FC Frequent Questions

Image with Question Mark Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for financial aid?
A FAFSA is all you need to get started.

What is FAFSA?
Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It’s FREE!!

Do I have to fill out a FAFSA every year?
Yes. Applications are available starting January 1^st, both paper and electronic applications.

What is the difference between submitting an electronic FAFSA versus a paper FAFSA?
An electronic FAFSA is processed in two (2) to three (3) weeks, while the paper FAFSA takes four (4) to six (6) weeks to process.

What is the deadline for filing the FAFSA (i.e. applying for financial aid)?

The PRIORITY deadline for FAFSA is March 2^nd. Forms must be postmarked no later than March 2^nd before the academic year for which aid is being sought in order to be considered for STATE aid. However, if the March 2^nd deadline is missed, you will still be considered for federal Financial Aid, as well as other Financial Aid programs.

You can apply for a Financial Aid through the last day of classes in Spring semester.

How is the FAFSA used to determine my financial aid need?
The federal government uses data provided on the FAFSA to calculate a student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office calculates a student’s Cost of Attendance (COA) which includes tuition, living expenses, miscellaneous fees, books, etc. COA minus EFC equals a student’s financial need, which we then try to meet with federal grants, state grants, academic or talent scholarships, institutional grants, federal work study, and various loans.

Are there any forms to fill out besides the FAFSA?

Board of Governor Fee Waiver (BOGFW): Community College students who are California residents may qualify for a fee waiver. Check with the Financial Aid/Veteran Benefits Office for qualification requirements, or navigate through our website for additional information.

Cal Grant GPA Verification Form: First year undergraduate students who are California residents and are applying for California Grants must submit a GPA verification form. The forms are available at California high schools and Fullerton College Financial Aid/Veteran Services Offices. GPA verification forms must be completed by the institution where the student last completed 24 units and MUST be submitted by March 2^nd. For students who have earned at least 16 Fullerton College units, their GPA will automatically be submitted electronically.

If you are selected for verification, other forms will be required.

Where can I obtain more information on Scholarships?
Scholarships may, or may not, be based on your grade point average and SAT or ACT test scores, and other factors. For more information, contact the Fullerton College Foundation Office at www.fullcollfoundation.org or (714) 525-5651, or the Fullerton College Cadena Transfer Center at http://cadena.fullcoll.edu or (714) 992-7587.

Students are also encouraged to log onto www.fastweb.com. Students will answer questions, so as to create their profile. Thereafter, you will receive notification by e-mail of scholarship opportunities....IT'S FAST, IT'S FUN, IT'S WORTH IT!

I don’t live with my parents and my parents don't support me, do I still have to include their information on the FAFSA?
Yes. The only time a student would not need to include parent information is if the student can answer YES to at least ONE of the following questions:

- Were you born before January 1, 1984? (for the 07-08 academic year)

- Are you working on a master's or doctorate program?
- As of the date you file the FAFSA, are you married?
- Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
- Are you an orphan?
- Are you a ward/dependent of the court?
- Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?
- Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you?

NOTE: At the Financial Aid/Veteran Services Office, we believe that the more you know the more you will benefit, which is why we provide you with answers to the most frequently asked questions. To find out more about financial aid, feel free to call or visit our department. Remember...the question that is NOT asked is the question that remains unanswered! We are here to help YOU!