Tips

 Financial aid can be an overwhelming process. Here are a few helpful tips to help you along the way. 

  • Never assume you are not eligible for financial aid
    If you do not qualify for low income grants, you may still qualify for other kinds of financial assistance. For example, approximately 60 to 70% of Merced College students qualify for the CCP fee waiver which means they don’t pay the $46 per unit fee.
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  • You must reapply for financial aid every school year
    Merced College’s academic year begins in August with the Fall semester and continues through the following Spring and Summer terms.
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  • Apply Early
    In California you increase your chance of receiving the most financial aid by applying between October 1st and March 2nd every year. REMEMBER TO APPLY FOR FINANCIAL AID EVERY YEAR AND APPLY EARLY!
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  • Keep copies of everything
    For example, include in your financial aid file your FSA ID or CADA username and password, copies of your Student Aid Report, letters of recommendation for scholarships, etc.
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  • Be sure you are on the right website
    There are other web sites with the word, FAFSA, in the title but are not run by the federal government. If you enter your information on these web sites, they will charge you to submit your FAFSA. Never pay money to submit your FAFSA.
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  • Financial Aid doesn't transfer schools automatically
    Financial aid does not automatically transfer from one school to another. If you plan to transfer, contact the Financial Aid Offices at both the school you will be leaving and the one to which you will be transferring.
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  • Pay attention to deadlines
    Meet your school’s deadlines and any other financial aid and scholarship deadlines.
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  • Ask Questions
    The financial aid process and paperwork can be confusing but the staff in the Merced College Financial Aid Office is available to help you through the process. Please contact us with your questions or concerns.
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  • Check out all available sources of financial aid
    You can pick up some excellent guides, workbooks, pamphlets and brochures in the Financial Aid Office. The Fund Your Future Workbook published by the California Student Aid Commission is very informative. You will also find sources of financial aid information in libraries and high school and college career centers. And, of course, go online for a wealth of information about various financial aid subjects.