OVERVIEW:
Being a California resident is not a requirement to apply for Financial Aid. However, it’s important to understand that residency classification, as determined by the Admissions Office, and physical presence does have an impact on how financial aid is awarded for eligible students.
PHYSICAL PRESENCE
ALL students (regardless of residency classification) must be physically present in the state of California to be eligible for federal financial aid. If you are NOT physically residing in the state of California, you will NOT be able to participate in the financial aid programs offered at Palomar College.
See comparison chart below to see how Physical Presence impacts your Financial Aid and Admissions to Palomar College:
The list of Approved states are located at the bottom of our Consumer Information website and it’s updated regularly. If you ARE physically residing in the state of California but have an out of state address, you will need to update your address through your MyPalomar account. You may also be required to submit verification of physical presence, proving that you reside in California. We encourage you to monitor your Palomar Student email and your “To-Do List” through your MyPalomar account for updates.
NON-RESIDENT STUDENTS
If you have been classified as a non-resident student and are currently residing in California, please be aware that additional fees associated with your non-resident status will apply. For detailed information about these fees, please refer to our Tuition and Fee schedule available on our website.
While non-resident students are ineligible for state-specific financial aid programs like Cal Grant aid and the California College Promise Grant, they can still apply for federal financial aid. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows non-resident students to be considered for various federal aid programs, including federal grants, loans, and work-study opportunities.
We encourage all non-resident students to take advantage of this opportunity and submit the FAFSA application promptly. It’s an essential step in accessing potential federal aid resources. Click here for steps on how to apply for financial aid.
NON-RESIDENT TUITION DEFEREMENT
If you have completed a FAFSA application, you may have the option to submit a Nonresident Tuition Deferment Form. This means that if you have applied for financial aid and are awaiting awarding and disbursement, you may be able to defer the payment of nonresident tuition until your aid is received.
To request a Non-Resident Tuition Deferment: Send an email the Financial Aid Office at finaid@palomar.edu from your Palomar Student email address, or come into the San Marcos Financial Aid Office to initiate this process. You must have a valid FAFSA application on file and you must have completed all tasks on your “To-Do List” through your MyPalomar account.
FOLLOW UP:
Check your MyPalomar account for updates.
Financial Aid Questions: finaid@palomar.edu / 760-744-1150 Ext. 2366
FAQ
Reclassification to resident status must be requested by the student. Documentation must be presented in person or via email to the Admissions Office. Non-resident tuition fees can be refunded to a student who presents sufficient proof of residency before the end of the semester.
Please refer to the Steps to Update Residency information page for detailed information on how to get your residency reclassified.
See our Tuition and Fee schedule for more information.
Yes, submitting a Tuition Deferment Request form can prevent you from being dropped from your classes. By submitting this form, you demonstrate your commitment to paying your tuition and provide assurance to the college that you are actively seeking financial aid.
Please note that the Tuition Deferment Request form does not guarantee financial aid or payment eligibility; it is a temporary measure to protect your class registration while you work towards securing the necessary funds.
Being a non-resident student does not automatically disqualify you from federal financial aid. However, residency status will impact eligibility for certain state-specific and institution programs (e.g., Cal Grant, California College Promise Grant, Palomar Promise).
Federal Pell Grant: A need-based federal grant program. The Pell Grant is awarded based on financial need and other factors outlined by the U.S. Department of Education as long as they are physically present in California.
Federal Direct Student Loans: Non-resident students can apply for student loans, including federal loans such as Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans as long as they are physically present in California.. Please visit our Federal Student Loan information page for more information.
Federal Work Study: Non-resident students can typically apply for federal work study. This program provides part-time employment opportunities on campus, allowing students to earn money to help cover educational expenses as long as they are physically present in California.. Please visit our Federal Work Study information page for more information.
Please note: A FAFSA application must be completed, and ALL other required documentation requested from the Financial Aid Office must be submitted before any federal aid is determined.
The annual application period is Open from January-March Each Year and all students can apply regardless of residency status. We also have external scholarships listed on our website that may be open to non-resident students. Please visit our Outside Scholarship information page for more information.
Step 1: Address Change
Update your current address in MyPalomar. You may do so under “Personal Information” located on the Student Center tab of your MyPalomar account.
Step 2: Verification of Physical Presence Form
*To be completed ONLY if you are seeking Financial Aid
Submit the Verification of Physical Presence Form along with supporting documentation dated within the last 60 days proving that you physically reside in California. Documentation may be submitted in person or via email: finaid@palomar.edu.
Yes, you can! You must reside either in California, or in one of the approved states listed on our Consumer Information website. States are added to this list as they are approved. Please visit the Consumer Information page and scroll to the bottom to see the list.
If your current home and/or mailing address is located out of the state of California, an “Out of State Address” hold will be placed on your account and will prevent you from enrolling in courses at Palomar College. It is important to verify the approved states list to ensure that you are eligible to pursue your education at Palomar College. The list is located at the bottom of our Consumer Information page and is updated regularly.
Step 1: Address Change
Confirm and update your current address in MyPalomar (if needed). You may do so under “Personal Information” located on the Student Center tab of your MyPalomar account.
Step 2: Out-of-State Address Hold Clearance Form
Submit the Out-of-State Address Hold Clearance Form along with supporting documentation dated within the last 60 days from the state in which you are residing. Documentation may be submitted in person or via email: admissions@palomar.edu.
No. If you are classified as a non-resident you will need to refer to the Steps to Update Residency information page for detailed information on how to get your residency reclassified.