How to Apply

We Are Here to Help!

Our Financial Aid Representatives specialize in personally assisting students who are interested in exploring their financial aid options. You can begin this process by letting your Admissions Representative know that you are interested in applying for financial aid. They’ll take care of setting up your appointment so you can focus on your education. 

All prospective students are encouraged to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to take advantage of all possible funding sources. The FAFSA may be found by visiting https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. 

Tips For Filling Out FAFSA

Follow the instructions carefully. Get organized, gather your personal and family financial records and find a quiet location where you can work on the application.

Here’s a checklist of records you may need:

  • Prior-prior year’s Income Taxes and W2 forms (for example, if you’re completing the 2024-2025 FAFSA, you will need 2022 income information). Students starting in the Fall of 2024, should complete the FAFSA for 2024-2025. If you can’t find those tax returns, you may get a copy of your Tax Return Transcript from irs.gov, or call the Financial Aid Office for assistance.
  • Bank account and investment statements.
  • Information relating to income including wages, dividends, Social Security benefits, welfare payments, alimony and/or child support, Veterans Administration benefits and disability benefits.
  • Alien Registration Card (“green card”), if you’re not a US Citizen.prior
GOT A FAFSA QUESTION?

Give us a call at 954-492-5353

You must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive financial aid. If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, you are considered an independent student for federal financial aid purposes and your parents will not need to answer the parent questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. 

If you answer “no” to all of these questions, you are considered a dependent student for federal financial aid purposes and your parents will need to answer the parent questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

  • Be current on prior federal education loans and/or repayments on prior federal grants
  • Possess a high school diploma or GED certificate
  • Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or diploma in an eligible program
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
  • Have a valid Social Security number
  • Make satisfactory academic progress if you are a continuing student, as established in your school catalog
  • Sign a statement of educational purpose and certification statement on overpayment and default (both found on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid form [FAFSA])

If you answer “yes” to any of the questions below, you are considered an independent student for federal financial aid purposes and your parents will not need to answer the parent questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

If you answer “no” to all of these questions, you are considered a dependent student for federal financial aid purposes and your parents will need to answer the parent questions on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.

  • Will you be 24 years old before December 31 in the academic year?
  • Are you married?
  • Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
  • Do you have legal dependents who live with you and receive more than half of their support from you (other than a spouse or children)?
  • Are you an orphan?
  • Were you a ward of the court until age 18?
  • Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

How Federal Aid Is Awarded

When you complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form and indicate City College as your college of choice, we will receive an ISIR (Institutional Student Information Report) electronically. The ISIR will contain an SAI (Student Aid Income) figure.

Student Aid Index (SAI) is an eligibility index number that the Financial Aid Office uses to determine how much federal student aid you would receive if you attended the school. This number results from the information that you provide on your FAFSA® form. This number is not a dollar amount of aid eligibility or what your family is expected to provide. A negative SAI indicates the student has a higher financial need. Learn how the SAI is calculated.  The Financial Aid Office will determine your financial need by subtracting your SAI from the cost of attendance. The FAFSA Simplification Act replaced the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with the SAI. Learn more about the changes with the 2024–25 FAFSA form. Your SAI will be listed on your FAFSA Submission Summary. Before completing the FAFSA form, use the Federal Student Aid Estimator to estimate your SAI.

Other Information About The FAFSA

  • All information provided to the school will be kept confidential. We are in compliance with the provisions of the Family Rights and Privacy Act of 1974. This law regulates the release of any personal information.
  • Involve other family members who must provide information. For example, your parent(s) will need to complete the parent section of the form if you are classified as a dependent student for federal financial aid purposes.
  • Remember to electronically sign the form with your FSA ID, this is essentially your electronic signature for FAFSA, also keep in mind that a parent must also electronically sign if you are a dependent student.

When to apply for Financial Aid

Some aid is limited and is more likely to be available if you apply early. 

Continuing students should apply as soon as possible after the new annual FAFSA form is available online. Application deadlines are announced yearly, usually in January.

All students must re-apply for financial aid each year, including completing a new FAFSA form.

Tips:

  • Apply for an FSA ID and password. Both parents and students need a FSA ID and password to sign electronically.
  • Before mailing your federal income tax return each year, be sure to make and keep a copy.
  • Complete your FAFSA at home or come to one of the financial aid workshops that will be announced on campus.
  • Be sure to file early to meet all deadlines.
  • The Federal School Code for City College Hollywood campus is 016839.
  • The Federal School Code for City College Altamonte Springs (Orlando) campus is 030799.