Need help with Sacramento City financial aid

I'm planning on applying to Sacramento City and I've heard that college can get quite expensive. How do I go about applying for financial aid there? What steps should I take and is there anything I should keep in mind?

Absolutely, navigating the financial aid process can be a bit confusing but don't worry, once you get the hang of it, it's quite manageable. Here's a step-by-step guide to help you:

1. FAFSA: The first thing you should do is complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which is available online. The FAFSA will determine your eligibility for federal aid like Pell Grants, federal work-study, and federal student loans. The aid you receive from FAFSA is generally based on your family's Student Aid Index (SAI).

2. California Dream Act Application (if applicable): If you are an undocumented student or a non-resident, you may not be eligible for federal aid. In this case, you should complete the California Dream Act Application, which could make you eligible for California state financial aid.

3. Sacramento City College Scholarship: In addition to the FAFSA, Sacramento City College offers its own scholarships. You can apply for these through the Los Rios Scholarships Application.

4. What to Keep in Mind: Deadlines are crucial in the financial aid process. For the 2024-2025 academic year, the FAFSA opens on October1, 2024, and the California state deadline is March2, 2025. But, try to submit as early as possible as some aid is first-come, first-served.

Also, remember that financial aid isn't a one-time process. You'll need to reapply every year, so keep track of these dates for future years, too.

Finally, be aware that financial aid might not cover all your costs. You will also need to consider indirect costs like books, supplies, and personal expenses.

In all, remember that financial aid can help make college more affordable, so definitely take the time to explore all your options. Good luck with your financial aid application!