Apply for Financial Aid
Don’t let financial barriers hold you back. With a wide range of financial aid options, you can get help covering costs like tuition, textbooks and more.
Multiple Ways to Pay for College
We're here to support you at every stage of your academic and career journey. From grants and scholarships to work-study and fee waivers, there are many options available to help make college more affordable.
You must apply for Financial Aid every year. The application becomes available October 1 for the next school year. We recommend applying from October 1 to March 2 each year.
Are You Eligible?
Successful Financial Aid Candidates include:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);
- Non-resident eligible for a Cal DreamAct
- Has declared a program of study leading to a degree, certificate for gainful employment in a recognized occupation or a transfer program leading to bachelor's degree in a four-year institution.
- Has demonstrated "financial need"
- Not in default on any educational loan.
- Does not owe a refund on any Title IV funds.
- Has a high school diploma, G.E.D. or state equivalent, Homeschooled or California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE.)
- Has met California residency requirements (for California Community Promise Grant, Cal Grants B & C, or EOPS)
- Has maintained Satisfactory Academic Progress.
- Meets other requirements as appropriate to individual programs.
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
For U.S. Citizens and Eligible Non-Citizens
If you're a U.S. citizen, green card holder, refugee, or similar, go to www.fafsa.gov.
Use Mission College’s School Code: 014458 and choose the correct year.
Create an FSA ID
You'll need a username and password to log in.
Click “Create an FSA ID” and follow the steps to set it up.
Link Your Tax Info
If you filed taxes, use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool to pull your info directly.
If it doesn’t work, you can get a Tax Return Transcript from www.irs.gov.
For Dreamers and Undocumented Students
If you’re AB 540, AB 2000, SB 68, DACA, or undocumented, fill out the California Dream Act Application at dream.csac.ca.gov.
Make sure you choose the right school year.
Need Help?
Stop by the Financial Aid Office — they can walk you through the process.
Please allow one to two weeks for your FAFSA or Dream Act application to be processed and sent to the college for review. After submitting your application, you will receive two emails:
- From the Department of Education: Your Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it carefully for accuracy and check the “Comment Codes.” If you make corrections, allow an additional 1–2 weeks for processing.
- From the Financial Aid Office: Confirmation that your FAFSA has been received, along with instructions to check your application status on the My Mission Portal.
To find out which documents you need to submit for your financial aid application, follow these steps:
- Login to My Mission Portal
- Click on "Financial Aid Forms"
- Create a login account with Student Forms using your My Mission Portal Credentials (enter your username and password).
- Use Student Forms to complete your financial forms, securely upload documents, and e-sign.
Important: Incomplete documents will not be accepted.
Need Help?
If no requirements are listed or you’re unsure what to do, contact the Financial Aid Office in SEC 118.
Files are reviewed by FA staff in order of date received. During the file review process, additional documents may be requested. Check your My Mission Portal regularly for notifications. Files will not be reviewed until all required documents are submitted.
Entire process may take a minimum four to six weeks (longer if corrections are needed/during start of semester.) Completed files are reviewed to determine eligibility, and students can check their financial aid award on My Mission Portal.
Funds are paid through BankMobile. For information visit the BankMobile Refund and Disbursement Process page.
Visit Us
Questions? We are here to support you!
Come visit us in the Student Engagement Center (SEC), Office 118.
Summer Hours of Operation
In-Person Counter Services
- Mondays to Thursdays: 9 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
- Friday: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
Live Chat & Zoom Hours
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Monday to Thursday: 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
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Fridays: 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.