Applying for Undergraduate Financial Aid (FAFSA)

Students eating ice cream and hanging out

Saint Mary's will consider you for federal, state, and institutional aid if you meet the following criteria:

  • All financial aid applications are filed prior to admission
  • You are an admitted, readmitted or currently enrolled student in a degree program at the college (required before notification of awards can be made)
  • You are a citizen or permanent resident of the United States. Federal and state funds are also restricted on similar basis
  • You are a student registered on a full-time basis. Students who register less than full-time, but at least half-time, will only be considered for the federal loan and grant programs. Students enrolled less than half-time can be considered for federal Pell Grant only.

Saint Mary’s College of California policy is that students who matriculate as freshmen are eligible for four years of Saint Mary’s aid; if a student transfers in as a sophomore will have three years of eligibility, as a junior will have two years of eligibility, etc. Cal Grant is only available for a maximum of four years per eligibility determined by California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). So students who continue enrollment after four years will only be considered for federal aid (Pell Grant and student loans) per lifetime aggregate limits.

Please also visit our FAFSA Changes Overview page for any updates related to the new FAFSA starting in 2024-2025.

 

Fill Out the FAFSA

To be considered for all available forms of financial aid, a student applying for aid for the academic year will need to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 

FAFSA INFORMATION

  • The FAFSA online form will require basic financial information about the student and their family. There is no charge to process this form. Saint Mary's FAFSA school code is 001302. Please complete FAFSA.
  • Our priority deadline is March 1 for new students and April 2 for continuing students.
  • Some families will be selected for FAFSA verification process. The FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS), received by students when completing FAFSA, will indicate if student selected for verification process. Any changes are made may affect the student's eligible aid.
  • The GPA Verification Form, required by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for students applying for the Cal Grant programs, will be available in high school guidance offices and online. Please see Cal Grant GPA verification process.

If have questions or need assistance with the FAFSA, the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offers 'Cash For College' Workshops for students and families

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