Aiding Success: The Role of Federal and State Financial Aid in Supporting California Community College Students.

Although tuition and fees at community colleges are less expensive than in other sectors, students still struggle to cover their full cost of attendance, which totals approximately $17,000 per year. Students whose resources do not stretch far enough to cover these costs must make choices that undermine their academic success, such as foregoing required textbooks or working long hours rather than studying. Financial aid from federal, state, and even institutional sources can help students cover expenses while avoiding harmful tradeoffs, and research consistently demonstrates that financial aid facilitates student enrollment and success. This report shows the role of financial resources and financial aid in supporting student success, and includes policy recommendations for the federal government, state legislatures, and colleges.