Applying for Aid

Applying for aid is the first step in receiving aid

The 2023-2024 FAFSA and California Dream Act Applications are available now! The school code for Southwestern College is 001294

FASFA

You are required to complete a new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year!

Application periods:
  • 2023-24 - deadline to apply is June 30th, 2024 (but you should aply as soon as possible)

Free Application for Federal Student Aid Application (FAFSA)

California Dream Act Application

AB540 students who are US citizens or have legal residency granted by USCIS (not DACA) should complete the FAFSA, not the Dream Act Application. 

To qualify as an AB540 student and be eligible to apply for the Dream Act, students must:

  • Have attended a California high school for a minimum of three years.
  • Graduate from a California high school or pass the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED, also called General Educational Development test).
  • Enroll in an accredited California institution of higher education.
  • In the case of students without legal immigration status, fill out an affidavit stating that they have filed or will file an application to legalize their immigration status as soon as they are eligible to do so.
  • To get a Cal Grant, students must also meet all other Cal Grant eligibility criteria. Follow this link for additional information on Cal Grant eligibility.
Application periods:
  • 2023-24 - deadline to apply is June 30th, 2024 (priority deadline for Dreamer CalGrant eligibility is March 2nd, 2023)

California Dream Act Application

CA College Promise Grant (formerly the BOG Fee Waiver)

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is a state funded program which is available to California who meet the specific income eligibility requirements. The program waives the current Enrollment Fee of $46 per unit. You can be awarded CCPG on your FAFSA or California Dream Application.

  • Student Health fees, Student Center fees and parking fees may be reduced or waived under qualifying CCPG standards (refer to information listed below).
  • There are no minimum or maximum unit requirements for the program.
  • Note: California Residency status is determined by the Registrar at the SWC Admissions Office.

Students who are placed on academic and/or progress probation or Disqualified (DQ) in two consecutive primary terms (Fall/Spring) will lose eligibility for CCPG at the next registration opportunity.

For more information on the different types of CCPGs and important information on retaining your eligibility, visit the California College Promise Grant page. 

Resources for Applying for Aid