Academic Year Definition 

Our academic year begins each Fall, and consists of four sessions or terms. Our Mt. SAC compressed calendar consist of two 6 week inter-sessions, which are winter, summer. Our primary semesters are the fall and spring which consist of 16  weeks. Unlike a quarter system, which has four equal terms (fall, winter,spring,summer) of usually 10 weeks each. Our academic year enables students to fast-track their academic studies with shorter semester and we believe it promotes student success. The 16 week semester more closely aligns with many UC and CSU formats.

Financial Aid is tied to your enrollment status during both the fall and spring semesters. To maintain your full-time student status during both the fall and spring semesters, you will still be required to carry 12 units each semester which totals 24 units.

This definition applies to all FSA programs as well as to state grant programs. The difference is with the winter intersession. Units carried during the winter will be counted as part of your spring semester enrollment in calculating your financial aid eligibility. For example, if you enroll in 3 units during the winter intersession, you would only need to carry 9 units during the spring semester to reach full-time status. For students receiving the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as BOG Fee Waiver), the winter intersession will still be treated as a separate term. Payments for less than full-time will be adjusted automatically, according to your "enrolment status".

For more information, please visit our Financial Aid Office.