Applying For Financial Aid
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Apply for Admission to College of the Redwoods
In order to successfully match your financial aid application it is best to have completed the CR Admissions Application.
- Please note, if you do not use a Social Security Number on your application, we will not be able to match a FAFSA application to your student record.
- For additional information regarding applications to College of the Redwoods, visit our Admissions page at http://rl2a.365dafa6.com/admissions/GetStarted
Determine the correct academic year for your financial aid application
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:
- 2023-2024 applications cover Fall 2023, Spring 2024, and Summer 2024 semesters at CR
- 2024-2025 applications cover Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025 semesters at CR
Submit your Financial Aid Application once you determine which version of the application you should complete - the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid (most students need to complete this version):
To be eligible to file the FAFSA, you must:
- Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Lawful Permanent Resident OR
- Be classified as an “Eligible Non-Citizen ”
PLEASE NOTE: Students who received a Social Security Number through the Deferred Action of Childhood Arrival (DACA), and who qualify for AB540, should complete the California Dream Act Application in order to be considered for state financial aid, as they are NOT Eligible for Federal Student Aid.
Complete the FAFSA at: http://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa/
OR
CADAA - California Dream Act Application:
The California Dream Act Application is the application for students who are not eligible to file the FAFSA, but who meet certain California residency requirements. To be eligible to file the California Dream Act Application, students must:
- NOT be eligible to file the FAFSA
- Be a California Resident
- Be eligible for AB540.
Complete the CADAA at: http://dream.csac.ca.gov/
Check your CR email address
The Financial Aid Office brings in financial aid applications weekly. We usually receive your information 1-2 weeks after you submit your application. You will receive an email when CR has received your FAFSA/CADAA information. If you do not receive an email within 2 weeks of submitting your application, please contact the CR financial aid office.
NEXT STEPS
Verify Information when requested
In addition to the FAFSA application, you may be required to submit additional documentation at various points in the process before your eligibility is determined. Continue to check your student email account for any additional requirements. After College of the Redwoods has received all documentation, determining your eligibility can take between 4 and 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.
Consider other award applications
- Many awards/services require additional applications after completing the FAFSA/CADAA application.
- Consider submitting applications for scholarships, work study, loans, or other special awards.
- Review the Types of Aid page for more information about the awards offered to CR students and how to apply.
View your award letter
When your award eligibility is determined, you will receive an email notification from the financial aid office. You will also be able to see your award letter on myFinAid via WebAdvisor.
Select a refund preference to receive your financial aid
College of the Redwoods delivers your refund with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. For more information about BankMobile Disbursements and setting up a refund preference please visit this link: http://rl2a.365dafa6.com/financialaid/Paying-for-School. Make sure your refund preference has been selected with BankMobile and that your contact/profile information is up to date on the BankMobile website. Sign up for text messages from BankMobile to let you know when a refund/disbursement has been received. Review FA Disbursement Information to learn more about how the financial aid disbursement refund process (how you receive your financial aid).
Maintain eligibility
Once you have an award listed on your award letter, there may be additional requirements before your aid can be disbursed (particularly if you are not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements or if you are not enrolled as a full time student). View more information on how to maintain eligibility for financial aid. Contact our office if you have any questions. An email notice will be sent to your student email account at the end of every semester to let you know if you are meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.