Can You Get Financial Aid for Community College?

Getting financial aid for community college is a straightforward process.

As the cost of attending a four-year college rises, many students are deciding to spend their first college years at a community college. For some students, attending community college still requires them to receive financial aid. Fortunately, the process for obtaining financial aid is straightforward.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the catch-all form used to determine aid eligibility by the federal government. Consequently, almost all community colleges require students to complete it. It also determines how much you will have to contribute toward education costs and how much aid you will receive.

Fee Waivers

Some community colleges have fee waivers for disadvantaged students. This exempts students from some or all fees, but they still have to pay for books and other needs.

On-Campus Scholarships

On-campus scholarships are a good resource because they are specifically aimed at the student body, which is smaller at community colleges. This reduces the pool of competitors from thousands of students to hundreds.

Off-Campus Scholarships

These are usually more competitive because they are open to students across the country (or around the world), but the rewards are usually bigger.

Tips

Don't lie about enrollment or grade-point average. Your school will usually verify this information before funds are sent. Always send a thank-you letter to the awarding organizations. FAFSA deadlines vary by state. Check the application for your state's deadline.

References

• Department of Education: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
• California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office: Fee Waiver Application for California Students
• Department of Education: FAFSA Deadlines