Before You Begin

You are your best and most important teacher.

When navigating questions about financial aid, the answer is often “it depends.” Skyline College's Financial Aid Office is here for you. We want to help you get as much financial aid as possible.

We encourage you to read, think, question, talk with friends and others about the information on your journey for a wealthier life!

If anything here seems unclear or too good to be true, reach out! Connect with us to discuss how Financial Aid can help you achieve your goals.

three students receive scholarships at an award ceremony

Did You Know Millions in Aid Go Unclaimed Each Year?

Every year, thousands of students and families miss out on free money like Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and scholarships simply because they:

  • Don’t know what’s available

  • Assume they won’t qualify

  • Get stuck or overwhelmed during the process

  • Think they completed their application but don't get in contact to understand what they are eligible for

  • Didn't understand why it's worth applying to financial in order to try to get into support programs such as Promise, EOPS, TRiO, Sparkpoint and other internship, research, appreticeships, or scholarship opportunities. 

  • Have a simple issue to resolve with their name, date of birth, social security, or program of study

Don't let that be you! More people qualify for aid than you might think, and many forms of aid are guaranteed for eligible applicants.

Students at Skyline Receive $10,000+ in Aid

Some of our students receive over $10,000 in grants and scholarships: free money that never has to be repaid.

Financial aid can help cover:

 

Textbooks

 

Transportation

 

Technology

 

Housing, food,
even childcare

And any cost of attendance—for now or future terms

The Application Takes ~30 Minutes

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

  • Provides federal, state, and institutional aid
  • For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Legal Residents (Green Card Holders, Refugee, Asylee etc.)
  • Check if you have FAFSA eligibility

CADAA: California Dream Act Application

  • For state and institutional aid
  • Students who are undocumented, DACA recipients (valid or expired), have a U Visa, or Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
  • Check if you have CADAA eligibility

CCPG: California College Promise Grant

  • A tuition waiver for for eligible California residents
  • CCPG covers tuition fees, but does not cover non-tuition fees like student life fees and textbook costs. 
  • Check if you have CCPG eligibility

Free College for San Mateo County

  • 2 levels of support to reduce or eliminate tuition & fees
  • For San Mateo County residents, including undocumented students
  • You must intend to earn a certificate or degree
  • Learn Moreabout Free College

One FAFSA or CADAA provides potential coverage for one academic year. 

Example: the 1999-2000 FAFSA is an application for the academic year of Fall 1999, Spring 2000 and Summer 2000.

Completing your application can also unlock access to programs, workshops, and academic resources you didn’t even know were available!

Technical issues can happen. If it takes more than 30 minutes to sort out, it’s definitely worth it. And we’re here to help.

Apply Early, Accurately, and Fully

Submitting your application correctly avoids delays and helps you get the support you qualify for. These tips will help you:

  • Stay motivated
  • Understand what’s available
  • Fill out the correct form accurately—this year and every year you’re in school

Remember:

  • Use your government-issued name in your application to avoid delays
  • Completing the application doesn’t guarantee financial aid
  • You may still have outstanding requirements, like submitting documents or verifying information, before any aid can be awarded

If you’re unsure of your status:

  1. Log in to your account for FAFSA or CADAA and check your application status
  2. Review any emails from FAFSA/CADAA or your college
  3. Connect with the Financial Aid Office to confirm that you’re all set

If you've waited a week and are wondering what to do after filling out your financial aid application, please see here.

triumphant graduate raises her arms and walks across stage to receive her diploma

Need Help Applying?

Check out these trusted resources for step-by-step guides, FAQs, and workshops:

fafsa, csac, immigrants rising, and skyline college logos

Let's Get Started

Learn how financial aid works, how to apply, and how to avoid common pitfalls so you can make the most of your college experience.

Why You Should Apply

Financial aid isn’t just for low-income students.

You may qualify for grants, scholarships, and support programs like Promise, EOPS, or TRiO regardless of your family’s income.

While some aid is based on income, family situation, and financial “need,” there are many forms of aid that aren’t—and you won’t know what you qualify for unless you apply!

It’s your money—claim it.
When you apply for financial aid, you can reclaim taxes that you and your family have already paid through grants, scholarships, or program subsidies. Get that support and make the most of your college experience.

Grant = Free money
Programs like the Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and Student Success Completion Grant offer funds that you don’t repay. These programs exist because families like yours have already contributed through taxes, so you should apply.

FA covers more than just tuition.
Financial aid can help with:

Unused aid may even be saved for future semesters. Applying can also help you gain access to learning communities that offer even more support.

You don’t need to be a full-time student.
Part-time students are still eligible for aid! See which application is right for you.

FA opens doors to more opportunities.
Financial aid may be the first step toward qualifying for various programs that require a FAFSA or CADAA on file:

  • Internships & fellowships
  • Scholarships
  • Research programs

Less stress = more success.
Financial aid exists to reduce the financial burden of college so you can focus on what matters: learning, growing, and reaching your goals in school and beyond.

Common Myths & The Truth

“I’m not eligible.” or “I don’t know what to apply for.”

Don’t assume you're ineligible. Most students qualify for at least one of the following:

  • FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
  • CADAA (California Dream Act Application)
  • CCPG (California College Promise Grant)
  • Free College for San Mateo County residents
Learn what you should apply for.

“My grades aren’t good enough.”
False! Financial aid is not just for straight-A students. Many aid programs are based on need or other factors—not GPA. Even if your grades aren’t perfect, you can still qualify for grants and scholarships. And if you’ve faced academic challenges, there’s often an appeal process you can explore. Learn about Satisfactory Academic Progress.

“My parents make too much money.”
Not necessarily! Some grants and scholarships aren’t based on income. Completing the FAFSA or CADAA is the only way to know what you're eligible for. You may be surprised by the results.

“I have savings and a job, so I don’t need financial aid.”
Why not? Even if you’re working or have savings, aid can cover costs like textbooks, supplies, transportation, or childcare and let you save your income for something else. Check out Free College: Level 2.

“Community college is free, so I don’t need to apply.”
Not necessarily! Some students do qualify for free tuition, but applying for financial aid can still help cover non-tuition expenses, like food, housing, books, and more.

“My parents didn’t file taxes, so I can’t apply.”
False! You can still complete the FAFSA or CADAA using alternative documentation. 

“I live on my own and support myself, so I’m an independent student.”
Maybe. Living independently doesn’t make you “independent” for financial aid purposes. FAFSA has specific criteria for determining dependency. If you indicate Yes to "Personal, Other" “Unusual Circumstances,” you’ll need to provide documentation and work with the financial aid office to complete your application. 

“If I’m Pell Grant–eligible, I need at least 6 units.”
Not true! Pell Grant funding is based on enrollment intensity— you can receive aid even with less than 6 units, and you'll get more if you take more units.

However, students enrolled in fewer than 6 units may miss out on:

  • SEOG (Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant)
  • Federal Work-Study
  • Student Success Completion Grants
  • Federal loans

Talk to your technician about your unit load and how it impacts your total aid package.

Self-Advocacy & Supporting Your Peers

It’s okay to feel nervous about following up—whether you missed an appointment, are waiting on a reply, or don’t want to “bother” anyone. But always make sure to follow up and advocate for yourself! 

Many students feel unsure or overwhelmed by the financial aid process, but you can help change that. If you learn something helpful, share it. Point a friend to information, encourage them to apply, or go through the process together.

Being informed empowers your whole community. When students support each other, everyone wins!

Key Application Facts

One application = multiple opportunities.
By completing the FAFSA or CADAA, you’re automatically considered for multiple forms of aid.

You must apply every academic year.
Financial aid doesn’t roll over. You need to reapply annually—each application covers the academic year from July to July.

Best time to apply
Start in November and complete before the March priority deadline. Even if you miss the priority deadline, you should still apply!

Deadlines are critical.
Track important dates on your calendar—planning ahead is a key part of success!

  • Priority & non-priority deadlines (FAFSA, CADAA, CCPG)
  • Census dates
  • Disbursement dates
  • Add/drop deadlines (for refunds or avoiding a “W”)
  • Pass/No Pass grade request deadline
  • Last day to appeal

Disbursement ≠ instant cash.
Your aid is sent to you via BankMobile or your school’s refund system. Make sure your refund account is set up in advance to avoid delays.

Confirm your Program of Study.
To receive federal aid, you must be enrolled in an eligible certificate or associate degree program that aligns with your educational goal. Check with your counselor or the financial aid office if you’re unsure about this.

Use your full legal name.
When creating your FAFSA or CADAA account, make sure you and all of your contributors use the exact name shown on your Social Security cards if you have them.

What if a contributor doesn’t have a Social Security Number (SSN)?
That’s okay! They can still create an account using a process for contributors without an SSN. The system will guide them step-by-step.

Graduated high school in another country?

  • In the “High School” section, type “FC” in the City field and press Search
  • Click “Add Manually”
  • Enter “FC” again in State
  • Then check the box and write the actual City and High School name

Maximizing Your Aid

Your aid can be adjusted!
If you or your parents’ income has significantly changed since 2023 (for the 2025–26 aid year), or you're facing special or difficult circumstances, you may be able to appeal to increase your aid. Ask the Financial Aid Office how to get started.

You may qualify for multiple grants.
Many students receive the Pell Grant and the Cal Grant, plus additional support depending on eligibility and enrollment.

Federal Work-Study = Paid job on campus.
This program helps you earn money through part-time work while staying connected to your school and building valuable work experience. Ask if you qualify!

Staying Eligible: Academic Progress Matters

To keep receiving financial aid, you must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards:

  • Maintain a 2.0 GPA
  • Successfully complete at least 67% of the units you attempt

Withdrawals and failed classes can affect your SAP status.

Learn more about SAP

Got Questions? Get Answers.

Don’t wait! Many questions can be answered with a Google search or a visit to the Financial Aid Office.

We're here to help—and it's always better to ask early than to miss out later. 

Contact Financial Aid