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I've thought about financial aid before, but I don't want to have debt hanging over my head when I leave college. Can I get financial aid now that I don't have to pay back later?
I've seen the application for student aid. It looks like an encyclopedia. I'd like to apply but I can't figure out the system. How can I get money when I can't understand the form?
Lots of students need financial help. How can I be sure that I'll get any money?
I've been out of school a long time. I'm not ready to be a full-time student, but I still need help with college costs. Is there any aid for me?
I am not a high school graduate. Can I still get financial aid?
I've heard about waivers for the enrollment fee at California community colleges, but I'm not on public assistance. Even so, I won't be able to afford the per unit cost. What can I do?
If I am eligible to receive financial aid, are there any additional academic requirements I must meet?
I am not a California resident, but I am a resident of another state. Can I still receive financial aid at a California community college?
I'm still confused!

Q.	I've thought about financial aid before, but I don't want to have a big debt hanging over my head when I leave college. Can I get financial aid now that I don't have to pay back later?
A.	Most financial aid is money that doesn't have to be repaid. Grants, part-time employment and scholarships make up a large portion of annual aid received by students at most colleges or universities. If you apply early, chances are that a significant amount of your financial need can be met with aid that doesn't have to be repaid.
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Q.	I've seen the application for student aid. It looks like an encyclopedia. I'd like to apply but I can't figure out the system. How can I get money when I can't even understand the form?
A.	It is confusing. That's why there are professional staff available just to help you fill out the application and answer your questions about the process. Contact the financial aid advisor at the community college you plan to attend or your high school counselor for personal assistance. Most high schools and colleges offer financial aid workshops. Please contact them for schedules. Help is available. Just ask!
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Q.	Lots of students need financial help. How can I be sure that I'll get any money?
A.	It's true many students apply for financial aid. To make sure your application receives best consideration, apply early. For Cal Grants, you must apply by March 2nd. For other aid, you must complete a FAFSA early (preferably during the month of January) in order to be guaranteed the best possible funding and to make sure you have assistance at the start of college.
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Q.	I've been out of school a long time. I'm not ready to be a full-time student, but I still need help with college costs. Is there any aid for me?
A.	You don't have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid. At California community colleges, there is no unit requirement for enrollment fee waivers through the Board of Governor Fee Waiver Program. To receive assistance from the other state and federal programs, you can take as few as six units and still qualify for financial aid. In some cases you can still be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for as little as 1 unit.
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Q.	I am not a high school graduate. Can I still get financial aid?
A.	Students without high school diplomas and are 18 years old can qualify for financial aid if they have a GED, or other high school proficiency certificate. They can also demonstrate readiness for college by taking a standardized Ability To Benefit test. Contact the community college you plan to attend for information regarding this test.
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Q.	I've heard about waivers for the enrollment fee at California community colleges, but I'm not on public assistance. Even so, I won't be able to afford the per unit cost. What can I do?
A.	You might qualify for an enrollment fee waiver if you meet certain income requirements based on family size. There is a simple, one page application for the Board of Governor Fee Waiver Program available at any California Community College financial aid office.
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Q.	If I am eligible to receive financial aid, are there any additional academic requirements I must meet?
A.	Once you begin receiving financial aid you must meet satisfactory academic requirements at the institution you plan to enroll in. Requirements include maintaining the institution's grade point average (GPA) and completion standards, and you must work towards an educational objective such as a degree or certificate.
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Q.	I am not a California resident, but I am a resident of another state. Can I still receive financial aid at a California community college?
A.	Yes. There are a wide variety of federal, institutional and scholarship programs for which you may qualify. Contact the community college you plan to attend for more information.
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Q.	I'm still confused!
A.	You're not alone. Just remember this: There is financial aid available to assist with college costs. Apply now. Help is available for the asking. Contact the financial aid office at the community college you plan to attend for more information or questions.
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