Sierra Vista building, students on campus

Financial Aid: Get Started

Email the Office of Financial Aid

NEWS & UPDATES

The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is open!

The priority deadline for the 2025-2026 application is March 2, 2025.

Applying for Financial Aid in the 2025-26 Academic Year As a Mixed-Status Family in California

Special Information for Mixed Status Families (pdf)

In-person & Virtual Assistance

The Office of Financial Aid provides in-person and virtual assistance!

FAFSA TIPS

Step-by-Step FAFSA & what does FAFSA cover?

Brand new to FAFSA?

You must first create your FSA ID: The FSA ID allows students and parents to access Federal Student Aid's online system.

Note: Dependent Students and parents of dependent students need their own separate FSA IDs. Watch helpful video for parents.
Fill out the FAFSA

Federal Code for GCC is: 001203
Student Aid Report (SAR)
You receive this report (often called the SAR) via email a few days after your FAFSA form has been processed or by mail within 7-10 days if you did not provide an email address.

What does FAFSA cover?

Fee waiver (The results of your FAFSA will also be used to determine your eligibility for a fee waiver. You don't need to apply for the CCPG)
Grants
Loans
Work-study

CA DREAM ACT TIPS

CA Dream Act Application & Resources

For AB 540 students seeking financial aid and fee waiver.

Start CA Dream Act application

CCPG

California College Promise Grant (fee waiver)

This is for students seeking fee waiver only.

Open to CA residents.

CCPG WAIVER FORMS

Information about fee waiver application

What Happens Next

Qualifying for Aid

The FAFSA or the CA Dream Act Application results will be used to determine eligibility.

Verifying Your Data

Based on the information on your FAFSA or CADAA, we may ask you to provide additional information.

Your Cost of Attendance

The Cost of Attendance at GCC is based on federal guidelines and includes your expenses for college.

Offer Notification

Receiving your aid offer notification - what to expect.

Receiving Your Funds

How the Financial Aid disbursement process works.

Special & Unusual Circumstances

Dependency, income changes, budget adjustments, study abroad.

Terms and Conditions
- Financial Aid Eligibility Criteria
  - You must be enrolled at GCC in an eligible degree, certificate or transfer program. Programs are described in the college catalog.You must have one of the following: - High School Diploma - GED - State Equivalency Certificate - Ability to Benefit (if eligible)
  - You must be a U.S. Citizen, permanent resident, refugee, parolee or other eligible non-citizen.
  - Male students over the age of 18 must be registered with Selective Service.
  - You must not be in default on a prior student loan.
  - You must not owe a repayment on a federal student grant.
  - You must provide all documents requested by the Financial Aid Office.
  - You must maintain satisfactory academic progress in your degree or certificate program.