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Financial Aid & Scholarships

Students seeking financial aid at Cochise College must be enrolled in an approved degree or certificate program and must also satisfy all additional eligibility requirements for each individual financial aid program.

Official academic transcripts are required for transfer students. These transcripts are evaluated, and enrollment restrictions are applied when necessary. Students who have not met the college's academic standards - specifically a minimum 2.0 GPA and completion of at least 67% of attempted credits - at their previous institution(s) will be held to the same probation and suspension standards as current Cochise College students. Students who repeatedly earn W or F grades may be required to submit a progress appeal.

Cochise College's Financial Aid Office offers access to federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs, along with a variety of institutional and private scholarship opportunities. Financial aid awards may be based on financial need, academic achievement, athletic ability, or community service. Most financial aid programs require completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online at www.FAFSA.gov. To help with the application process, a FAFSA worksheet can be accessed online or obtained from the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Pell Grants

Federal Pell Grants are need-based financial aid funds awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to eligible undergraduate students to assist with college expenses. Unlike loans, Pell Grants generally do not require repayment, except in situations involving overpayment or withdrawal under specific circumstances. Eligibility is determined by financial need, which is calculated through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students can receive Pell Grant funding for up to 12 semesters (or the equivalent), typically equal to six years of full-time study. The program is designed to increase access to higher education for students who might not otherwise be able to afford college.

Federal Direct Loans (Stafford Loans)

Low-interest student loans are available to assist with educational costs; however, they must be repaid. To be eligible, students must be enrolled in at least six credits per term, including eight-week sessions. Loans may be available to students regardless of demonstrated financial need. Before a student loan can be certified, students are required to complete loan entrance counseling, sign a Master Promissory Note, and submit a Direct Loan request form.

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 opportunities for eligible undergraduate students to help them earn money toward educational expenses. Students may work up to 16 hours per week in on-campus or off-campus positions, which often include community service-related roles.

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 on the day they enroll, or they may be dropped for nonpayment 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 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 9/11 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.