How to Apply for FAFSA

Begin Online FAFSA Application

To be considered for federal student aid, state and institutional aid, you must complete and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that you attend college. You can do it:

Online at studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa. Processing time is 2 weeks. Don't forget to include the Gavilan School Code on the application: 001202

or
Paper Applications, which take 4-6 weeks for processing. Print and complete the the paper version of the FAFSA.

Who is Eligible to File a FAFSA?

Persons who:

Are U.S. citizens or Permanent Residents (who have an "Alien Registration Number").
Have Social Security Number.
Show financial need.
Are not in default on an educational loan nor owe a refund on federal (or state) student aid.
Have registered, or formerly registered, with the Selective Service (for male students only).
Are enrolled in an eligible program for the purpose of obtaining a degree or certificate.
Have the ability to benefit from the education offered. This can be met by holding a high school diploma, passing an approved test in the Assessment Center or securing a GED diploma.
Have declared an educational goal like: AA/AS, certificate, and/or transfer.
Are making satisfactory academic progress.

If you don't qualify for the above, you might want to look at the California Dream Act application.