Financial Aid Homepage
Your Financial Aid at LACC
A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) allows students to be considered for federal aid, state aid, institutional aid, and loans. The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows students to be considered for state aid and some institutional aid.
Open the menus below to find how to apply for financial aid and submit different requests related to your financial aid at LACC:
The FAFSA Simplification Act was passed by Congress to streamline the financial aid process for students and families. Among other key changes, the legislation significantly reduced the total number of questions students see when completing the FAFSA.
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The FAFSA is available online
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The student must apply for an FSA ID to gain access to the U.S. Department of Education’s online systems, including the FAFSA. The FSA ID also serves as their legal signature when completing electronic documents.
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If applicable, the student will invite their “contributors” (e.g., parents or spouse) to obtain their own FSA ID and complete their own section on the student's FAFSA. To invite contributors, the student must know:
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Their email address
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The name used on their tax return (if they filed one)
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Their Social Security number (SSN) (if they have one)
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Mixed family status (e.g., contributors without SSNs) can also obtain an FSA ID.
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The student and the required contributors must complete and submit their section of the FAFSA.
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Students can now make corrections to their FAFSA Submission Summary.
Check for updates and additional information on the FAFSA Simplification Act page.
Contact the financial aid office for help filling out your FAFSA or visit the Federal Student Aid list of Contact Centers.
The California Dream Act (CADAA) allows undocumented and nonresident documented students who meet certain provisions to apply for and receive Cal Grants, community college fee waivers, other state-administered financial aid, university grants, and private scholarships funded through public universities.
The CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), also known as Dream Application, is used by undocumented students who meet the eligibility requirements of AB 540. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) processes the application and any aid received can only be used at eligible California public or private institutions.
The CADAA is available online for students who,
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Meet the eligibility for AB540 or may not be eligible to file the FAFSA,
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Plan to enroll in an accredited and qualifying California college or university, and
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If applicable, complete(d) an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as you are eligible,
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Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa (F, J, H, L, A, B, C, D, E, etc.)
Note: If you have Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA), you should file the California Dream Act Application, even if you have a Social Security number for Work Authorization.
Contact the financial aid office for help filling out your CADAA or call the California Student Aid Commission’s Student Support Center at 1-888-224-7268.
The Financial Aid Office allows students to appeal for a review of specific situations related to academic progress and also some of the data elements on the application for financial aid that determine their eligibility.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Appeals:
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If the student is disqualified because they failed to meet the GPA and/or Pace of Progression standards, a Reinstatement Appeal task will be available on the LACC Financial Aid Portal. Students are required to complete successfully the Online SAP Workshop and upload proof as supporting documentation with their appeal.
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If the student is disqualified due to exceeding the 150% time-frame required for their academic program, an Extension Appeal task will be available on the LACCD Student Portal.
Special and Unusual Circumstances Appeal
Special and Unusual Circumstances appeals are initiated by the student by logging in their LACC Financial Aid Portal and clicking the Manage Requests button on the top right corner.
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The Special Circumstance Appeal addresses unforeseen changes in the student and/or their family financial situation. Documentation supporting their current financial situation may be used to potentially increase student eligibility for financial aid. Students who have a calculated zero or negative SAI by the FAFSA/CADAA do not need to submit this appeal. Examples of special circumstances:
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Loss of income or employment
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Death of a parent or spouse
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Change in housing status (e.g., homelessness)
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Divorce or separation
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The Unusual Circumstance Appeal is for students who would typically be considered as dependent but due to unusual circumstances could be determined to be an independent student for financial aid eligibility purposes. Students who are considered to be independent by the FAFSA/CADAA do not need to submit this appeal. Examples of unusual circumstances are:
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Parental abandonment or estrangement
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An abusive family environment that threatens the student's health or safety
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Student unable to locate their parents
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Student or parental incarceration
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Human trafficking
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If you are experiencing any of these or a similar situation the financial aid office can review your circumstances to modify the information on your financial aid application. These determinations are made on a case-by-case basis with adequate documentation.
Find more information about the Financial Aid Appeals process by visiting the Financial Aid Appeals page.
Loans are sources of financial aid that spread the cost of education over time. Federal student loans are not automatically included in students’ award package. Students are not required to borrow a federal student loan.
Students can request a student loan on the LACC Financial Aid Portal, by clicking on the Manage Requests button on the top right corner and select "Student Loan Data Form - LA City College".
Direct Loan Eligibility Requirements
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Pursue a financial aid eligible academic program at LACC (check with your academic counselor if you are unsure). We recommend developing or updating your existing educational plan before applying for loans.
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Be enrolled in a minimum of six (6) active units applicable to your academic program. Students under an extension appeal contract must be enrolled in six (6) financial aid approved units.
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Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress or have an SAP appeal approved
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Have a completed financial aid file and received an award offer.
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Comply with Entrance Loan Counseling requirements (new borrowers only).
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Have an active Master Promissory Note (new borrowers only).
It takes time for a loan application to be processed by the school, lender, and/or the U.S. Department of Education. Student loan are processed and funds are delivered to the student after all eligibility requirements listed above have been verified.
Loans are serious legal obligations that must be repaid with interest. We urge all first-time borrowers to spend time learning about the loan process and their responsibilities so that they can make informed choices about funding their education. Student borrowers of federal student loans can track their loans through the Student Aid website.
For a Parent PLUS Loan, please contact the Financial Aid Office at finaid@lacitcollege.edu to initiate the request.
While the Financial Aid Office accepts student loans from private lenders, LACC does not endorse nor will make any recommendations for any private lenders. It is solely the student's responsibility to conduct the research and meet the lender's requirements for eligibility. LACC requires the student to apply for Federal Direct Loans before they are considered for private loans.
Announcements
Financial Aid Awareness Day 2025
Wednesday April 16, 11 am - 2 pm
By the Student Union Building
- Come and complete your FAFSA or Dream Act applications. Yes! There is still time to apply for 2024-2025 financial aid!
- Get all your financial aid questions answered. The LACC Financial Aid team will be there to assist you!
- Don't miss out on the opportunity to get free money to help you pay for college!
There will also be Free Food and Giveaways!*
*while supplies last
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
Millions of dollars of financial aid go unused every year because students don’t think they will qualify, which in many cases isn’t true. The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waives community college enrollment fees for eligible students.
Eligibility Criteria:
- Be considered as a California resident by the Admissions and Records Office
- Be considered a California resident homeless youth by the Financial Aid Office, or
- Be eligible for non-resident tuition as an AB 540 or AB 1899 student, or with a “T” or “U” visa.
Information Is Needed:
- The student or parent’s/guardian’s income information (from prior-prior year - for the 2024-2025 CCPG, students will need to provide 2022 income information)
Three Ways to Apply:
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Fill out the FAFSA or the California Dream Act application. By completing these applications, students may also qualify for other sources of financial aid (Pell Grant, Cal Grant, Work Study, etc.) to help with their educational costs.
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Complete the CCPG Form online in the Financial Aid Portal
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Download and complete the 2024-20225 CCPG Application (PDF) and submit it in person at the Financial Aid Office or via email at @email
Scholarships
Scholarships are gifts awarded to students offered through community groups, individual donors, and foundations, such as the LACC Foundation. Scholarships are generally awarded on the basis of academic merit, leadership, talent, and/or community service. However, eligibility criteria, application procedures and deadlines vary by program.
There are millions of scholarships and millions of dollars out there. Chances are you can find at least one that aligns with your strengths and interests. Using multiple search engines and diligently exploring the many awards out there– can improve your chances of winning a scholarship award. Keep in mind that even if you do not win a scholarship one year, many accept applications on an annual or rolling basis, so reapplication may be both simple and worthwhile.
Below is a small list of search engines and scholarships:
Los Angeles City College Foundation provides scholarships and opportunities to LACC students so that they continue to excel in their educational careers. All scholarships and opportunities are provided by the generosity of independent donors, LACC alumni and the campus community.
Visit the LACC Foundation page for more information and access to the Scholarship application platform.
Scholarship Search Engines are tools you can use to locate scholarship opportunities. Generally, you will be asked to create a a profile, and the search engine will alert you about scholarship opportunities that match your specific criteria. Here are some of the most common:
As you begin your search for scholarships to help you pay for school, here are some key tips that can make it possible for you to maximize your chances of success:
- Apply for as many scholarships as you can: The more scholarships you apply for, the greater your chances of earning them get. Don’t dismiss small awards, either. Several small scholarships can add up.
- Get second opinions on your essays: Ask a parent or school counselor to review your essays and give feedback before you submit them.
- Stay organized: Make sure you meet deadlines and keep track of the scholarships you have already applied for so you don’t miss opportunities. If you’re applying for many scholarships, keep a spreadsheet to track the scholarship names, deadlines and application statuses.
- Start early and keep looking: Start long before you need to make your first payment for school. Many scholarships become available once you’re in ninth grade. Once you’re out of high school, don’t stop searching for scholarships. Keep looking for opportunities while you’re in school.
- Use all available resources: To find scholarships that apply to you, use any resources you have available. Use multiple scholarship search engines, and check with your school’s financial aid office to see if any institutional or departmental scholarships are available. If you’re still in high school, ask your school counselor for help.
Don’t be afraid to ask for more tips from resources around you. Local universities and community colleges may offer scholarship workshops where you can learn more tips or have someone look over your essays.