Financial Aid Services at College of San Mateo - Six Steps to Financial Aid at CSM
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Financial Aid Services

Six Steps to Financial Aid at CSM

The entire process may take 1-3 months, so apply early!

 

Step 1: Apply


For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Legal Residents (Green Card Holders, Refugee, etc.)

  • Go to the FAFSA website
    • 2020-2021 for Fall 2020, Spring and Summer 2021
    • 2021-2022 for Fall 2021, Spring and Summer 2022
    • College of San Mateo Federal School code is 001181
  • FSA ID - Create a Username and Password if you don't already have one

For AB540 and Undocumented Students Only
1
Apply
2
Processing of
Application

Step 2: Processing of FAFSA or California Dream Act Application


Please allow 1-2 weeks for your application to be processed and sent to the college.

You will then receive two emails:
  1. First from the Dept. of Education or California Student Aid Commission with your Student Aid Report (SAR)
    • Review SAR for accuracy and read "Comment Codes"
    • If corrections are made, allow 1-2 weeks to process corrected information
  2. Second from the Financial Aid office confirming receipt of your FAFSA
    • Instructions are given to check the status on WebSMART
3
Submit Documents

Step 3: Submit Documents

  • Check WebSMART to see what documents are required
  • Please see reverse side for step-by-step instructions
  • If no requirements are listed, please contact the Financial Aid Office, Building 10
4
File Review

Step 4: File Review

  • Files are reviewed in order of date received
  • During the file review process, additional documents may be requested
  • Check your "my.smccd.edu" email regularly for notifications
  • Files will not be reviewed until all required documents are submitted
Please Note: Entire process may take a minimum 4-6 weeks (longer if corrections are needed during start of semester)
5
Notification
of Results

Step 5: Notification of Results

  • Eligible students will be notified by email to their "my.smccd.edu" account
  • Check WebSMART for the results of your financial aid award
  • Go to "My Award Information" to view types and amount of award
  • Note: If no awards are listed, please contact the Financial Aid Office, Building 10
6
Funds Are Paid!

Step 6: Funds are Paid!