How to Apply for Financial Aid
The financial aid process can be intimidating, but don’t let it scare you away from a quality education. We are here to help you, because your success as a student is important to everyone at Contra Costa College.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) www.fafsa.gov to apply for federal and state grant and loan programs.
- Contra Costa College FAFSA School Code: 001190
- To sign your FAFSA electronically, you (and your parent if you are dependent) must have an FSA ID. Click here for more information on the FSA ID.
- Complete the Dream Act Application to apply for state grant and fee waiver programs.
- Contra Costa College Dream School Code: 00119000
- Visit our resource page for undocumented students.
Once you have been accepted to attend Contra Costa College, the first step to get help with paying your fees and tuition is to submit an application for financial assistance.
Connect with Us
Online Assistance (Zoom)
By Appointment Only
Financial Aid Lab Hours (In-Person)
| Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays 9:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. |
Student Services Center Hours
| Mon – Thurs | 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. |
| Friday | 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. |
Contact the Welcome Center or visit department page for more specific operating hours.
Follow the Financial Aid Office on social media for announcements about financial aid updates.
Get Help Applying for Financial Aid
At the Office of Financial Assistance, we understand that paying for college can be a huge challenge.
Therefore, it is our mission to help you take advantage of the many financial resources that are available to you in order to make attaining a higher education at Contra Costa College accessible.
Financial Aid Basics
When it comes to paying for school, you need to know your options. Don’t make decisions without knowing how the process works. Otherwise, you may miss out on some help that could make your life a lot easier!
Get Financial Coaching With SparkPoint
SparkPoint can help you learn about budgeting, credit, and overcoming financial challenges through free workshops and financial coaching!
Frequently Asked Questions
Types of Financial Aid
The term “financial aid” refers to any type of financial assistance provided to students to help cover the costs of higher education. This ranges from fee waivers to grants or even work-study. Below you will find general information about the types of financial aid that Contra Costa College offers.
Federal Student Aid Programs
The United States Department of Education is the largest provider of financial assistance for higher education in the country. Below, you will find information on the various programs they offer to students of Contra Costa College.
This is the single largest source of financial aid. Students who are U.S. Citizens or permanent residents with demonstrated financial need (as defined by the FAFSA), and meet all other eligibility requirements, may qualify to receive grant assistance. The amount of the Pell Grant will vary from student to student depending on the income information reported on the FAFSA. Learn more about it.
This additional grant is available to students who are eligible for the Pell Grant, demonstrate high financial need, and are enrolled at least half-time. Awarding is based on a first-come first-serve basis depending on availability of funds. Students who complete their FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline are given priority when awarding SEOG. Learn more about it.
FWS is a program designed to provide part-time jobs for students, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses while also earning valuable work experience. Students who have FWS jobs work on-campus part-time (up to 20 hours per week) in various departments, such as the Early Learning Center, Library, EOPS, Financial Aid, Athletics and Student Life. The best part? Your FWS job will always work around your school schedule! To apply for FWS, simply complete your FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline and be sure to indicate interest in FWS. Awards are made on a first-come, first-serve basis to students who apply the earliest, complete their financial aid files early, are enrolled at least half-time, and have demonstrated financial need.
The U.S. Department of Education offers low-interest loans to students to help cover educational expenses. Loans will never replace grant, work-study, or scholarship assistance, so students must utilize all other forms of financial assistance before applying for a loan. Although the interest rate is low on federal student loans, it is important to understand that loans are paid back with interest over time, so you will pay back more than what you received.
For more information on federal student loans, including eligibility requirements and terms, Click Here.
California State Aid Programs
The state of California offers aid programs to California residents, including undocumented residents, attending California colleges and universities who meet specific eligibility guidelines. Click here for more information on financial aid programs for undocumented students.
The CPG (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver) waives enrollment fees at California Community Colleges for California residents who meet specific requirements. CPG recipients do not have to be enrolled in any minimum number of units, and applying is easy! Simply submit the FAFSA or Dream Act Application and you will be automatically considered for CPG.
Cal Grant offers cash aid assistance to help pay for the costs of tuition, fees, and other expenses. Award amounts will vary based on the type of Cal Grant you receive and the type of institution you are attending. To apply, you must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act Application, plus the GPA Verification Form. Learn more about it.
If you are or were in foster care for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have not reached your 26th birthday, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year – and you don’t have to pay this money back! To qualify, you must have your foster youth status established by the court and demonstrate financial need. You must also complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application in addition to the Chafee Grant application. For additional Chafee Grant information and to apply, visit www.chafee.csac.ca.gov.
The SSCG offers additional aid to encourage students who are already receiving Cal Grant B or C to attend full-time. Taking more classes will help you stay on track, earn your degree faster, and get you on the path to your dream career. The more classes you take, the more money you are eligible to receive: If you are enrolled in 12-14.99 units you can receive an additional $1,298 per semester, but if you enroll in 15 or more units, you can receive an additional $4,000 per semester. To qualify you must complete the FAFSA or Dream Act Application and be a Cal Grant B or C recipient. Learn more about it.
Financial Aid Application Process
It makes no difference whether you do your FAFSA/CADA first or your Admissions Application first. However, we encourage you to do both as closely together as possible. Additionally, you must be registered and enrolled in classes before any financial aid disbursements can be made.
The FAFSA is available for students to apply all year-round. Each application becomes available on October 1 one year prior to the academic year, with a filing deadline of June 30 at the end of the academic year. For example, the 2018-2019 FAFSA will come out on October 1, 2017, with a final deadline of June 30, 2019. It’s true! You can file all year long! However, we always encourage students to file early if you need money for books, supplies, etc. in advance of the school year. Additionally, there is a March 2 priority filing deadline every year to be considered for additional grants, like Cal Grant.
One of the biggest mistakes new students make is not applying for financial aid because they think they don’t qualify. If you think you need help paying for fees, books and other expenses, you should apply. Even if you aren’t sure you’ll qualify, we encourage all students to apply. Citizens and eligible non-citizens can complete the FAFSA, while other non-citizens can complete the California Dream Act Application (CADA) instead.
Yes, you must reapply by submitting a new FAFSA/CADA for each academic year. The new FAFSA/CADA for the following academic year becomes available on October 1 annually.
To be eligible for federal student aid on the FAFSA, you must be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen. For financial aid purposes, an eligible non-citizen is one of the following:
S. Permanent Resident who has an Alien Registration Receipt Card (I-551)
a conditional permanent resident (I-551C); or
a non-citizen with an Arrival-Departure record (I-94) from the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services with one of the following designations—“Refugee,” “Asylum Granted,” “Parole,” or “Cuban-Haitian Entrant.”
If you do not qualify as an eligible non-citizen, you might still be considered for state aid under the California Dream Act Application (CADA) if you meet AB 540 requirements.
Because the FAFSA/CADA for an academic year is available on October 1 of the prior year, the most recent income would be from the prior-prior tax year. For example, if you are completing the 2018-2019 FAFSA/CADA on October 1, 2017, the last full tax year would be 2016, so you use the 2016 income information to complete the FAFSA. This ensures that the application is based on actual income data rather than estimates, since most people will have already completed their prior-prior year tax returns by the time they apply for financial aid.
Filing your application is only the first step in completing the financial aid process and receiving funds, if eligible.
First, you will receive email confirmation of your application submission and your Student Aid Report (SAR) within 1-3 business days.
Next, in about 10-14 business days, you will receive an email notification from the Contra Costa College Office of Financial Assistance to your InSite Portal school email account.
This email will acknowledge that we have received your application, and also provide you with instructions for checking your “Required Documents” on InSite Portal to find out if you have any other documents or forms to submit.
Most students have to turn in some additional paperwork before receiving any financial aid payments.
No problem! You can always make corrections to your FAFSA/CADA information if you need to. Just log back into your FAFSA on www.fafsa.gov, or CADA on www.caldreamact.org, then click on the link to “Make Corrections.” If you need help, visit our FA Lab hours for one-on-one assistance with your online application. Lab hours are limited, so check our web site for the most recent listing of lab hours.
If you are a FAFSA filer, you should definitely still apply! March 2 is only a priority deadline for Cal Grant, as well as priority awarding for additional aid such as Federal Work-Study. You can still apply and qualify for the Federal Pell Grant and California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver) all academic year long. So, if you miss the March 2 deadline, don’t worry! You can still complete the FAFSA to get financial aid. However, if you are a CADA filer, you must file by the March 2 deadline to be considered for Cal Grant only.
Students who are considered “dependent” on the FAFSA must provide parent information. Whether you are considered to be “dependent” is based on a series of questions on the FAFSA. Click here for more information on how dependency status is determined. Please note that, regardless of where a student lives, whether the parents provide support, or the parents’ willingness to provide the required information, the student must still provide parent information to complete the FAFSA.
We offer regular lab services where you can get one-on-one assistance completing your online application! Just visit our office between the hours of 9AM-1PM Monday-Friday (closed Fridays in summer). Select “FA Lab” as your reason when checking in at the sign-in kiosk. Our office is located in the Student Services Center.
We also host several “Financial Aid On-the-Spot” events throughout the year, where students can get help and connect with a financial aid staff member.
Follow us on social media to stay on top of all our financial aid events! Find us on Instagram and Facebook, just search for #cccwheresmycheck.
California DREAM Act
If you are not a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen, but meet the requirements of the California Dream Act (AB 540), you may qualify to apply for state financial aid programs by completing the California Dream Act Application (CADA) online at www.dream.csac.ca.gov. The CADA is available online on October 1 annually for the following academic year. Students must apply by March 2 to be considered for Cal Grant. If you apply after March 2, you can only be considered for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, which is not a cash award.
You may qualify to apply for state aid under the California Dream Act (AB 540), if you meet all of the following criteria:
Attended a California high school for at least three years, OR attained the equivalent of at least three years of credits from a California high school and attended at least three full years at California K-12 schools;
AND
Graduated from a California high school, got a GED, or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam;
Are registered or enrolled at a California community college;
If required, complete an affidavit saying you have filed (or will file when you are eligible to do so) for legal immigration status.
Students who meet all of the above criteria should visit the Admissions & Records Office, located in the Student Services Center, to have their AB 540 status verified. The California Dream Act Application (CADA) is open to all students meeting the above criteria on October 1 annually, with a deadline of March 2 annually for the following academic year, in order to be considered for Cal Grant.
There are many types of private scholarships that undocumented AB 540 students may qualify for, so we encourage you to apply!
Visit our Scholarship Tips & Resources page for more information on free scholarship search tools and other sites offering financial resources for undocumented students.
You should also contact the Extended Opportunity Programs & Services (EOPS) office to inquire about other state resources, such as book grants or help with transportation.
Book an appointment with EOPS today!
After Filing Your FAFSA/CADA
Filing your application is only the first step in completing the financial aid process and receiving funds, if eligible. First, you will receive email confirmation of your application submission and your Student Aid Report (SAR) within 1-3 business days. Next, in about 10-14 business days, you will receive an email notification from the Contra Costa College Office of Financial Assistance to your InSite Portal school email account. This email will acknowledge that we have received your application, and also provide you with instructions for checking your “Required Documents” on InSite Portal to find out if you have any other documents or forms to submit. Most students have to turn in some additional paperwork before receiving any financial aid payments.
No problem! You can always make corrections to your FAFSA/CADA information if you need to. Just log back into your FAFSA on www.fafsa.gov, or CADA on www.caldreamact.org, then click on the link to “Make Corrections.” If you need help, visit our FA Lab hours for one-on-one assistance with your online application. Lab hours are limited, so check our web site for the most recent listing of lab hours.
We understand that the FAFSA/CADA requires income information from the prior-prior tax year, and sometimes life situations occur that cause the income to decrease. This can include things like loss of employment, loss of benefits, separate or divorce, or the death of a parent/spouse. Should any of these situations occur, you may file a Reduction of Income Form to update the income information on your financial aid application. All forms are available on the Financial Aid Forms web page. Please be sure to read and follow all instructions carefully and submit all required supporting documentation.
Yes! You don’t have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid. At Contra Costa College, there is no unit requirement for the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver). Additionally, to receive financial aid cash disbursements, many students can qualify for as little as 1 unit. However, this can vary from student to student and the amount of the disbursement will be less than the full award amount.
Filing the FAFSA/CADA is only the first step in the financial aid process. Most students will have to submit additional forms or documents to complete their financial aid file. To tell if you have anything missing, log on to InSite Portal, then click on the Financial Aid tile. Next, click on “Financial Aid Home” from the menu, then on “Required Documents.” You can download and print any required forms right from the web site. Submit any required documents ASAP! Your financial aid cannot be awarded until all required documents have been received and reviewed.
We are happy to accept your documents via fax or email: financialaid@contracosta.edu
Verification is the process used to confirm the data that you reported on your FAFSA/CADA. We use this process to make sure the income and other information that you reported is accurate. If you are selected for verification, it doesn’t mean that you did anything wrong! Most people are randomly selected for verification. Those selected for verification are selected by the application processing center, not by Contra Costa College, although CCC has the authority to request verification documents on a case-by-case basis.
Processing time can vary throughout the year. Peak processing times tend to occur around the beginning of each semester, which can increase the processing time. We encourage you to complete your FAFSA/CADA and submit any required documents early to avoid long lines and long processing times! Generally, processing time can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks. Once your documents have been processed, you will receive an email to your InSite Portal email account regarding your award status.
Receiving Your Financial Aid / Award
First, you will receive an email confirmation from the FAFSA or Dream Act processing system within 1-3 business days. Although this email may contain tentative award information, your award status is NOT finalized until you receive your Award Letter from Contra Costa College.
Next, you will receive an email notification to your InSite Portal school email account from our office. This will come within 2-3 weeks from the date you submitted your FAFSA or Dream Act Application. This email will acknowledge that we have received your application, and also provide you with instructions to check your Financial Aid Checklist on InSite Portal to make sure you don’t have any missing documents or forms to submit to our office.
Any documents or forms being requested should be submitted ASAP! It can take about 4-6 weeks processing time for your documents to be reviewed, so don’t delay! Once your documents are received and reviewed, your financial aid file will be complete and you will receive an Award Letter notification via email, if eligible.2023-2024 DISBURSEMENT CALENDAR
Federal student loans are always disbursed in two equal disbursements for the award period. If your loan is awarded for a full academic year, that usually means one disbursement in fall and another in spring.
However, if your loan is awarded for one semester, you can still expect to receive two disbursements: one in the first half of the semester, and another after the midpoint of the semester has passed.
First-time Borrowers are NOT eligible to receive a loan disbursement until AFTER 30 days from the start of each semester; therefore, first-time borrowers can expect to receive their loan disbursement by the SECOND disbursement date of each semester, so long as all other requirements are met by the published documentation deadline for the second disbursement date below.
Award Information
Once your financial aid file is complete, you will receive an email to your InSite Portal email account with instructions for viewing your Award Letter. The Award Letter will include all awards for which you have been determined eligible for, as well as dollar amounts of each award. But remember, if you are not enrolled full-time, your award amount will be prorated. Also remember, the California College Promise Grant (formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver) is NOT a cash award, so you should not expect to receive that amount in a cash disbursement.
The date you will receive your financial aid disbursement depends on the date that you received your award notification via email. You can find more information on disbursement dates on the Receiving Your Financial Aid page. Generally, the financial aid disbursement will take place about 5-10 business days after you are notified via email.
Contra Costa College delivers your refund with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. Visit this link for more information: https://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoicessso/. To choose your disbursement option online, log onto InSite Portal, click the “Financial Aid” tile, then click “My FA Disbursements.” You can even read our third-party servicer contract for refund management if you’d like.
This could occur for a number of reasons. First, your Award Letter includes a full annual award. Awards are split into 50% per semester, so you won’t receive all of the award in one semester. Additionally, there are two disbursements per semester, so the semester amount is also split into two halves. Furthermore, if you are not enrolled full-time, you will not receive the full award amount and it will be prorated instead. Lastly, there are times when some of your courses might not be eligible for financial aid, such as if you are repeating the class multiple times.
Your eligibility for financial aid is based upon a number of factors, including the size of your family, how many members of the family are in college, and, of course, family income and assets. Even though your family’s circumstances may appear to be very similar to your sibling’s or friend’s, there may be substantial differences in the components used to calculate financial aid eligibility.
Your eligibility for financial aid is based upon a number of factors, including the size of your family, how many members of the family are in college, and, of course, family income and assets. Even though your family’s circumstances may appear to be very similar to your sibling’s or friend’s, there may be substantial differences in the components used to calculate financial aid eligibility.
Maintaining Eligibility and Overpayments
Yes, there are academic requirements in order to maintain eligibility for financial aid programs. This is called Satisfactory Academic Progress, or SAP. It is important that you read and understand the full SAP Policy. If you do not meet the SAP requirements, you will lose eligibility to receive financial aid.
Yes, there are limits to how long you can receive financial aid. First, there is a Maximum Timeframe in the SAP Policy that limits the amount of units a student can receive financial aid for at CCC. Also, there is a lifetime limit to the amount of Federal Pell Grant that a student can receive altogether. Watch this video for more information on the Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility. Lastly, there are loan limits, both annually and aggregately, that a student can take out. Watch this video for more information on Student Loan Limits.
Dropping classes or failing to attend can result in a financial aid overpayment. This means that you may be required to pay back some or all of the financial aid that you received. It is important that you read and understand the Withdrawals and R2T4 Policy if you are receiving cash disbursements from financial aid programs. If you are unsure how dropping a class will affect your financial aid, we encourage you to visit the Office of Financial Assistance to speak with an advisor.
No, you cannot receive financial aid disbursements from two schools during the same period of enrollment. Receiving aid at two different schools will result in a financial aid overpayment and you will be required to pay back financial aid funds to one of the schools. If you are attending Contra Costa College and another California Community College, you may be able to receive financial aid for all of your combined units, but you will need to make an appointment to complete a Consortium Agreement. Contact our office to book an appointment.
There is a limit to the amount of times that you can retake a class and still receive financial aid for that class. If you are not sure if a class you are retaking will qualify for financial aid, you can review the Financial Aid Repeat Policy for more details.
Policies + Regulations
In order to comply with federal, state and institutional regulations and guidelines, the Contra Costa College Office of Student Financial Assistance has developed the following policies that apply to all students receiving financial assistance. It is important that each student receiving financial assistance has read and understood these policies.
HEERF Public Reporting Requirements
Professional Judgements: Reduction of Income and Dependency Override
Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy (SAP)
The laws that govern financial aid eligibility are based on the federal and state government. Because these regulations are always changing, this section is meant to keep the students of Contra Costa up-to-date on financial aid regulations that may affect them now and in the future!
Fall 2016 BOG Fee Waiver Changes: Beginning in Fall 2016, students must meet minimum academic and progress standards to avoid losing eligibility for the BOG Fee Waiver program. Learn more.
Early FAFSA and Prior-Prior Year: Beginning with the 2017-2018 FAFSA, the application will become available early! Instead of waiting until January to apply, students can start applying in October 2016. Also, instead of using income information from the prior tax year, you will use income information from the “prior-prior” tax year. That means for your 2017-2018 FAFSA, you will use tax information from 2015. But don’t be confused! Watch some videos that help explain it all.
Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility Limit: Effective July 1, 2012, a student may receive the Pell Grant for up to 12 full-time semesters, or six full-time academic years. This includes all years in which the student has received Pell Grant. Once a student has received 12 full-time semesters of Pell Grant, the student will no longer be eligible for Pell Grant for any future semesters. Any semesters in which the student was not enrolled full-time will be prorated. Learn more about it.
High School Graduation and Ability to Benefit: Students who enroll in an eligible higher education program for the first time on or after July 1, 2012, and do not have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent (GED, CHSPE), are ineligible to receive student aid. Only students who were enrolled in eligible programs prior to July 1, 2012, and do not have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent remain eligible to qualify under the Ability to Benefit (ATB) provisions. ATB provisions provide the option for the student to pass an independently administered ATB test or successfully complete at least 6 credit hours of postsecondary education to qualify for student aid. If you feel that you may qualify under the ATB provisions, please contact the Office of Student Financial Assistance for more information.
CAL GRANT QUALIFYING INSTITUTION DISCLOSURE
Per California Assembly Bill (AB) 2086, the following information is made available to provide access to California license examination passage rates for graduates of Contra Costa College programs that require California licensure. Data will continue to be updated as California licensing and/or regulatory agencies make the data electronically available. Learn more at the websites listed below.
Emergency Medical Sciences
Registered Nurse (RN)
Financial Wellness
Studies show that by receiving financial wellness lessons, people are more likely to save, stay out of debt, and be more financially stable even after college. Below are resources that can assist students with making informed financial decisions for better financial wellness, now and in the future.
SparkPoint helps to empower individuals and families to become financial sustainable for social change. Work one-on-one with a coach who can help identify your goals for financial stability and prosperity! For more information on SparkPoint services and upcoming workshops, contact the SparkPoint Coordinator, Gerardo Mendoza, by emailing g.mendoza172@dvc.edu.
Complete Financial Wellness Counseling online through our new online financial aid counseling tool.
Student Loans
Are you considering taking out a student loan for college expenses? Taking on debt is a big decision that should not be taken lightly. Read on for things to consider before signing that loan paperwork!
| Federal Student Aid | Visit www.studentaid.ed.gov or call 1-800-4FEDAID. |
| Cal Grant | Create an account at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. |
| National Student Loan Data System | Check your existing loan balance information at https://nsldsfap.ed.gov/ |
| Debt Resolution Services | If you owe a defaulted loan or financial aid repayment, visit myeddebt.ed.gov or call 1-800-621-3115. |
Contra Costa College participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. Students may submit a Loan Request online through InSite. Just sign in, select the “Financial Aid” tile, then “Financial Aid Home,” then “New Loan Request” from the main drop-down menu.
Loan Request processing can take 2-4 weeks, after which you will be notified of your loan eligibility via your student email account on InSite.
For more information about Federal Direct Student Loans, watch this video.
If you have never taken out a student loan before, or your prior student loans have already been closed, you must complete an online Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note in order for your loans to be processed. Click here for step-by-step instructions.
Need Help? Book an online Financial Aid Appointment to meet with a financial aid advisor via Zoom to get one-on-one help submitting a new loan request, or completing your online Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note.
Another thing to consider when deciding how much debt you should take out is how much you can earn once you complete your college degree and enter the workforce. Use the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics National Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates to find out what people in your desired career are earning.
It’s always important to borrow only what you absolutely need to be successful in your classes. Start by creating a budget to assess how much money you already have, and what your expenses are. Be honest with yourself about expenses that you need, versus expenses that you want. Use these Budgeting Tips to get started. Next, use the Repayment Estimator to determine how much your monthly loan payment to be once you graduate.