6 Steps to Applying for Financial Aid

Step 1: Apply for Admission

If not a recently admitted or a continuing Cañada/SMCCCD student, visit Admissions page and complete required steps to become a student.

Step 2: Apply for Financial Aid

Complete and submit a financial aid application.

FAFSA (for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizen applicants)– use Cañada Federal School Code 006973

OR

California Dream Application (for AB 540 applicants) – use Cañada Federal School Code 006973

Allow 1-2 weeks for the application to be processed and sent to the College's Financial Aid Office. Students will receive two emails: one from the Department of Education and another from the College's Financial Aid Office confirming receipt. 

Watch this video for details on how to apply.

If you need assistance with completing your financial aid application go to Step 3. 

Step 3: Application Assistance

If you need assistance with either application, please complete this appointment request form 

Phone assistance:

  • Financial Aid Office-(650) 306-3308
  • FAFSA-1(800) 433-3243
  • DREAM Act-1(888)-224-7268

Application Resource Links:

What will I need to fill out the FAFSA?

What will I need to fill out the Dream Act Application? (Refer to page 10 "To complete the CA Dream Act Application, you begin by gathering the following documents") 

Need help creating your FSA ID? Get started today and view this video for help and hints.

Step 4: Submit Forms

Submit ALL documents/forms requested by the Financial Aid Office.

Once your FAFSA or Dream Application is processed, the Financial Aid Office will notify you at your college issued "my.smccd.edu" email address and post any additional requirements on WebSMART. Please submit ALL required documents/forms at the same time. Incomplete documents/forms will not be accepted. 

Instructions on how to check your outstanding financial aid requirements.

Step 5: Review

Review the Disbursement Options with Bank Mobile and choose how your financial aid and scholarship payments will be sent to you.

Step 6: Receive Financial Aid

If the aid you've been awarded is not enough to meet your educational expenses, you may be eligible for a Federal Direct Student Loan. Visit our Loan Page for more information.

If your financial aid file is complete, you are not required to appeal, and are enrolled in sufficient units to receive your pending financial aid payment, your funds will be released the next scheduled disbursement date. See disbursement policy for more information.