How to Apply

Eligibility for Enrollment

Students may be admitted to Grossmont or Cuyamaca College if they meet at least one
 of the following criteria:

• Have earned a high school diploma from a recognized or accredited institution

• Possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate

• Hold a recognized equivalent of a high school diploma as determined by state or local educational authorities

• Are 18 years of age or older and can demonstrate the ability to benefit from college-level instruction

Students who are 17 years old or younger before the start of the semester must provide proof of high school graduation to the Admissions and Records Office.

While earning a high school diploma through a local adult school is recommended, non-graduates who are over 18 years of age may be admitted based on their ability to benefit.

Students transferring from accredited colleges or universities are also eligible for admission.

Verification of High School Completion

To ensure enrollment integrity and compliance with district policies and federal financial aid requirements, the Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District (GCCCD) may verify high school completion using the following procedures:

1. Documentation Review

• Students may be asked to submit official high school transcripts or records confirming completion of secondary education.
• If there are concerns about the validity of a diploma, additional documentation may be requested, such as:
  • A description of coursework or graduation requirements
  • A signed statement from a school official verifying that the school meets academic standards

2. State, Tribal, or Local Oversight Confirmation

• If the high school is overseen by a state, Tribal, or local education authority, GCCCD may seek verification directly from the relevant agency to confirm the school’s recognition and legitimacy.

3. Internal Reference Lists

• GCCCD may consult internal records of schools previously identified as issuing non-recognized diplomas or requiring minimal academic instruction. These references help guide decisions about diploma acceptability.

Criteria for Invalid Diplomas

A diploma may be deemed invalid if it meets any of the following conditions:

• Issued by a school that is not recognized or fails to meet applicable educational standards
• Obtained from an institution requiring little or no academic coursework
• Issued by an entity primarily operating to provide diplomas without proper academic rigor

Financial Aid Considerations

When completing the FAFSA, students must report their high school information, including the name, city, and state. Note: A school’s presence or absence from the FAFSA dropdown list does not guarantee the validity of the diploma.

Resolving Conflicting Information

If discrepancies arise between a student’s FAFSA responses and other records, GCCCD must resolve the conflict before awarding financial aid. Self-certification is not sufficient
when a diploma’s validity is in question.

District Authority

The Grossmont-Cuyamaca Community College District reserves the right to determine the acceptability of high school diplomas or equivalents based on established district procedures. Final decisions regarding both enrollment eligibility and financial aid are made by the college.

Dual Enrollment: High school students in the 9th, 10th, 11th, or 12th grade, who are at least 14 years of age, may attend upon approval of a high school counselor and parent or guardian of the student. Courses attempted and units earned will be recorded on a college permanent record. High school students are not eligible to receive Title IV Federal Financial Aid, and if classified as a non-resident of California, will be responsible to pay non-resident tuition. For more information on Dual Enrollment, visit www.cuyamaca.edu/admissions/high-school-students.php.