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.