How to Apply for Financial Aid
A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to be considered for federal aid, state aid, institutional aid, and loans. The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows students to be considered for state aid and some institutional aid.
Open the links below to find how to apply for financial aid and how to submit different requests related to your financial aid at LACC:
2024-2025 FAFSA
The FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress to streamline the financial aid process for students and families. Among other key changes, the legislation significantly reduced the total number of questions students see when completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA. We have highlighted some notable differences from prior years.
Apply online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
- The student must apply for an FSA ID to gain access to the U.S. Department of Education’s online systems, including the FAFSA. The FSA ID also serves as their legal signature when completing electronic documents.
- When applicable, the student must invite their “contributors” (e.g., parents or spouse) to obtain their own FSA ID and complete their contributor's section of the FAFSA.
- To invite contributors, students must know:
- Their email address
- The name used on their tax return (if they filed one)
- Their Social Security number (SSN) (if they have one)
- All contributors must have a FSA ID.
- Mixed family status (e.g., contributors without SSNs) can now submit a FAFSA.
- All contributors must give approval and consent (including non-filers) to pull IRS tax return information; without the consent from the student and the contributors the FAFSA becomes invalid, and the student will not be eligible for federal aid.
- All contributors must complete their section of the FAFSA before it can be submitted.
- Students can now make corrections to their FAFSA Submission Summary.
You can see further changes and follow future updates online at our FAFSA Simplification Act page.
Contact the financial aid office for help filling out your FAFSA or click here to see the Federal Student Aid list of contact centers.
Feel free to reach out to the Financial Aid Office if you have questions. To ensure student privacy, please be prepared to provide your student ID number to the Financial Aid representative.
2024-2025 CADAA
The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain provisions to apply for and receive private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.
The CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), also known as Dream Application, is used by undocumented students who meet the eligibility requirements of AB 540. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) processes the application and any aid received can only be used at eligible California public or private institutions.
Go to https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ to submit the California Dream Act Application if:
- You meet the eligibility for AB540 and you are not eligible to file the FAFSA,
- You plan to enroll in an accredited and qualifying California college or university, and
- If applicable, complete(d) an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as you are eligible,
- Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, B, C, D, E, etc.)
Note: If you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you should file the California Dream Act Application,
even if you have a Social Security number for Work Authorization.
Contact the financial aid office for help filling out your CADAA or call the California Student Aid Commission’s Student Support Center at 1-888-224-7268.
Feel free to reach out to the Financial Aid Office if you have questions. To ensure student privacy, please be prepared to provide your student ID number to the Financial Aid representative.
The financial aid office allows students to appeal to review their specific situations related to their academic progress and also some of the data elements on the application for financial aid that determines their eligibility. These petitions are available in the LACC Financial Aid Portal:
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals:
- If the student is disqualified because they failed to meet the GPA and Pace of Progression standards, a Reinstatement Appeal task will appear as a pending on the LACC Financial Aid Portal.
- Students who submit a reinstatement appeal will have to complete the Online SAP Workshop and upload proof of successful completion with their appeal.
- If the student is disqualified due to exceeding the 150% time-frame required for their academic program will be able to appeal to extend their financial aid eligibility on the Student Portal.
Special and Unusual Circumstances Appeal
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Special and Unusual Circumstances appeals need to be initiated by the student by logging in their LACC Financial Aid Portal and clicking the [+] sign on the top right corner.
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The Special Circumstance Appeal process allows students and their family to submit documentation supporting their current financial situation. This documentation may be used to potentially increase student eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid. Students who have a calculated zero or negative SAI by the FAFSA/CADAA do not need to submit this appeal.
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The Unusual Circumstance Appeal is for students who would typically be considered as dependent but due to unusual circumstances could be determined to be an independent student for financial aid eligibility purposes. Students who are determined to be independent by the FAFSA/CADAA do not need to submit this appeal.
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If you are experiencing any of these situations the financial aid office can review your circumstances to modify the information on your financial aid application. These determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with adequate documentation.
Find more information about the Financial Aid Appeals process by visiting the Financial Aid Appeals page.
Loans are sources of financial assistance that allow you to spread the cost of education over time. Federal student loans are not automatically included in students’ award packages. Students are not required to borrow a federal student loan.
Direct Loan Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for student loans, students must:
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Request a student loan on the LACC Financial Aid Portal, click on the [+] sign on the top right corner.
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Be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) active units applicable to your academic program. Students under an extension appeal contract students must be enrolled in six (6) financial aid approved units.
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Pursue a financial aid eligible academic program at LACC (check with your academic counselor if you are unsure). We recommend developing or updating your existing educational plan before applying for loans.
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Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress or have an SAP appeal approved
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Have a completed financial aid file and received an award offer.
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Comply with Entrance Loan Counseling requirements (new borrowers only).
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Have an active Master Promissory Note (new borrowers only)
A caution about student loans – It takes time for a loan application to be processed by the school, lender, and/or the U.S. Department of Education. Student loan funds are delivered to the student after enrollment and academic progress requirement have been verified.
Loans are serious legal obligations. They must be repaid. You are obligated to repay the principal plus interest. We urge all first-time borrowers to spend time learning about the loan process and their responsibilities so that they can make informed choices about their education. If you borrow federal student loans, you can track your loans through the Student Aid website.
For a Parent PLUS Loan, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@lacitcollege.edu to initiate the request.
While the Financial Aid Office accepts student loans from private lenders, LACC does not endorse nor will make any recommendations for any private lenders. It is solely the student's responsibility to conduct the research and meet the lender's requirements for eligibility. LACC requires the student to apply for Federal Direct Loans before they are considered for private loans.
Announcements
Virtual Financial Aid Student Technology (FAST) Lab
If you need assistance completing your application for financial aid, navigating the Financial Aid Portals, submitting appeals, request a student loan, or any other process related to your financial aid at LACC, please visit our virtual Financial Aid Student Technology Lab (FAST Lab). The virtual lab is available Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, and Fridays from 8:00 am to 2:00 pm.
2024-2025 California College Promise Grant (Enrollment Fees Waiver)
Millions of dollars of financial aid go unused every year because students don’t think they will qualify, which in many cases isn’t true. The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waives community college enrollment fees if you’re eligible.
You should apply if:
- You’ve lived in California for at least one year, or
- You’ve been determined a California resident homeless youth by the Financial Aid Office, or
- You’re eligible for non-resident tuition as an AB 540 or AB 1899 student, or with a “T” or “U” visa.
What you will need:
- Your or your parent’s/guardian’s 2022 tax information (we’ll walk you through which one you’ll need)
Three ways to apply:
- Fill out the FAFSA or the California Dream Act application. In addition to the fee waiver, by completing these, you may qualify for additional financial aid resources (Pell Grant, Cal Grant, Work Study, etc.) to help with other costs (books, food, rent, etc.).
- Complete the CCPG Form online through the Financial Aid Portal
- Complete the CCPG Application form and submit it in person at the Financial Aid Office or via email at @email
Scholarships
Scholarships are gifts awarded to students offered through community groups, individual donors, and foundations, such as the LACC Foundation. Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership, talent, and/or community service. However, eligibility criteria, application procedures and deadlines vary by program.
There are millions of scholarships and millions of dollars out there. Chances are you can find at least one that aligns with your strengths and interests. Using multiple search engines– and diligently exploring the many awards out there– can improve your chances of winning a scholarship award. Keep in mind that even if you do not win a scholarship one year, many accept applications on an annual or rolling basis, so reapplication may be both simple and worthwhile.
Below is a small list of search engines and scholarships:
Los Angeles City College Foundation provides scholarships and opportunities to LACC students so that they continue to excel in their educational careers. All scholarships and opportunities are provided by the generosity of independent donors, LACC alumni and the campus community.
Apply at http://www.laccfoundation.org/students/apply-for-scholarships/
Scholarship Search Engines are tools you can use to locate scholarship opportunities. Generally, you will be asked to create a a profile, and the search engine will alert you about scholarship opportunities that match your specific criteria. Here are some of the most common:
As you begin your search for scholarships to help you pay for school, here are some key tips that can make it possible for you to maximize your chances of success:
- Apply for as many scholarships as you can: The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of earning them get. Don’t dismiss small awards, either. Several small scholarships can add up.
- Get second opinions on your essays: Ask a parent or school counselor to review your essays and give feedback before you submit them.
- Stay organized: Make sure you meet deadlines and keep track of the scholarships you have already applied for so you don’t miss opportunities. If you’re applying for many scholarships, keep a spreadsheet to track the scholarship names, deadlines and application statuses.
- Start early and keep looking: Start long before you need to make your first payment for school. Many scholarships become available once you’re in ninth grade. Once you’re out of high school, don’t stop searching for scholarships. Keep looking for opportunities while you’re in school.
- Use all available resources: To find scholarships that apply to you, use any resources you have available. Use multiple scholarship search engines, and check with your school’s financial aid office to see if any institutional or departmental scholarships are available. If you’re still in high school, ask your school counselor for help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for more tips from resources around you. Local universities and community colleges may offer scholarship workshops where you can learn more tips or have someone look over your essays.