For most types of Financial Aid,  the first step is to submit the FAFSA — the Free Application for Federal Student Aid — 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 City College sources. Even if you think you may not qualify, the FAFSA is completely free and can make a huge difference in college affordability.

Steps to Apply

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act Application online. The FAFSA Federal School Code for City College of San Francisco is 012874. The Dream Act School Code for City College of San Francisco is 00450200.

  2. Students submitting the FAFSA also have the option to complete the application using their mobile device by downloading the myStudentAid mobile app.

    • Submit the FAFSA

    • View your student aid (loans and grants)

    • Track your loan progress

  3. Select the IRS Data Match on your FAFSA application in order to expedite the processing of your financial aid file.

  4. Approximately 72 hours after submitting the on-line FAFSA, you will receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) to the email you have provided on your FAFSA application. This email is from the Department of Education. Review your SAR carefully. The SAR summarizes the information you provided on the FAFSA and will inform you if your application is complete, estimated EFC, and if you are selected for verification.

  5. Once CCSF, 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 CCSF GMAIL email address.

  6. If you are selected for verification, go to your myRAM Portal student portal link. Log in to view what documentation is needed. Complete the verification process.

  7.  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 myRAM Portal to read and accept.

  8. 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 CCSF email address.

  9. Be prepared to pay upfront for textbooks, supplies, and other fees until your financial aid eligibility is finalized.