Palomar College Opens Fall Semester With Increased Enrollment
SAN MARCOS, CA (August 29, 2024) — Despite nationwide obstacles from the Department of Education and the unprecedented FAFSA issues affecting financial aid processing, Palomar College announced their disbursement of federal and state financial aid disbursements will occur by September 6.
Although this represents a one-week delay from the usual Pell Grant processing timeline, the College is distributing over $1 million in emergency grants of $250 each to eligible students who have completed a financial aid application and demonstrated financial need. Additionally, Palomar College has processed and disbursed more than $290,000 in scholarships and provided over 2,600 Promise students with $250 bookstore vouchers.
Furthermore, Palomar College is supporting 6,752 students through the California College Promise Grant, which has waived a total of $3,299,327 in enrollment fees.
“I am incredibly grateful for our dedicated Financial Aid team who has worked diligently, to leverage multiple resources to ensure that all students receive the necessary assistance. Their relentless efforts are focused on providing the support our students need,” said Adrianne Garay – Lee, Director of Financial Aid, Veterans and Scholarships Services at Palomar College.
More than 19,750 students are enrolled for the fall semester at Palomar College. The class schedule offers hundreds of on-site and online courses, including those that provide the education and training needed in high demand fields of study.
“Twenty-six percent of our students enrolled this semester are new to Palomar and attending college for the first time. I am extremely proud of the approach we have taken to address the nationwide financial aid issues and to make sure our students can start their coursework without delays,” said Dr. Star Rivera-Lacey, Superintendent/President of Palomar College.
“The first week of the semester always has an elevated level of excitement. Throughout the last four academic terms we have been focused on increasing our engagement within the communities we serve to make certain Palomar College is the top choice for students of all ages and backgrounds,” continued Dr. Rivera-Lacey. “Everyone here has been hard at work preparing for this semester, and we are excited to serve our students and support them on their path to success.”
Palomar College, with a main campus in San Marcos and education centers in Escondido, Rancho Bernardo, and Fallbrook, offers comprehensive student services, including specific programs designed to engage students along their pathway to achieving a degree or certificate.
In addition to offering associate degrees and certificates in hundreds of subjects and high demand fields, Palomar College partners with dozens of high schools to offer college-level courses for free to high school students. The College also provides college credit in over 200 courses to students who have college-level skills and knowledge gained outside of the classroom.
Palomar College offers 16-week full semester courses and condensed courses that are eight and four weeks in length. Registration remains open and information can be found at Palomar.edu.