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Important information for the Fall 2026 semester

The Financial Aid Office will closing early each Wednesday during the month of October to conduct outreach events at our local high schools, all specific dates can be found on our Outreach website. The easiest way to check your Financial Aid status is to visit the Financial Aid Portal though your connectColumbia account.

The 2026/2027 FAFSA/CADAA needs to be submitted for Fall 2026, Spring 2027 and Summer 2027 in order to qualify for both tuition waivers and grant funding. The 2027/2028 FAFSA/CADAA will open on October 1st, 2026, submit this application ASAP for Summer 2026, Fall 2027 and Spring 2028. Be mindful which years application you are submitting. 

The Columbia College Scholarship application is now open! For CCC Finish Line & Osher Scholarships– Apply by Friday, October 30, 2026 and for General Scholarship Applications (100+ opportunities) – Apply by Friday, December 11, 2026. Questions? Call the Columbia College Foundation at (209) 588-5065

Recently, there has been a significant increase in spam and phishing emails targeting both students and staff. These messages often falsely claim to offer financial aid or other rewards but are intended to steal your personal and financial information. Remain cautious of emails claiming to be Financial Aid or BankMobile. For information regarding BankMobile visit our webpage. 
Need an Appointment with your Financial Aid Specialist?

Apply for Financial Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

FAFSA Application

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the application that determines your financial aid eligibility for college. By completing the FAFSA application, you are applying for the state tuition waiver and both federal and state grants. If you are a U.S Citizen or legal resident, complete only the FAFSA application.

California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

CADAA Application

The California Dream Act is for DACA, undocumented, U Visa, and TPS Protected Status students who qualify for AB-540/SB 68. The Dream Act application qualifies eligible students based on income for the state tuition waiver called the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), and also qualifies eligible students for state funded grants. For more information on eligibility for the Dream Act, please visit: Dream Act FAQs If you are DACA, undocumented, U Visa or a TPS student, complete only the Dream Act application.

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) application is embedded into both the FAFSA and CADAA or you can complete the application specifically for the CCPG.

CCPG Application

If you are unable to complete any application reach out to your Financial Aid Specialist, ASAP!

Financial Aid FATV

Interested in learning more about Financial Aid? Visit the FATV Portal for bit-sized financial aid information. 

Mission Statement

The Columbia College Financial Aid Office is committed to providing financial support services that align with the mission and values of Columbia College. We promote financial aid programs along with financial literacy tools to remove barriers and ensure equitable access for all students in pursuit of academic excellence, economic opportunity, and personal growth.