Federal Aid Options For Students Without a High School Diploma (Ability to Benefit Alternatives)
Students may still qualify for Federal Financial Aid through the Ability to Benefit (ATB) rules if you don't have a high school diploma or GED. Students may become eligible for financial aid through the ATB alternatives in one of two ways:
- If a student first enrolled in an eligible postsecondary program prior to July 1, 2012 (regardless if student received financial aid), the student may enroll in any eligible program and can become eligible through one of the ATB alternatives.
- If a student first enrolled in an eligible postsecondary program on or after July 1, 2012, the student may only become eligible through one of the ATB alternatives
if the student is enrolled in an “eligible career pathway program”.
The ATB alternatives include:
- Passing an independently-administered ATB test approved by the Department of Education.
- Completing at least six credit hours, or 225 clock hours, that are applicable toward
a Title IV-eligible degree or certificate offered by the postsecondary institution.
Neither remedial nor developmental coursework may count toward this requirement.
- Completing a state process approved by the Secretary of Education. Note: Sate processes
has been approved for the state of California as of July 31,2024.
Please note that the San Bernardino Community College District, which includes Crafton Hills College and San Bernardino Valley College, does not currently have any approved Eligible Career Pathway Programs.
If you do not have a high school diploma but would like to apply for financial aid, please contact the Financial Aid Office to see if you qualify under ATB.
