Apply for Financial Aid

Step 1: Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application CADAA

Students must file a FAFSA every year to determine their eligibility for financial aid. The application is available every October 1st. It is recommended that students file the FAFSA or CADAA prior to the March 2nd priority date in order to be considered for Cal Grants. Mendocino's College's school code is 011672.

• The 2024-2025 FAFSA/CADAA covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025.
• The 2025-2026 FAFSA/CADAA covers Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.

FAFSA: If you are a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or eligible non-citizen, complete the FAFSA to be reviewed for federal and state aid at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For more information visit, Complete the FAFSA.

CADAA: If you are an undocumented student and meet the qualifications of AB 540 (Assembly Bill 540) complete the California Dream Act Application to be reviewed for state aid at http://dream.csac.ca.gov/. For more information visit, Complete the Dream Act Application.

After you submit the FAFSA or CADAA, it will take one week for Mendocino College to receive the application. In the meantime, you can complete the California Collefe Promise Grant (fee waiver) to see if you qualify to gert your fees waived. The application can be found here: California College Promise Grant

Step 2: Submit Requested Documentation to the Financial Aid Office

Once the FAFSA has been submitted, Mendocino College will receive the student’s information for processing. If additional information is needed to process the file, the Financial Aid Office will use MyMendo to notify students. 

• Go to MyMendo
• Select "My Financial Aid Status" from My Student Account
• Select the appropriate Award Year
• Review your "Checklist" and select "Complete required documents" if action is needed
• Click on the underlined document to be taken to the form you need to complete
• You must submit all documents to complete your Financial Aid File and determine your eligibility

Step 3: Review Financial Aid Awards

After a student’s financial aid file is processed and completed, the awarding of eligible financial aid begins. Financial aid awards are based on the student’s eligibility for each particular aid program. Financial aid awards can be reviewed by visiting MyMendo. In your checklist select "Review your Financial Aid Award Package". That will list the awards you are eligible for. You can also select "Review your Financial Aid Offer Letter" if you need to print a copy.

Step 4: Receive Financial Aid

Based on a student's eligibility, financial aid disbursements begin the week before classes start for fall and spring. A student must be enrolled, awarded, and be meeting financial aid eligibility requirements to receive financial aid for the semester. For additional disbursement dates visit Important Dates and Deadlines.

Mendocino College delivers your refund with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc. Visit this link for more information: https://bankmobiledisbursements.com/refundchoices/.

Step 5: Maintain Eligibility

Satisfactory Academic Progress - You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards to receive awards. Your Satisfactory Academic Progress will be listed in the banner of your MyMendo account. For more information visit the Policies- Satisfactory Academic Progress page.

Pell Grant Lifetime Eligibility - The amount of Federal Pell Grant funds you may receive over your lifetime is limited by federal law to be the equivalent of 600%. You can view your Pell Lifetime Eligibility Used on your MyMendo account.