$500 on Us is a grant for CoA students enrolled in 6 or more units for Spring 2023.  

You get to decide how you want to use this money.  These funds are flexible and are intended to be used by students for any component of their cost of attendance or for emergency costs that arise due to coronavirus, such as tuition, food, housing, health care or childcare. You get to determine how to use this money. 

To receive CoA’s $500 On Us grant you must complete all the following: 

• Take and enroll in at least 6 units at CoA through census date (Spring intersession is excluded)
• Submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 30, 2023 (CoA school code: 006720) 
• Declare a major or course of study at CoA 

Students who are ineligible for this grant are: 

• Special Enrollment students (middle/ high school dual or concurrent enrollment students or specially-enrolled adult school students who have their enrollment fees waived);  

• international students  
• Peralta employees (student workers CAN receive the grant).  

There is no separate application for this grant. As long as you meet all the requirements you will receive this grant.

Yes, out–of–state students and AB 540 students can participate. International students are not eligible. 

Yes! As long as you meet all the requirements for $500 on us you will receive this grant.  The $500 On Us grant is in addition to financial aid, fee waivers, etc.  

Yes! Applying for financial aid is a requirement—however, if you don’t qualify for financial aid for reasons such as income, academic progress, etc. you can still receive this grant if you meet all the requirements. 

Yes! If you meet all the requirements, you will receive this grant.  

If you meet all the requirements for $500 On Us, you will receive this grant.  For students who are taking classes at another PCCD college, please double check that your declared major is at College of Alameda.  

To update your major or home college complete and submit a Request to Change Major form to Admissions and Records (A building) or email COAAdmissions@peralta.edu. IMPORTANT: you are interested in receiving federal financial aid, you must choose a Financial Aid Eligible Major. If you are not interested in federal financial aid, you can see a full list of our Degrees and Certificates here. 

$500 On Us grant will be awarded throughout the semester—according to your enrollment by Census date. The first awards will be made by end of February and continue through end of April.

College of Alameda (CoA) delivers refunds, grants, and financial aid awards via BankMobile, our third-party vendor.  Once your grant money is available, BankMobile will send an email to your @peralta.edu with directions on how to set up your account.  

No, units enrolled for Spring Intersession will NOT count towards your 6 unit requirement.