The easiest way to check your Financial Aid status is to visit the Financial Aid Portal though your connectColumbia account.
The 2025-2026 FAFSA/CADAA* AND the 2026/2027 FAFSA/CADAA needs to be submitted for Summer 2026 in order to qualify for both tuition waivers and grant funding.
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.
*The 2025-2026 FA applications will close on June 30th, 2026.
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.
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.
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.
If you are unable to complete any application reach out to your Financial Aid Specialist, ASAP!
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.
