How To Apply for Financial Aid
The initial step is filling out the FAFSA. That information is sent to our Financial Aid department for determining eligibility.
Steps for Applying to Financial Aid
The initial step in the financial aid process is submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are not a US citizen, permanent resident, or eligible non-citizen, you will need to fill out the California Dream Act Application instead of the FAFSA.
FAFSA
The FAFSA is a form that college and career college students fill out to find out what financial aid they are eligible to receive. On the FAFSA, it asks you about your family's financial situation, and determines your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Most students qualify for some form of financial aid from the federal government. The information from the FAFSA is sent to the Financial Aid department, and they work with you to help you pay for your education expenses. Some of the types of financial aid you might be eligible for include federal grants, state grants, low-interest federal student loans, the Federal Work-Study program, or scholarships.
Steps for Applying to Financial Aid
The FAFSA Code for Campus, formerly known as MTI College, is 008680.
FAFSA Deadlines
The FAFSA is made available each year on October 1st. For federal financial aid via FAFSA, you can apply anytime from October 1st through the end of the academic year. However, to qualify for state financial aid, like Cal Grants, you must apply before March 2nd of the academic year.
Below are the current academic years, and the deadlines to fill out your FAFSA to qualify for both federal and state financial aid. You should fill out a FAFSA if you will be attending school anytime within the dates of attendance listed.
Academic Year | Dates of Attendance | FAFSA Available | Deadline to Submit FAFSA | Tax Filing Year |
---|---|---|---|---|
2023-24 | July 1, 2023 – June 30, 2024 | October 1, 2022 | March 2, 2023 | 2021 |
2024-25 | July 1, 2024 – June 30, 2025 | October 1, 2023 | March 2, 2024 | 2022 |
*In California, you can still submit the FAFSA after the March 2nd deadline through June 30th. However, you may not be considered for a Cal Grant if you do so.
Some Cal Grants also require the submission of a school-certified GPA by the March 2nd deadline. The GPA form may be completed by your high school or college where you completed at least a full academic year (24 semester or 36 quarter units). Applicants are encouraged to obtain proof of mailing their GPA and to retain a copy of their GPA form.
Financial Aid Deadlines
Action Item | Deadline | Notes |
---|---|---|
Priority FAFSA Filing | March 2nd | You can submit a FAFSA after this point, but may not receive a Cal Grant. |
Cal Grant GPA Verification | March 2nd | You must submit a verified GPA verifications to the California Student Aid Commission by this date for Cal Grant consideration. |
File Completion | Program start date | Students must turn in all required documents and meet all eligibility standards by their start date. If this is not possible, students should work with their financial aid advisor to wrap up any outstanding items. If a file is not completed by the end of the first term the student's enrollment may be interrupted. |