If you are thinking about going back to college for a second bachelor’s degree, you might be surprised to learn that federal financial aid is very limited. The main reason is that federal student aid, like Pell Grants and subsidized loans, is designed to help students complete their first degree. Once you already have a … Read more
The deadline for financial aid depends on the type of aid you are applying for. For federal student aid, the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens on October 1 each year, and the federal deadline is June 30 of the academic year you are applying for. However, many states and colleges have much … Read more
Financial aid is money that helps students pay for college. It comes from the federal government, state governments, colleges, and private organizations. To get most types of aid, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, every year. The FAFSA asks about your family’s income and assets. Your answers create … Read more
Yes, financial aid can cover summer classes, but it depends on your school’s policies and your remaining aid eligibility. Most students use the same Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for summer, but you may need to take a minimum number of credits. This guide explains how to make summer courses more affordable with … Read more
Do you have to pay back financial aid? The short answer is: it depends on the type of aid you receive. Grants and scholarships are typically free money, but loans must be repaid with interest. This guide breaks down each aid type so you know exactly what you owe. Types of Financial Aid and Repayment … Read more
To get a Pell Grant, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. The federal government uses your FAFSA to determine your Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which decides if you qualify and how much you receive. Pell Grants are free money for college that you do not have to repay, … Read more
If you are asking when is the second disbursement of financial aid at Santa Monica College (SMC), the answer depends on your enrollment and aid type. Generally, SMC releases financial aid in two parts each semester. The second disbursement typically happens around the midpoint of the term, but exact dates vary by award year and … Read more
The financial aid deadline for most students is June 30, 2027, for the 2026-2027 school year. However, many states and colleges have much earlier deadlines. To get the most aid possible, you should submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as it opens on October 1, 2026. Missing a deadline can … Read more
To apply for financial aid, you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form determines your eligibility for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The process is straightforward, but you must meet deadlines and gather required documents in advance. Step 1: Understand the Types of Financial Aid Financial … Read more
Need based financial aid is money given to college students because their family’s income and assets are not enough to cover the cost of attendance. It is different from merit aid, which is based on grades or talents. This guide explains how need based aid works, who qualifies, and how to apply. How Need Based … Read more