Financial Aid

How to Apply for Financial Aid

	Introduction
	The lack of financial resources should not keep you from obtaining a college education.  The federal government, the state of California and private donors contribute funds to make financial aid available in many forms.
	Financial Aid Process
	To apply for federal and state financial aid, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year of college.  The FAFSA must be completed once every academic year. The best time to file a FAFSA is between January 1 and March 2 prior to the start of the academic year (Fall Semester), although you may still apply after those priority dates.  You need to follow these key dates in the financial aid process: January 1   FAFSA application available on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov for the next academic year March 2 Cal Grant deadline and application priority deadline April 1 Established priority funding deadline for limited funded financial aid programs May 1 Established priority deadline to submit required documents to the Financial Aid Office Sept 2 Extended competitive Cal Grant deadline for community college students Prior to completing the FAFSA, you must obtain a Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov which serves as your electronic signature.  If you are a dependent student, your parent can also request for his/her own PIN.  After you have received your PIN, you may complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov  We encourage students to apply early, as some financial aid programs are limited and awarded to students who follow the established priority funding deadline and have financial need. Here's what you need to gather before you apply: Your Social Security Card Number (required) Your Driver's License (if you have one) Your Permanent Resident Alien number (required if not a U.S. Citizen) Your federal income tax return, W-2(s), or other earnings statements from the entire calendar year immediately prior to the academic year, if you had any earnings or other taxable income. For example, use year 2009 income for the 2010-2011 academic year (Summer 2010, Fall 2010 and Spring 2011). Statements for any untaxed income received during the entire calendar year immediately prior to the academic year (if you received child support, public assistance, social security, or any other untaxed income). Do not include student financial aid received. Current statements from your checking and/or savings accounts, or other cash on hand, if any. Current statements regarding the net value of investment assets you own, if any. (Examples: mutual funds, certificates of deposits, money market accounts, stocks, bonds, college savings accounts, rental real estate or second homes, etc.). Do not include consumer goods (like a car), real estate that is your primary residence, or assets held in retirement or life insurance accounts. Current financial statements regarding the net worth of your business, or investment farm (if you own a business). (Examples: land, equipment, inventory, etc.). If you are married at the time you complete the FAFSA, you will need to provide spousal income information as well. If you are a dependent student, you will need to provide parental income information.
	What Happens after completing the FAFSA
	Once you have submitted your FAFSA, you will receive your results (known as the Student Aid Report).  All colleges and universities listed on your FAFSA will also receive your results.  The Financial Aid Office will send you a letter or email (if you have provided an email address) to you regarding any documents or form(s) you need to complete your financial aid file. Make sure you submit the documents and forms we asked of you as soon as possible.  Follow the timeline as indicated above to take advantage of our priority review.  Your priority date will depend on when you turn in your documents.  The earlier you turn in documents the earlier you will be assigned a priority date. You may have more questions for us throughout the academic year.  Feel free to contact our office of any questions relating to specific financial aid programs, general eligibility requirements, satisfactory academic progress, special circumstances, disbursement, repayment issues, money management, student loan application and more.
	2010-2011 Processing Deadlines
	Students must turn in documents as soon as possible as requested by the Financial Aid Office.  Please review the deadlines to turn in documents to avoid delays and ineligibility for financial aid:   Deadline Date Apply for FAFSA Last day of enrollment, but no later than 6/30/2011 Turn in documents Last day of enrollment for the semester Fee Waiver June 30, 2011 to apply for Summer 2010, Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 Apply for Loan Dec 15, 2010 to apply for Fall 2010 only loan May 31, 2011 to aply for Fall 2010 and Spring 2011 loan