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