The higher education community, celebrates Financial Aid Awareness Month, in an effort to disseminate financial aid information to students and families about access to federal, state, and institutional student aid.
February is Financial Aid Awareness Month!
Why Should I Complete the FAFSA?
Facts…
- Most students are eligible for some form of financial aid! Completing the FAFSA can really help you pay for college.
- FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Yes, It is free to fill out.
- The U.S. Department of Education uses this application to determine a student's eligibility for need-based federal financial aid based upon the students and/or parents’ financial situation.
- Types of Aid may include federal grants, tuition waiver, work-study, scholarships, and loans. If eligible, it can help you pay for school!
- Filling out the FAFSA is easier than ever and usually takes 30 minutes or less to complete.
- Start your application now at www.fafsa.gov .
Have more questions? Chat With Our Team!
- Connect with a financial aid staff on U-Chat at Financial Aid | San Diego Miramar College (sdmiramar.edu) .
- Or email us at miraaid@sdccd.edu .
Check this video out! What is financial aid?
What is financial aid? | San Diego Miramar College | Ocelot (financialaidtv.com)
What type of Resources can I receive through FAFSA?
Here are some examples of Federal and State Aid that students may receive when they apply for the FAFSA:
The Federal Pell Grant:
- The largest Federal Grant Program and the foundation of the FAFSA awards.
- Grant awards can range from $600 to over $6495.
- The Pell Grant is awarded based on full-time enrollment (in Miramar’s case, 12 or more units per semester). Students enrolled in less than 12 units will have their award adjusted accordingly.
- Note: Students with a bachelor’s degree or higher will not qualify for the Pell Grant.
The California College Promise Grant (Formerly known as the BOG Fee Waiver)
- The California College Promise Grant (or CCPG) is a state funded grant that assists students with paying for enrollment fees.
- This Grant is awarded to students that are California residents.
- The FAFSA assists in determining if the student qualifies for the CCPG.
The Federal Direct Loan Program:
- The Federal Direct Loan Program allows students to borrow money directly from the Federal Government to assist in paying for their education.
- Interest rates vary depending on if a student is an Undergraduate, Graduate, or Professional student. For example, Undergraduate Borrowers currently have an interest rate of 2.75% (https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/interest-rates)
- Compare this with interest rates from Private Student Loans that can range from 3.83% - 14.50%
- To qualify, students must be enrolled in at least 6-units, demonstrate Satisfactory Academic Progress, and fill out the FAFSA to determine level of financial need.
Verification Documents:
Upon applying for the FAFSA, students may be randomly selected to submit additional documents for verification.
- Examples of these include the Verification Worksheet for Dependent Students. These can be found through the Financial Aid Office page and can be submitted online.
Questions about Financial Aid Status or Concerns
Students are able to reach us through various options to address concerns or questions they may have regarding their financial aid application.
UChat:
- We have an implemented chat room available for students to chat with an available staff member to answer questions.
Connect with a financial aid staff on U-Chat at Financial Aid | San Diego Miramar College (sdmiramar.edu)
Email:
- Students can reach out to us with further concerns or to submit documentation through our email at miraaid@sdccd.edu
Check this video out! What is financial aid?
What is financial aid? | San Diego Miramar College | Ocelot (financialaidtv.com)
There are plenty more resources that are available through the FAFSA! You can read more of what is available through San Diego Miramar College’s Financial Aid webpage
