How to Apply for Financial Aid
For most types of Financial Aid, the first step is to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act (for undocumented and nonresident students). Doing so connects you to all types of aid options — grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships — from federal, state, and Cuesta College sources. Even if you think you may not qualify, the FAFSA is completely free and can make a huge difference in college affordability.
The California Dream Act Application is available to undocumented students (including DACA recipients), U-Visa holders, and TPS individuals. U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, T-Visa holders, and eligible Non-Citizens must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA
Click on the following document to read about the changes to the 2024-2025 FAFSA:
Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online. The FAFSA Federal School Code for Cuesta College is 001192.
- Students submitting the FAFSA also have the option to complete the application using their mobile device by downloading the myStudentAid mobile app.
- Select the IRS Direct Data Exchange on your FAFSA application in order to expedite the processing of your financial aid file.
- Approximately 72 hours after submitting the on-line FAFSA, you will receive your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) to the email you have provided on your FAFSA application. This email is from the Department of Education. Review your FSS carefully. The FSS summarizes the information you provided on the FAFSA and will inform you if your application is complete, estimated student aid index (SAI), and if you are selected for verification.
- Once Cuesta College Financial Aid Office receives your FAFSA application into the college’s system, this can take 2 weeks after submitting your application to the Department of Education; you will receive an email sent to your Cuesta student email address.
- If you are selected for verification, go to your myCuesta Portal. Log in to view what documentation is needed. Complete the verification process.
- If you are NOT selected for verification you will not be required to submit any documentation to the Financial Aid Office. You may, however, have required documents in myCuesta Portal to read and accept.
- When all documents show “Satisfied” under all your required documentation your awards will be ready to view under the Award Tab. An award letter will be emailed to your Cuesta student email address.
- Be prepared to pay upfront for textbooks, supplies, and other fees until your financial aid eligibility is finalized.
- Complete and submit California Dream Act Application online.
- First-time applicants must create a User ID and Password, while renewal applicants can retrieve a forgotten User ID and reset a forgotten Password
- Start an application for the correct academic year
- Provide the requested tax & income information from two years prior
- Add Cuesta College to your application using the School Code
- If you cannot answer “Yes” to any of the Dependency Questions, you must provide parent information
- Electronically sign your application
- If you are considered Dependent, have your parent electronically sign by creating a Parent PIN for first-time signers, or retrieving a forgotten PIN for renewal signers
- Once you receive your CalSS (California Submission Summary), if you are selected for verification, login to your myCuesta Portal to view what financial aid documentation, if any, you need to provide
- Once available, login to your myCuesta Portal to view your financial aid award
- View the Disbursement Information to learn more about when and how you will receive your financial aid award.
