Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for community college · Sacramento, CA
How students pay for American River College
Sticker price $14,281 a year. After grants, the average student pays $5,730, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $4,574 to $9,802.
- 25,621undergraduates
- 8%get a grant from the school
Free tuition program
Los Rios Promise Program
Who: First-time California-resident students who file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and enroll in at least 12 units by the deadlines; no income requirement What: Resident tuition and enrollment fees ($46 per unit) for up to two consecutive years, while funding lasts; does not cover books, health or living costs
Official details →What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $12,472 a year versus $1,288 for California residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
8%grant from American River Collegeavg $837
46%Federal Pell Grantavg $4,733
83%state grantavg $2,338
3%federal student loanavg $6,350
Scholarships from American River College
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- Los Rios ScholarshipsVaries
Students at Los Rios colleges, including American River College; includes awards for computer information science, Dreamer, LGBTQ+, Native American and Umoja students.
Priority FAFSA deadline: March 3, 2026 for the 2026-27 year (FAFSA or California Dream Act Application; first-come, first-served campus funds….
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · California
Cal Grant A
Up to $15,588 a year at a UC campus and $6,838 at a CSU campus (2026–27 tuition awards)
Who qualifies: California residents who meet the income, asset and minimum-GPA limits.
How: File the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and submit your GPA by the 2 March priority deadline.
Official rules →State grant · California
Middle Class Scholarship
Varies: covers part of the cost left after other aid at UC and CSU
Who qualifies: California residents (or AB 540 students) at a UC or CSU campus with family income and assets up to $250,000 each.
How: Automatic with the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by 2 March.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Sacramento
| Studio | $1,640/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $1,690/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $1,035/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 95841. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$16.90/hour minimum wage in California
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $7,605 before tax. That covers about 7 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: statewide since 1 January 2026; many cities set a higher local minimum. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$16,189median federal debt≈ $184/month over 10 years
$44,544median earnings10 years after enrolling
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for American River College
Does American River College offer free tuition?
Yes: Los Rios Promise Program. First-time California-resident students who file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and enroll in at least 12 units by the deadlines; no income requirement Resident tuition and enrollment fees ($46 per unit) for up to two consecutive years, while funding lasts; does not cover books, health or living costs.
What scholarships does American River College offer?
Los Rios Scholarships (Varies). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does American River College really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $5,730 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $4,574 to $9,802. The full cost of attendance before aid is $14,281.
Does American River College give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 8% of first-year students received a grant from American River College itself, averaging $837. 46% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $4,733).
How much is rent near American River College?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (95841) is $1,690 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,070 for a two-bedroom, about $1,035 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at American River College?
Yes. The minimum wage in California is $16.90 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $7,605 before tax.
How much debt do American River College graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $16,189, about $184 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $44,544.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with American River College. How these pages work.
More in California: Cal State Fullerton · Cal State Long Beach · San Diego State University · UC San Diego · All colleges in California →