Filing a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application

A variety of aid is available for all income levels. Whether or not students think they are eligible, we encourage them to apply for financial aid each year. The annual priority filing deadline for Cal Grant consideration is March 2.

Applying begins with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.gov or the California Dream Act Application at dream.csac.ca.gov. *Both applications are free.

The information provided on your FAFSA or California Dream Act application is used to calculate your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The EFC is used by Ventura College to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

Important things to remember:

  • Apply early! Submit your application by the March 2 priority deadline each year for full aid consideration.
  • You can submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application starting October 1st for the upcoming academic year.
  • Also, "Prior-Prior Year" allows students and their families to use income and tax information from one year earlier than previously required. This means that 2015 data will be used in 2017-2018 and 2016 data will be used in 2018-2019.
  • Include the Ventura College School Code: 001334.
  • Select the correct aid year on the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application when applying
    (i.e., 2017-2018 for the current academic year, 2018-2019 for Fall 2018 admission).
  • For any help filing the FAFSA, contact FAFSA at 1-800-433-3243. For any help filing the California Dream Act Application, contact the California Student Aid Commission at 1-888-224-7268. 
  • Keep copies of your tax returns and other documents in case they are needed.
  • For information on when you can expect your financial aid package, please visit our How to Apply or Disbursement webpages.
  • Reapply every year.

There are several tools available to assist you in estimating your financial aid eligibility.

  • The Net Price Calculator can be used to estimate financial aid for those considering Ventura College.
  • If you would like a detailed description how the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is calculated, visit the EFC Formula Guide website.

Continuing Cal Grant Recipients

If you are already a Cal Grant recipient, there is no need to submit a GPA verification form. Your eligibility for Cal Grant is evaluated annually. You can verify your renewal through WebGrants4Students.

Applying for Cal Grants

Students apply for a Cal Grant when they submit the FAFSA or Dream Act Application. Cal Grant applicants are also required to submit a GPA Verification form directly to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 2 as part of the application process. Students can access the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form for FAFSA filers or Dream Act Application filers from the CSAC website. Be sure to select the appropriate form based on which application you filed.

CSAC determines eligibility and notifies the student by sending a California Aid Report (CAR). You can monitor and manage your Cal Grant account on the CSAC website.

Application Tips

  • File the FAFSA or Dream Act Application each year by March 2 for priority consideration. Upon successful completion of your financial aid application you will receive a confirmation notice that your application has been properly submitted.
  • Include Ventura College School Code 001334 on your application.
  • Immediately respond to any requests from the Financial Aid Office.
  • Accuracy is important when you apply for financial aid. All information is subject to verification according to state and federal regulation. False statements or misrepresentations may be cause for the reduction, cancelation, denial or repayment of financial aid.
  • FAFSA provides a tool that allows parents and students to directly access tax information from a secure IRS website. Look for this feature when completing your FAFSA online. The Simple Steps to Transfer your Tax Information into your FAFSA is a guide to using the IRS Data Retrieval tool.
  • Parents of dependent students will need to provide their income information and electronically sign the student's FAFSA or Dream Act Application. StudentAid.gov can help you determine your dependency status, which applies to both federal and state financial aid applications.

What to Expect After Filing your Financial Aid Application

  • If you filed a FAFSA you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the federal processor. To check the status of your application, visit fafsa.gov.
  • If you filed a Dream Act Application, you will need to log in to dream.csac.ca.gov to view your SAR or to check the status of your application.
  • Once completed you will receive an email confirmation, that you have successfully submitted your financial aid application. 
  • The SAR provides you with an Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office will use the EFC to determine the types of aid you may receive.
  • You can submit corrections to your application online through fafsa.gov or dream.csac.ca.gov.
  • Students with a valid SAR will be directed to log in to my.vcccd.edu to view their personalized aid package and requirements. After completing any requirements, students will receive an email when their aid is available – typically by late May.

Questions About Applying?

  • Federal Student Aid Information Center (for FAFSA)
    1-800-4-FED-AID (433-3243)
    fafsa.gov
  • California Student Aid Commission Customer Relations
    (for Dream Act Application and Cal Grants)

    1-888-224-7268
    dream.csac.ca.gov
    calgrants.org

Additional Resources