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Financial Aid

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1. Apply for Admission to CR

  • Complete the College of the Redwoods Admissions Application. Make sure to include your Social Security Number (SSN) on the application. If you do not include it we will not be able to match a FAFSA application to your student record.

Apply to CR

2. Determine the Correct Academic Year

Depending on what time of the year you submit a financial aid application, there may be more than one academic year available. Refer to the semesters below and apply for the correct academic year:

  • The 2024-2025 application covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025, Summer 2025.
  • The 2025-2026 application covers Fall 2025, Spring 2026, Summer 2026.

3. Submit Your Financial Aid Application

FAFSA: For U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Eligible Non-Citizens.

  • Most students need to complete the FAFSA. To qualify, you must:
    • Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Eligible Non-Citizen (including Lawful Permanent Residents).

Apply for FAFSA

CADAA: For California Dream Act applicants (DACA recipients and AB540 students).

  • Important: Students with a Social Security Number through DACA and eligible under AB540 should apply using the California Dream Act Application for state aid, not FAFSA.
  • To be eligible student must:
    • NOT be eligible to file the FAFSA
    • Be a California Resident
    • Be eligible for AB540

Apply for CADAA

Next Steps After Appying

1. Check Your CR Email

  • The Financial Aid Office processes applications weekly. Expect confirmation of receipt within 1-2 weeks. If you don’t receive an email within this period, contact the Financial Aid Office.

2. Verify Information When Requested

  • Additional documentation may be required. Processing eligibility takes 4-6 weeks.
  • Watch your student email for updates and use myFinAid via WebAdvisor to keep track of which documents have been received and which are missing. View more information on checking your status.

3. Consider Other Award Applications

  • Many awards/services require additional applications after completing the FAFSA/CADAA application.
  • Apply for scholarships, work-study, loans, or special awards. Visit the Types of Aid page for details.

4. View Your Award Letter

  • Once eligibility is determined, you will receive an email and can access your award letter via myFinAid.

5. Select a Refund Preference

  • After receiving your award, you must select a refund preference through BankMobile Disbursements to access your financial aid funds.
    • Visit BankMobile Disbursements to set up your refund preference and ensure your contact information is up to date.
    • Sign up for text alerts to be notified when refunds or disbursements are processed. Review the Recieving Your Aid page to learn more about how financial aid is distributed.