Nonresident Merit Scholarship

Non-California residents* have the opportunity to apply for the Nonresident Merit Scholarship to help them reduce their out-of-state tuition.

This Scholarship is open to any student identified as a non-resident of California entering Allan Hancock College who meets the following criteria and may be considered for the AHC Non-Resident Merit Scholarship Award.  This award is only available for two primary semesters. (Fall/Spring or Spring/Fall) 

1. Enroll directly after high school graduation with a 3.00** or better high school cumulative GPA; OR
2. Completes at least 12 units at another postsecondary institution in the immediate term prior to with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00**;

AND 

1. Apply to Allan Hancock College
2. Complete the college’s student online orientation in the myHancock portal.
   1. Click on the following orientation link and select STUDENT LOGIN
3. Enroll in and complete at least 12 units, of which at least 3 units must be in person. *** Note: students may not combine classes that are less than 3 units to meet this requirement.
4. All classes must be taken for a letter grade. CR/NC (Pass/No Pass) grades/units do not count towards meeting this requirement.
5. Submit a 2026-2027 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
6. Complete financial aid missing documents through the AHC Financial Aid myHancock portal.
7. Complete the college’s student orientation.
8. Complete their student financial aid documents.
9. Submit official transcripts to Admissions and Records. View website for more information: https://www.hancockcollege.edu/admissions/transcripts.php

Students must be present in California throughout both primary semesters (Fall/Spring or Spring/Fall) to be eligible to assist them in establishing California residency for the following year.

NOTE: ** We will accept whichever cumulative GPA benefits the student, weighted vs. unweighted.

*Unfortunately, international students are excluded from being eligible for the AHC Nonresident Merit Scholarship.

Students who were awarded the Nonresident Merit Scholarship in a prior semester and wish to receive it for a second and final semester must complete the Nonresident Merit Scholarship Acknowledgement form. Students will not be reviewed for continued eligibility until this form is completed.

Questions? Contact the financial aid office in person or email finaid@hancockcollege.edu.

The 2026-2027 Non-resident Merit Scholarship will open for fall 2026 applicants starting Friday, April 24, 2026. Complete applications will be reviewed starting Monday, August 18, 2026. Awarding will begin for applicants who have met all requirements starting on the dates listed in the awarding section below.

First-Time applicants:

NONRESIDENT MERIT SCHOLARSHIP APPLICATIONSpring 2027 for returning applicants:

SECOND SEMESTER- NONRESIDENT MERIT SCHOLARSHIP ACKNOWLEDGEMENTFrequently Asked Questions:

2026-2027 NONRESIDENT MERIT SCHOLARSHIP FAQS

The AHC Merit Scholarship cannot be awarded until all requirements are met; the last day to apply to the scholarship is week 9 of the semester; the last day to complete any eligibility steps is week 10 of each fall/spring semester.

Students who have had their applications returned to them, must also re-apply by week 9 and complete missing requirements no later than week 10 of each fall/Spring semester.

Awarding & Application Timelines:

• Fall 2026 – awarding will begin on 9/7/2026 and will continue each week through week 12
  • 9/7/2026 – Full Semester & Term 1
  • 10/16/2026 – Last day for Student to apply to Merit Scholarship
  • 10/19/2025 – Awarding for classes beginning Term 2
• Spring 2027 – awarding will begin on 2/9/2026 and will continue through week 12
  • 2/10/2027 – Full Semester & Term 3
  • 4/2/2027 – Last day for Student to apply to Merit Scholarship
  • 4/5/2027 – Awarding for classes beginning Term 4