career goals. Get instant access to complete program details including tuition rates, career paths, and more. Your personal Admissions Advisor will connect with you to help you through the process.

$15K in Scholarships
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California Institution

401 Mile of Cars Way #100, National City, CA 91950

New Mexico Institution

1717 Louisiana Blvd., NE., Suite 208 Albuquerque, NM, 87110

California Institute of Applied Technology participates in the State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements.

Phone

(877) 559-3621

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California Institute of Applied Technology has shared ownership and management of two distinct institutions. California Institute of Applied Technology located in California, and California Institute of Applied Technology located in New Mexico.

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill. CIAT is approved to offer VA benefits. *Financial aid is available for those who qualify. *Students are encouraged to take certification exams while actively enrolled in their Certificate or Degree program. Unlimited certification exam attempts expire 180 days after graduation. Select exams are not eligible for unlimited retakes - see certification exam policy for details. Certifications or courses may change to address industry trends or improve quality