There are major changes and improvements coming to the 2024–25 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. As a result, the new form will be available in December 2023, not Oct. 1.
The changes to the FAFSA form for the 2024–25 aid year include
- expanded eligibility for federal student aid and
- a more streamlined application process.
FAFSA
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step toward applying and getting federal aid for college, career
school, or graduate school. Santa Monica College will use your FAFSA data to determine
your eligibility for state and school aid. All students are encouraged to complete
and submit a FAFSA by March 2nd of each year.
How to Apply for FAFSA
- Access the FAFSA to submit your FAFSA application early!
- Create an FSA ID. This is your federal student number to apply for financial aid.
DREAM ACT (For AB 540/SB 68 Eligible Students)
How to Apply for CA DREAM Act
-
Submit a DREAM Act Application online (SMC School Code: 00128600). Priority Deadline for Cal Grant program is March 2nd.
-
Submit an AB 540 Affidavit to Admissions and Records Office with an official High School Transcript, GED certificate or the equivalent.
4. Meet with a college counselor to develop an education plan to help you achieve your goals.
CCPG:
Beginning with the 2023-24 academic year, to apply for the CCPG, please complete the FAFSA if you are a U. S. citizen or eligible non-citizen. If you do not meet the citizenship qualification but meet the AB540 residency standards, please complete the California Dream Act Application to determine your eligibility.
STUDENTS ENROLLED IN A BACHELOR'S PROGRAM MUST APPLY FOR THE CCPG FEE WAIVER THROUGH THE FAFSA OR CALIFORNIA DREAM ACT APPLICATION.
School Codes
- FAFSA: 001286
- CA Dream Act: 00128600
Log in to your SMC Corsair Connect financial aid portal.
All communication from the Santa Monica College Financial Aid Office will be sent to you via email or posted on your financial aid portal. For example, your estimated award letter will include information about your eligibility for federal and state financial aid, the type of award (California College Promise Grant, Cal Grant, Pell, SEOG, Work Study, etc.) and dollar amounts awarded to you.
*An award is based on the number of units enrolled in each semester and subject to change based on academic standing. See the orientation page for the breakdown of enrollment.
Note: Students can only receive federal financial aid (grants and loans) from one college at a time. If you plans to attend two colleges concurrently, you must decide which college you will receive your financial aid assistance from.
Submitting Documents
You can submit most documents through the new paperless system called Corsair eDocs!
Fall 2023
August 22, 2023 1st Pell Disbursement**
September 26, 2023 Cal Grant and SSCG Disbursement**
October 15,2023 Scholarship Application available through Corsair Connect
October 24, 2023 Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (2-3pm), RSVP here.
October 31, 2023 Fall Census Date
October 31, 2023 2nd Pell Disbursement**
November 3, 2023 Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (10-11am) , RSVP here.
November 8, 2023 In-Person Scholarship Lab (12:30-2:30pm), RSVP here.
November 14, 2023 Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (2-3pm), RSVP here.
November 28, 2023 Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (2-3pm), RSVP here.
December 8, 2023 Loan Application Deadline (Fall Only)
December 20, 2023 SAP Appeal Deadline
** Full disbursement process may take 1-2 weeks from date listed above. Please check Financial Aid Portal on Corsair Connect for a more accurate date.
Spring 2024
January 15, 2024 Spring 2024 Appeal Available
January 30, 2024 24-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 11:30am-1:30pm in SSC 150 (Computer Lab)
February 1, 2024 24-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 2:30pm-3:30pm in SSC 150 (Computer Lab)
February 6, 2024 1st Pell Disbursement**
March 28, 2024 24-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 11:00am-2:00pm in SSC 150
April 23, 2024 Spring Census Date
April 24, 2024 2nd Pell Disbursement**
May 2, 2024 24-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 11:00am-1:00pm in SSC 150: RSVP here
May 31, 2024 Loan Application Deadline
June 11, 2024 SAP Appeal Deadline
** Full disbursement process may take 1-2 weeks from date listed above. Please check Financial Aid Portal on Corsair Connect for a more accurate date.
This online phone system allows you to place yourself in a queue to receive a callback from a Financial Aid staff member.
HOW IT WORKS:
1. Add yourself to the "line" by clicking on the link below. You will be asked for
your name, ID number, and phone number. Please make sure to fill out all information
correctly.
2. We will send you texts to keep you updated of your place in line.
3. Once we are ready for you, we will call you at the number provided.
***The QLess line will close automatically if the wait time exceeds 2-3 hours or the number of available representatives, but you can periodically try again to access the QLess line. Depending on the current student wait time, we may not be able to reopen for the day.
QLess : Remote drop-in hours
- Mondays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Tuesdays & Wednesdays: 10 a.m. - 5 p.m.
- Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Fridays: 9 a.m. - 12p.m.