Financial Aid Office

Welcome to Financial Aid

Important information for the Summer 2025 semester:

The easiest way to check on your Financial Aid status is to visit your Financial Aid Portal though your connectColumbia account.
Both the 2024-2025 FAFSA/CADAA application AND the 2025-2026 FAFSA/CADAA application need to be submitted for Summer 2025 in order to qualify for tuition waivers and grant funding. The 2024-2025 Financial Aid application cycle will close on June 30th, 2025.
Beginning the 24-25 academic year, there are changes regarding the Pell Grant formula. For information on how to calculate your Pell Grant visit Pell Grant Information
Visit Dates and Disbursements for important information about when our office is issuing Financial Aid grants.
Student parking will be free during Summer 2025 semester. Parking permits will NOT be required for student parking spaces. Students are also able to ride the Tuolumne and Calaveras transit with a current student ID.
Use the code COLUMBIAFREE at check out for free shipping through our virtual bookstore

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.

Apply for Financial Aid

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

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. Click yellow arrow on left side.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

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. Click yellow arrow on left side.

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!