FA Facts We Hope Every Student Parent and Educator Learns

Why You Should Apply

Financial aid isn’t just for low-income students.
You may qualify for grants, scholarships, and access to support programs like Promise, EOPS, TRiO regardless of your family’s income.

💸 It’s your money—claim it.
When you apply for financial aid, you're tapping into one of the few ways to reclaim taxes you and your family have already paid—through grants, scholarships, or program subsidies based on eligibility.

While it’s true that 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.

Get that support and make the most of your college experience.

Grants = Free money that we invest in student learning.
Programs like the Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and Student Success Completion Grant offer funds you don’t repay. These programs exist because students like you and your families have already contributed to them through taxes.

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

• 📚 Books & supplies

• 🏠 Housing

• 🍎 Food

• 🚗 Transportation

• 👶 Childcare

• or any Cost of attendance

Unused aid may even be saved for future semesters—and applying can unlock 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! Pending updates from NASFAA
📌 Scroll down to see which application (FAFSA, CADAA, or CCPG) is right for you.

FA opens doors to more opportunities.
Financial aid may be the first step toward qualifying for various:

• 💼 Internships & fellowships

• 🎓 Scholarships

• 🧪 Research programs
  Many of these require a FAFSA or CADAA on file. Going through the process builds financial literacy and confidence you can remember for other applications or opportunities down the line.

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

“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. See what SAP is below.

“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.”
❌ Financial aid is not just for emergencies. Even if you’re working or have savings, aid can cover unexpected costs like textbooks, supplies, transportation, or childcare—and let you save your income for other goals. See Level 2 free college.

“Community college is free, so I don’t need to apply.”
❌ Some students do qualify for free tuition through programs like Promise or the CCPG (California College Promise Grant)—but applying for financial aid can still help cover non-tuition expenses, like food, housing, and more. Plus, receiving aid now does NOT reduce what you can get later at a 4-year college. You’re not “using it up”—you’re wisely claiming what you are entitled to now.

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

“I’m not eligible.” or “I don’t know which application to fill out.”
❌ Don’t assume you're ineligible. Most students qualify for at least one of the following:

• FAFSA – for federal, state, and institutional aid

• CADAA (California Dream Act Application) – for state and institutional aid (for undocumented students)

• CCPG – a California tuition waiver, especially helpful if you’re not a San Mateo County resident

Still unsure? Learn their eligibility requirements:

• FAFSA's , CADAA's, and CCPG's

“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. 

💬 A Note on Self-Advocacy

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 please advocate for yourself! A quick reminder that you still need support is always welcome.

One of the most empowering things you can do is fill in knowledge gaps. Read this page closely and use credible sources to find answers to your questions—we’re here to help when you’re ready.

💬 A Note on Supporting your Peers

Just like you, many students feel unsure or overwhelmed by the financial aid process—but you can help change that. If you learn something helpful here, share it. Point a friend to this page, encourage them to apply, or walk through the process together.

Being informed doesn’t just benefit you—it can empower your whole community. When students support each other, everyone wins. If you would like to provide proof that you did ultimately support your peer, Henry has a gift for you 

🌍 International High School Graduates

If you completed high school in a foreign country, here’s how to fill that section of the FAFSA:

• • In the “High School” section, type “FC” in the City field and press Search

  • Click “Add Manually”

  • Enter “FC” again

  • Then check the box and write the actual City and High School name

Key Application Facts

One application = multiple opportunities.
By completing the FAFSA or CADAA, you’re automatically considered for multiple forms of aid—including the Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and more. It’s a single form that opens many doors.

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, still apply—you may still qualify for aid!

Deadlines are critical.
Track important dates (e.g., FAFSA/CADAA deadlines, Skyline College’s deadlines for drops, disbursements, and appeals). Add them to your calendar—planning ahead is a key part of success!

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.
📍 When prompted for your school, enter San Mateo County Community College District.

Program of Study (PoS) matters.
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.

Use your full legal name.
When creating your FAFSA or CADAA account, use the exact name shown on your Social Security card (if you have one)—and ensure all contributors do the same.

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?
You still need to complete the high school section of the FAFSA.
✔️ Enter “FC” in the city field, click Search, then select “Add Manually.”
✔️ Re-enter “FC,” check the box, and write your actual city and high school name.

📅 Pro Tip: Don’t Miss Key Dates!

Keep track of:

• 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

📆 Add these to your personal calendar and schedule reminders—it’s one of the smartest things you can do.

🛠️ Need Help Applying?

Check out these trusted resources:

• FSA (Federal Student Aid)

• CSAC (California Student Aid Commission)

• Immigrants Rising

• Skyline College’s Financial Aid Office
  Each one offers step-by-step guides, FAQs, and workshops to support you.

Every accredited school also has financial aid forms you can submit to help you access more support—don’t hesitate to ask!

1. For the FAFSA application check out their informative presentation
2. For California Dream Act Application see CSAC's page
3. Visit your financial aid office, or submit to our Contact Form
4. Attend a Cash for College. See the schedule here

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 eligible for an appeal to increase your aid. Ask the Financial Aid Office how to get started.

You may qualify for multiple grants.
Many students receive both 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 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.
Not sure how? Ask a financial aid advisor or look up “SAP financial aid” online to learn how it works and how to stay on track.

📈 More Units = More Aid

Myth: “If I’m Pell Grant–eligible, I need at least 6 units.”
❌ Not true! Pell Grant funding is based on enrollment intensity—which means you can receive aid even with less than 6 units, though 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

💡 Tip: Talk to your advisor about your unit load and how it impacts your total aid package.

❓ Got Questions? Get Answers.

Don’t wait! Many How to Apply 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.