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.
- 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, 20231st Pell Disbursement**
- September 26, 2023Cal Grant and SSCG Disbursement**
- October 15,2023Scholarship Application available through Corsair Connect
- October 24, 2023Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (2-3 p.m.).
- October 31, 2023Fall Census Date
- October 31, 20232nd Pell Disbursement**
- November 3, 2023Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (10-11 a.m.).
- November 8, 2023In-Person Scholarship Lab (12:30-2:30 p.m.),
- November 14, 2023Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (2-3 p.m.).
- November 28, 2023Scholarship Workshop via Zoom (2-3 p.m.).
- December 8, 2023Loan Application Deadline (Fall Only)
- December 20, 2023SAP 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, 2024Spring 2024 Appeal Available
- January 30, 202424-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 11:30 a.m.-1:30 p.m. in SSC 150 (Computer Lab)
- February 1, 202424-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 2:30-3:30 p.m. in SSC 150 (Computer Lab)
- February 6, 20241st Pell Disbursement**
- March 28, 202424-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 11 a.m.-2 p.m. in SSC 150
- April 23, 2024Spring Census Date
- April 24, 20242nd Pell Disbursement**
- May 2, 202424-25 FAFSA/ CADAA lab 11 a.m.-1 p.m. in SSC 150.
- May 31, 2024Loan Application Deadline
- June 11, 2024SAP 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.
Summer 2024
- June 30, 2024Last day to submit the 23-24 FAFSA or CADAA application
- July 1, 2024Summer and Fall Appeals available on Corsair eDocs
- July 9, 2024Summer Pell and Loan Disbursement
- Jul 15, 202424-25 Direct Loan form available
- July 26, 2024Summer SAP Appeal Deadline
- July 26, 202423-24 Year Close Out: Last day to submit any pending/requested documents for the 23-24 school year.
- August 9, 2024Summer Loan Application Deadline
- August 22, 2024Office Closed for Professional Development Day
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. - 4 p.m.
- Thursdays: 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.
- Fridays: 9 a.m. - 12p.m.