The purpose of federal student financial aid programs is to ensure that all students have an opportunity to obtain a college education, and that no student will be denied that opportunity because of lack of funds. Central to the purpose of financial aid is the belief that students and their families, to the extent possible, have the primary responsibility to pay for the student's college education. Financial aid is made available to assist students when family resources are not sufficient to meet college costs. All students are to be treated fairly and equitably by applying policies and procedures for determining eligibility consistently. Though applicants are encouraged to seek financial aid, students should not rely solely on these monies to support themselves throughout the academic year.

Students receiving any form of financial aid are required to meet standards for academic progress and attendance. Proof of such progress on a periodic basis is verified prior to any disbursements of financial aid. Failure to make satisfactory academic progress or satisfactory attendance requirements may result in the termination or reduction of financial aid. Though The Art Institute of California — Sunnyvale financial aid staff is responsible for accurate distribution, explanation, documentation, and validation of financial aid requirements, it is the student's responsibility to comply with all requests in a timely fashion if the student wishes to continue receiving benefits. Federal grants are awarded on a fiscal year basis, beginning July 1 and ending June 30. Some applicants may need to complete the application process twice during an academic or calendar year.

Art Institutes Early Payment Incentive Credits (AiEPIC)
The Art Institutes Early Payment Incentive Credits (AiEPIC) program was devised to reward students and their families for making an earlier financial commitment to their education. Simply said, AiEPIC provides a student's family with a risk-free financial incentive to make early monthly payments toward the cost of education so that future monthly education expenses at The Art Institute of California — Sunnyvale are more affordable. For every five on-time monthly payments made to the school before the student starts classes, students will receive an AiEPIC equal to the lowest monthly payment of those five payments. The credit is posted to the student's account upon 30 days attendance, once in school at The Art Institute of California — Sunnyvale. If for some reason the student does not start school, all payments received under this program will be refunded in full within 30 days of the request to return the funds. Please contact the Financial Aid department at The Art Institute of California — Sunnyvale for details.