FAFSA

FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid through the U.S. Department of Education.

Regardless of income, every student should file a FAFSA every year if they meet the following criteria:

• You are a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent resident, asylum, etc.)
• You are a high school graduate (or high school senior) at the time of application

If a student does not meet citizenship criteria, please check the CA Dream Act Application to check for eligibility.

How to start your new FAFSA

By submitting this one online application, the student is applying for:

• California College Promise Grant
• Federal Grants (Pell Grant & SEOG)​
• Federal Work Study
• Cal Grants​ (Must submit by the deadline)
• Campus based aid​
• Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans*

FSA ID 
All students and contributors (parents) will need to have an FSA ID and will need one in order to electronically sign the application.

Create your FSA ID      Apply for FAFSA

​​Santiago Canyon College Federal School I.D. code is:  036957​

What will I need to fill out the FAFSA?

​​Am I considered a dependent or independent student for my FAFSA?

For your FAFSA, you are considered dependent or independent based on specific criteria. Generally, you are considered independent if you meet one or more of the following:

• You are 24 years old or older
• You are married
• You are a graduate or professional student
• You have dependents (children or others) who receive more than half of their support from you
• You are a veteran or active-duty member of the U.S. Armed Forces
• You are an orphan, foster youth, or a ward of the court
• You are homeless or at risk of homelessness

If you do not meet any of these criteria, you are typically considered dependent. This means your parents' information will be required to submit the FAFSA, even if you do not live with them or they do not financially support you.

If you believe your circumstances are unique, you can contact the financial aid office to discuss a possible dependency override.

IMPORTANT FAFSA DATES:

October 1st - The new FAFSA for the next academic year becomes available online. Have your tax information available from two years prior to the academic year (example: for the 2025-2026 academic year, use your 2023 taxes). Don't wait -- start your application early.

March 2nd - This is the deadline for submitting your FAFSA for the best opportunity to receive a Cal Grant. This applies both for community college, and if you are transferring to a 4-year institution. Your GPA verification forms must also be submitted to CSAC by this date. (You may still be awarded federal aid (Pell Grant) if your FAFSA is received later than March 2, so you should still submit an application.)

September 2nd - Only currently enrolled community college students are offered this second chance to submit their FAFSA and will be reviewed for Cal Grants by this date. 

* Loans are offered to many students through the FAFSA, but you can decline the loan.