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Financial Aid, Scholarships and Grants

Students applying for financial aid at Cochise College must be admitted into an eligible degree or certificate program of study and must meet any other eligibility requirements for each program. 

Official academic transcripts are required of all transfer students. Transcripts are evaluated and restricted enrollment enforced when applicable. Students who have not met the college's academic standards (2.0 GPA and completion of 67 percent of credits attempted) at the prior institution(s) will be evaluated with the same probation and suspension standards currently in place for Cochise College students. Students who consistently have received W and F grades may be required to complete a progress appeal.

Cochise College provides access to federal, state, and institutional financial aid through the Financial Aid Office. A number of institutional and private scholarship applications are also available. Financial aid may be awarded based on financial need, academic merit, athletic ability, or community service. The application process for most of the programs begins with completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students complete the FAFSA online at www.FAFSA.gov. To assist in completing the online application, a FAFSA worksheet is available online or from the Financial Aid Office. Priority consideration for some grants is given to applications received in the Financial Aid Office by May 31.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are need-based financial aid awards provided by the U.S. Department of Education to undergraduate students to help cover the cost of college. Unlike loans, Pell Grants do not need to be repaid, except in cases of overpayment or withdrawal from school under certain conditions. Eligibility is determined by the student's financial need, calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can receive Pell Grants for up to 12 semesters or the equivalent, typically covering six years of study. The program aims to make college accessible for students who might otherwise be unable to afford it.

Federal Direct Loans (Stafford Loans)

Low-interest student loans are available to help meet educational expenses. The loans must be repaid. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of six credit hours during a term (including eight-week terms) to be eligible. Loans can also be obtained by students who do not demonstrate a need. A student must complete loan entrance counseling, the master promissory note, and a direct loan request form before a student loan can be certified.

Work-Study Program

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based financial aid program funded by the U.S. Department of Education that provides part-time employment (work up to 16 hours a week) opportunities to eligible undergraduate to help them earn money to pay for college expenses. Students work on-campus or off-campus, often in community service roles or jobs.
 

Veterans Affairs

The Veterans Affairs Office is located within the Financial Aid Office on the Sierra Vista Campus. Information concerning attendance, benefits, and procedures is available. All veterans are advised to maintain close contact with the college’s certifying official.

Veterans receiving VA benefits are required to immediately report to the college’s certifying official when they add a course, drop a course or withdraw from college. Dropping or reducing enrollment may result in an overpayment of benefits by the VA and veterans may be required to repay all the money received during that term.

Veterans at Cochise College may register and have their classes put on hold to allow for payment to be made by the VA or the veteran. When a veteran enrolls they must notify the VA Office, by submitting a Semester Benefit Request form, the day they enroll or they may be dropped for non-payment of tuition. Veterans are responsible for payment of all tuition and fees, regardless of approval or denial of VA benefit payments, unless VA pays tuition and fees directly to the school.

Yellow Ribbon Benefits

What are Yellow Ribbon Benefits?                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                              The Yellow Ribbon Program at Cochise College provides funding for eligible students. The college will contribute a portion toward your tuition and fees for qualified students. The US Department of Veterans Affairs will match this contribution, helping to ease your financial burden. For the academic year 2025 – 2026, the maximum Yellow Ribbon funding is $972 per student, per year. This applies to undergraduate students and is limited to 50 students.

Eligibility for Yellow Ribbon Benefits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                          To qualify for the Yellow Ribbon Post 911 Program, you must meet the following criteria:                                                                                                                                                                           

  • You must qualify for the Post 911 Chapter 33 at the 100% level.
  • Additionally, at least one of these conditions must apply:
  • You served at least 36 months on active duty (with or without breaks in service) and were honorably discharged.
  • You received a Purple Heart on or after September 11, 2001, and were honorably discharged.
  • You served at least 30 continuous days on or after September 11, 2001, and were discharged due to a service connected disability.
  • You are an active duty service member who has served at least 36 months on active duty.
  • You are a spouse using transferred benefits from an active duty service member who served at least 36 months.
  • You are a dependent child using benefits transferred by a veteran.
  • You receive the Fry Scholarship

If you meet these requirements, you are eligible to apply for the Yellow Ribbon Program.

How to Apply for Yellow Ribbon Benefits                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                The process begins with when you apply for Post 911 Chapter 33 educational benefits. Once approved, you will receive a Certificate of Eligibility (COE). This document confirms your entitlement to benefits. After you receive the COE, bring it to the School Certifying Official. They will help you begin your Yellow Ribbon Program application.

How the Program Works                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      Cochise College Yellow Ribbon Program operates on a first come, first served basis. After you submit your COE, Cochise College will assess your tuition and fees. They will subtract any other financial assistance you have received, such as Post 911 tuition payments or scholarships.

Scholarships

Scholarships are offered by the Cochise College Foundation each year. These scholarships are funded by private donors. Financial need, grade point average, field of study, leadership and community service may be some of the eligibility requirements. Applications are accepted early in the spring semester for scholarships to be awarded for the following academic year. Notices of other scholarships are publicized periodically. The Cochise College Scholarship Portal application can be found at www.cochise.edu/fa.