Courses in Your Program of Study
Degree Audit & Financial Aid (Courses in Your Program)
What is Degree Audit for Financial Aid?
Beginning Fall 2026, Cabrillo College uses Degree Audit to determine which classes are eligible for financial aid.
Degree Audit allows the Financial Aid Office to confirm that the classes you are enrolled in apply toward your active program of study (major or certificate), as required by Federal and state regulations.
Financial aid can only be paid for classes that count toward your active declared program.
Why is Cabrillo Using Degree Audit?
Federal and state financial aid rules require colleges to ensure that:
Students are enrolled in a valid program of study, and
Financial aid is only paid for courses needed to complete that program
Degree Audit helps Cabrillo:
Stay in compliance with Federal financial aid regulations
Pay students more accurately
Reduce delays, corrections, and audit issues
Support students in making progress toward a meaningful academic goal
Ensures student maximize the aid available to them to complete a degree or transfer
How Degree Audit Affects Your Financial Aid
Degree Audit reviews:
Your active program of study
The courses required for that program
The classes you are registered for in the current semester
Financial Aid CAN Pay For:
✅ Courses that are part of your major, certificate, or general education requirements
✅ Approved electives that count toward your program
✅ Courses that a counselor has approved as an exception to your program
Financial Aid CANNOT Pay For:
❌ Courses that do not apply to your active program
❌ Courses taken only for personal interest
❌ Extra classes beyond what your program requires, unless approved
Your Program of Study Matters
Financial aid is based on one active program of study at a time.
You must be officially declared in a major or certificate
The program must be active in your student record
Changing your program may affect your aid eligibility or be delayed to a future term if aid has been received
If you are unsure which program is currently active, check Student Planning / Self‑Service or contact Academic Counseling.
What If a Class Is Not Being Included for Payment?
If a class you are enrolled in is not showing as part of your program:
1. Check Student Planning
Confirm whether the course appears in your academic plan
2. Meet With a Counselor
If the class is required for your educational goal, a counselor may be able to:
Update your academic plan, or
Submit an approved exception for your program
3. Contact Financial Aid if You Have Questions
Financial Aid can explain how Degree Audit is reviewing your enrollment, but counselors determine program requirements.
Common Student Questions
“I was told I need this class—why isn’t it being paid for?”
Financial aid can only pay for classes that are part of your official program of study.
If the class is needed, your counselor may need to add it to your plan or approve it as an exception.
“Can I have more than one major?”
Students may pursue multiple academic interests, but financial aid is paid based on one primary program at a time.
Additional programs can be evaluated later for graduation purposes.
“What about transfer prerequisites?”
Financial aid generally does not pay for courses unless they are built into your current program.
If a prerequisite is required for your academic goal, speak with a counselor about whether it should be included in your plan.
“Will this delay my financial aid?”
Degree Audit may occasionally require additional review, but it is designed to:
Reduce errors
Prevent overpayments
Ensure accurate disbursement of funds
Completing the right classes for your program helps your aid process go more smoothly.
Why This Helps Students
Using Degree Audit helps students:
Avoid taking unnecessary classes
Preserve important aid such as Pell Grants and Cal Grants, ensuring those funds are available when you transfer or continue into upper‑division coursework
Stay focused on completing an associate degree or transfer pathway
Reduce SAP (Satisfactory Academic Progress) issues
Make informed decisions about their education
Financial aid is limited. Degree Audit helps ensure financial aid is used wisely and equitably for all students.
Important Reminders
Always register for classes that apply to your program
Keep your program of study current
Meet with a counselor if your educational goals change
Ask questions early—before the term begins when possible and before the published census date
Need Help?
Counseling: Program requirements, academic plans, course applicability
Admissions & Records: Program changes, majors, active status
Financial Aid Office: How Degree Audit affects your aid
Degree Audit is part of Cabrillo College’s commitment to financial aid compliance, student success, and responsible stewardship of federal and state funds.