Eligibility for Enrollment: 

Students seeking admission to Palomar College must meet at least one of the following criteria: 

• Possess a high school diploma from an accredited or recognized institution. 
• Hold a General Educational Development (GED) certificate. 
• Have a recognized state or local equivalent of a high school diploma. 
• Be 18 years or older and demonstrate the ability to benefit from the instruction offered. 

Verification Procedures: 

To ensure enrollment integrity and compliance with district and financial aid standards, Palomar College verifies high school completion using the following procedures: 

1. Documentation Review: 

• Students may be asked to provide official high school transcripts or other records showing the completion of secondary education. 
• If there is reason to question the diploma’s validity, additional documentation may be requested, such as: 
  •                   A description of coursework or graduation requirements. 
  •                   A signed statement from a school official confirming the academic standards of the issuing institution. 

2. State or Tribal Oversight Confirmation: 

• If the high school is regulated by a state, Tribal, or local education authority, Palomar College may seek verification or documentation from that authority confirming the school’s recognition or standing. 

3. Internal Reference Lists: 

• Palomar College may maintain or consult internal records regarding schools previously determined to issue non-recognized diplomas or require minimal academic instruction. These references guide decisions about diploma acceptability. 

Criteria for Invalid Diplomas: 

A diploma may be considered invalid if: 

• It was issued by a school that is not recognized or does not meet the education standards of the appropriate state or local agency. 
• It was obtained from a source requiring little or no academic coursework or instruction. 
• The issuing entity is known to operate primarily for the purpose of providing diplomas without proper academic rigor. 

FAFSA and Financial Aid Considerations: 

Students applying for financial aid must report their high school information on the FAFSA, including the name, city, and state. While the FAFSA provides a list of schools, inclusion or exclusion from that list does not guarantee the validity of a diploma. 

Resolving Conflicting Information: 

If discrepancies arise between a student’s FAFSA responses and other records, Palomar College is required to resolve the conflict before awarding financial aid. Self-certification alone is not sufficient if the diploma is in question. 

District Authority: 

Palomar College reserves the right to determine the acceptability of a high school diploma or equivalency based on established district procedures. Final decisions regarding eligibility for enrollment and financial aid rest with the college.