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Financial Aid

Pay Smart for College

Explore Financial Aid

The goal of financial aid is to support students' academic success by providing assistance to help cover educational expenses. The amount of financial assistance a student may qualify for depends on state and federal eligibility guidelines and academic standards. Financial Aid can be offered in the forms of grants, loans, work-study programs and scholarships. 

Discover Financial Aid Navigation Guide

Learn about resources and access to Financial Aid services and resources.

 

Connect with Financial Aid Student Support

Financial Aid offers a variety of ways to connect to student services and support.

Financial Aid Q-Less

Join the Financial Aid Q-Less line to receive a callback from a Financial Aid staff member regarding your financial aid status questions.

QLess 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.

Financial Aid Q-Less (opens in new window)  

Office Hours

  • Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 6 p.m.
  • Thursday: 9 a.m. - 4 p.m.
  • Friday: 8:30 a.m. -12:30 p.m.

SMC Financial Aid Staff Directory (opens in new window)

FAFSA & Federal Student Aid (FSA)

Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education is considered Federal Financial Aid. To learn more about Pell Grant, SEOG, Federal Work Study and Direct Student Loans, visit: https://studentaid.gov/ . You can use your FSAID to log in and review your StudentAid Dashboard for an overview of your Pell Grant and/or Loan usage. 

Federal Student Aid (FSA) (opens in new window)

2024-2025 Better FAFSA Tutorial Videos (opens in new window)

California Student Aid Commission

CSAC is the organization in California that manages the California Dream Act Application and all state financial aid programs including Cal-Grant, Chafee Grant (for Foster Youth) and Middle Class Scholarship. Students who are considered California Residents for Tuition purposes (including Undocumented/ Dreamers/ AB540 students) are highly encouraged to create a WebGrants Account (opens in new window) to review Cal Grant eligibility and usage for transfer.

California Student Aid Commission (opens in new window)  

CSAC Cal Grant Programs (opens in new window)

CSAC Middle Class Scholarship (opens in new window)

Dreamers, AB-540 and CA Dream Act Application

The California Dream Act of 2011 allow undocumented who meet Assembly Bill (AB) 540 requirements to receive in-state financial aid and and institutional scholarships. To be considered for in-state grants, undocumented AB-540 students must complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every year (priority deadline is March 2nd). Learn more about AB-540 requirements, CADAA and financial aid resources for Dreamers/undocumented/DACA-mented students using the link below.

SMC Application Steps for Undocumented AB540 Students (opens in new window)

CA Dream Act and AB540 Information (opens in new window)

SMC Dream Program (opens in new window)

SMC Scholarship Program

SMC Foundation in partnership with the Financial Aid Office offer the SMC Scholarship application every year! Review the links below to learn more about the SMC Scholarship application, eligibility requirements and deadlines. 

SMC Scholarship Program Homepage (opens in new window)

SMC Scholarship Program FAQs (opens in new window)

List of SMC Scholarships (Filter by Major, Key Words & Enrollment Status) (opens in new window)

Thrive with Financial Aid Navigation Tools

Utilize these tools to successfully navigate Financial Aid Office services and resources.