Three students pose with Butch T. Cougar outside.

Financial Aid Awards Processing

Get your aid in four steps

The earliest you can receive your financial aid is the week before classes start. Follow this step-by-step guide to make sure there are no delays in receiving your aid. The sooner you start, the more time you have to address any issues that come up.

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1. Apply For Aid

First you will file a FAFSA or WASFA. Our office will notify you via email once we have received your application.

Unsure if you qualify for the FAFSA or the WASFA? Visit our Getting Started page to determine which application to fill out!

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2. Verification

We might need more information from you OR your parents in order to verify the accuracy of your financial aid application numbers.

If selected, you will receive an email requesting more information. Be sure to return this information on time. We cannot deliver your financial aid without it!

A student poses for a selfie with Butch T. Cougar in Martin Stadium.

3. Financial Aid Offer

When we have determined how much aid you qualify for, we’ll send you a financial aid offer (generally by email) detailing all the financial aid we can offer you.

A student in sunglasses works on a laptop inside the Compton Union Building.

4. Loan Acceptance

Grants and scholarships are automatically applied to your account. However, loan offers will not become official until you accept them.

If your aid includes loans, you’ll need to go through some additional steps to accept and receive student loans.

Ready to get started?

Head over to Getting Started to begin your financial aid journey.