 APPLY to CMC and complete admission requirements

 COMPLETE a financial aid application using either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

 WAIT 5-7 business days

• Check your student email to ensure your application was received by CMC
• We do not download next year’s applications until late March

 VIEW and complete required items on Financial Aid Checklist

• Go to your MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal to view required items
• You may not receive financial aid until all required tasks are completed on your MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal

 REGISTER for courses at CMC

 CHOOSE a disbursement method with BankMobile

 CONTINUE to monitor your MyCMC Portal

• Check emails and MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal regularly for notifications and communication with financial aid. Not checking could result in a delay in potential aid

CLICK HERE to download a PDF/printable version of the checklist

The Department of Education or California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) randomly selects FAFSA’s or CADAA’s for a process called verification. If you have been selected for verification, your missing documents will be listed under your checklist on the MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal.  Refer to the short videos below.

A student’s financial aid file is NOT complete until the Financial Aid Department has received and processed all of the required documents. The sooner that a student provides the requested documents, the sooner they may be able to receive financial aid.

2022-23 FAFSA or CADAA – all income information will be from 2020

VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS YOU MAY NEED TO PROVIDE

Dependent student documentation:

1. Student’s tax transcript (if student worked or filed taxes in the applicable year)
2. Parent(s) tax transcript 
3. Verification of non-filing from the IRS (if parent did NOT work or file taxes in the applicable year)
4. If you are unable to obtain a tax transcript from the IRS, you may provide a copy of your 1040 tax return form with a physical signature in BLUE ink
5. If you are unable to obtain a verification of non-filing from the IRS, you may complete a certification of non-filing
   • 2022-2023 Certification of Non-Filing
6. Dependent verification worksheet (both student and parent need to sign)
   • 2022-2023 Dependent Verification Worksheet

Independent student documentation:

1. Student’s tax transcript (if student worked or filed taxes in the applicable year)
2. Spouse’s tax transcript (if student is married)
   • even if student and spouse weren’t married at the time the FAFSA was completed, but are married now, we still need both
3. Verification of non-filing from IRS (if student and/or spouse did not file taxes in the applicable year)
4. If you are unable to obtain a verification of non-filing from the IRS, you may complete a certification of non-filing
   • 2022-2023 Certification of Non-Filing
5. Independent verification worksheet (only student needs to sign)
   • 2022-2023 Independent Verification Worksheet

VERIFICATION DOCUMENTS YOU MAY NEED TO PROVIDE IN-PERSON

1. High school completion status document (i.e. high school diploma, transcripts, GED cert., etc.)
2. Identity/Statement of Educational Purpose (MUST be signed in front of someone in the financial aid office) with a valid government issued ID, excludes military ID

Where do I find the documents Financial Aid needs from me? 

How to request tax transcripts or verification of non-filing from the IRS 

You must complete a financial aid application to determine if you’re eligible to receive any grants. Eligibility depends on your  Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) calculated expected family contribution (EFC), enrollment, SAP, and other criteria specific to each grant. View your awards on MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal. For more information on each grant, keep scrolling.

FEDERAL AID

Click each grant heading below to view a short pop-up video on each type of grant.

Pell Grant

Pell Grants are federally-funded, need-based grants given to college students to help pay for college and do not need to be paid back. Students must meet certain eligibility requirements to receive the Pell Grant. The amount disbursed is based on a student’s FAFSA calculated expected family contribution (EFC) AND enrollment.

Full-time: 12+ units   *  ¾ time: 9-11.5 units  *   ½ time: 6-8.5 units   *  Less than ½: less than 6 units

Students can receive up to 600% (6 full-time years) of Pell towards their undergraduate education. CMC students can find their Pell Lifetime Eligibility Usage (LEU) on the SAP screen of their MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal.

*Students cannot receive Pell at two different institutions for the same enrollment period.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

These limited federal grants are awarded to eligible students whose FAFSA indicated an exceptional financial need. These are awarded while funds are available.

Federal Work Study (FWS)

This federal program enables eligible students to help pay their school expenses through part-time employment on campus. Students must be enrolled at least half time to be eligible and may not work during their scheduled class times.

Many opportunities on campus include; The Library, Student Success Center, Student Services, Business Office, Maintenance & Operations, and more.

If you’re interested in applying at CMC, visit the Job Opportunities page and look for “Student Worker (FWS)”. Follow up with Human Resources.

Federal Direct Stafford Loans

The Federal Government makes these loans available to eligible students whose need cannot be met by other sources. Students must be enrolled in at least 6 units per semester and have a processed FAFSA form to show eligibility for loans. Loan packets are available at the start of the term. These packets go into further detail about loan eligibility and disbursements. Students are not advised to take out these loans except as the last resort and are encouraged to apply for scholarships, work study, or other sources that do not require repayment. Excessive borrowing can cause hardship for students and may prevent them from completing their educational program.

STATE AID

California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

Under the CCPG program, the State of California will pay student enrollment fees. This amount is NOT disbursable to students, but rather, is directly applied to their student account. To qualify students must:
– have financial need ($1,104 minimum need)
– be a CA resident OR admitted to the school under AB540 rules (must establish with Admissions & Records)
– active duty military members and their dependents (must establish with Admissions & Records)
– maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Cal Grants B & C

These state-funded grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to California residents who qualify on the basis of financial need and merit or vocational objective. Create an account with CSAC to check the status of your Cal Grant award on Webgrants 4 Students.

Cal Grant FAQ’s

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

SSCG is an additional grant in conjunction with Cal Grant B or C. To be eligible students must be:

– enrolled full time (at least 12 units)
– receiving Cal Grant B or C
– maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) 

Chafee Grant

The CA Chafee Grant is awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to current and former Foster Youth. To be eligible students must submit:

– a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)
– a Chafee Grant Application (for first time applicants only)

For more information visit chafee.csac.ca.gov.

CMC Promise Program

The CA Promise Program expands access to community college education, closing achievement gaps and improving student performance, by making college affordable. It is available to 1st and 2nd year students. Eligible students may receive a book voucher (amounts may differ from year to year as funding changes). Students who do not qualify for the CCPG, may get enrollment fees waived under this program!

For more information visit CMC’s Promise Program webpage.

INSTITUTIONAL AID

Scholarships

For more information on scholarships offered at CMC, please visit CMC’s Scholarship webpage.

Extended Opportunity Programs and Services (EOPS)

For more information visit CMC’s EOPS webpage.

Cooperative Agencies Resources for Education (CARE)

For more information, visit CMC’s CARE webpage.

CMC has partnered with BankMobile to deliver your financial aid disbursement/refund!

Follow these steps to set up a disbursement method with BankMobile:

1. Sign up 24 hours after registering for classes
2. Log into your MyCMC Portal
3. Once logged in, find the FINANCIAL AID DISBURSEMENTS/REFUNDS box and click the PICK NOW! button to select your disbursement method

4. Follow the on-screen instructions, but make sure you are going through the MyCMC Portal.
5. Make sure you keep records (physical and/or electronic) so you remember which disbursement method you’ve chosen.

a. If you chose Direct Deposit, disbursements will be delayed 1-2 business days
b. If you chose the Vibe account and debit card, disbursements will be the same day onto that account

Pell is disbursed 2 times per semester for the fall and spring: 50% at the end of the first week of the start of the term; and 50% after half of the term is over.  Other aid may be disbursed on the same disbursement/refund method you choose. Review your Awards on MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal to see what you’re eligible for. Then use the Disbursement/refund schedule below for the expected disbursement date of those grants/awards.

*Note: Some students may not be eligible for disbursable aid.

Disbursement/refund Schedule
BankMobile FAQs
BankMobile Contract 
Refund Choices Information Page

SAP is the standard students are measured by to determine if they are making progress toward completing their degree.

Students CAN LOSE financial aid if academic standards are not met. There are 3 components to this standard:

• Qualitative – Maintain a 2.0 Cumulative Grade Point Average (C average)
• Quantitative – Complete 67% or more of attempted units successfully with a C or better
• Maximum Timeframe – Complete their degree or certificate within 150% of the program’s credit length. (90 units for A.A)

Current students can view their SAP status on their MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal after their first semester at CMC.

CMC’s SAP Policy 

CCPG (BoG waiver) SAP Policy 

*Note: The SAP standard for federal and state financial aid is different from the CCPG Fee Waiver-SAP standard

Be sure to complete the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) each year before March 2nd.

• Allow up to two weeks for processing.
• Submit an AB540 form with Admissions & Records to determine your eligibility for CA State grants.
• For questions regarding CA residency, contact the Admissions & Records Department.

*It is ultimately the student’s responsibility to ensure that their residency status with Admissions & Records is AB540

CA Dream Act FAQ

You may be eligible for Institutional Scholarships with the CA Dream Act. For more information visit CMC’s Scholarships page.
Still have questions, including how to ensure you are completing the correct financial aid application? Visit Immigrantsrising.org

2023-2024 Financial Aid Forms

Cost of Attendance 2023-2024

2023-24 Dependent Verification Worksheet

2023-24 Dependent Status Worksheet

2023-24 Dependency Override Request

2023-24 ISIR Signature Page

2023-24 Independent Verification Worksheet

2022-2023 Financial Aid Forms

Cost of Attendance 2022-2023

2022-23 Dependent Verification Worksheet

2022-23 Certification of Non-Filing

2022-23 Dependency Status Worksheet

2022-23 ISIR Signature Page

2022-23 Independent Verification Worksheet

Other Financial Aid Forms

Income Adjustment/Reduction Form

Unusual Enrollment Appeal Form

GPA or Completion Rate Appeal Form

Max Timeframe Appeal Form

Separation Statement

Board Policy 5130
Copper Mountain College processes federal, state, and institutional aid for students who meet the eligibility requirements for the specific programs. Students are encouraged to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for state and federal aid for which they may be eligible. Students are also encouraged to apply for any institutional and outside scholarships possible. Scholarships are posted on the financial aid bulletin board in Student Services and various scholarship websites are available on the CMC’s website. A free scholarship search is available at www.fastweb.com.

Withdrawal & Repayment of Funds
To continue to receive financial aid, students are required to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards. The SAP standards are defined as maintaining a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 and cumulatively completing 67% of attempted units, all while completing your program within 150% of the program’s published units (for ex. you have 90 units to complete a 60 unit program). The federal government is willing to provide assistance to students as they pursue an education. However, it will not provide aid to students who are not completing their coursework satisfactorily or are not completing their program in a timely manner. Therefore, students are in danger of losing their aid eligibility if they take more courses in a semester than they can reasonably complete or if they do not take the appropriate courses to complete their program’s requirements.

Students are advised to meet with a counselor to develop an educational plan, to be realistic about the number of courses they can satisfactorily complete in a given semester, and then to be diligent in class attendance and completion of assignments. In the event something should occur to prevent the student from attending, it is the student’s responsibility to drop the class in the Admissions Office of Student Services or through their MyCMC Portal. Failure to officially withdraw may result in failures on transcripts and loss of financial aid in future semesters. Total withdrawal prior to the completion of 60% of the semester will result in a recalculation of the aid the student is entitled to receive. In keeping with federal regulations, the recalculation may require the student to repay some of the unearned aid they had received. Failure to return the funds would result in loss of eligibility for future aid until the funds are repaid.

Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA)

California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

WebGrants 4 Students – Cal Grant/Chafee

Chafee Grant Program

Federal Student Aid

IGRAD – Financial Wellness

Financial Aid Answers 24/7

Mapping Your Future

Free Scholarship Engines:

BrokeScholar

Scholarships America

FastWeb!

Scholarship Experts

MyCMC Self-Service Financial Aid Portal guide – Click HERE for a guide on how to get to the Self-Service Financial Aid Portal, how to check financial aid status, view and print award letters, and review SAP status.

Submit Documents to Financial Aid – Click HERE for a guide on how to submit required documents to the Financial Aid Department.

Request tax documents for financial aid – Click HERE for a guide on how to Request Tax Return Transcripts or verification of non-filing from the IRS.

Make payments – Click HERE to get to CMC’s tuition/payment plan page

CMC has partnered with iGrad Financial Wellness Program. Take control of your financial well-being and click THIS LINK or the picture below to get started!

Once you are logged in, you can:

1. Take a short assessment to see what areas are recommended for you as an individual.
2. Browse many Topics, such as:
   • 
3. Earn Certificates of Completion for Courses that you complete, especially the ones that will help you the most.

Show us that you completed THREE certificates and get a FREE CMC wireless phone charger! We understand how important devices are these days and want you to stay connected. You can show us in person or you can take a selfie with them and send it to us at faworker@cmccd.edu.

NO STRINGS ATTACHED! We just want to provide you with tools that may benefit you through your program here at CMC and beyond.

Treatment of Title IV Aid When a Student Withdraws 34CFR 668.22
The law specifies how a school must determine the amount of Title IV program assistance that you earn if you withdraw from school. The Title IV programs that are covered by this law are Federal Pell Grants, Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants, TEACH Grants, Direct Loans, Direct PLUS Loans, and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOGs).

Though your aid is posted to your account at the start of each period, you earn the funds as you complete the period. If you withdraw during your payment period the amount of Title IV program assistance that you have earned up to that point is determined by a specific formula. If you received (or your school or parent received on your behalf) less assistance than the amount that you earned, you may be able to receive those additional funds. If you received more assistance than you earned, the excess funds must be returned by the school and/ or you.

The amount of assistance that you have earned is determined on a pro rata basis. For example, if you completed 30% of your payment period or period of enrollment, you earn 30% of the assistance you were originally scheduled to receive. Once you have completed more than 60% of the payment period or period of enrollment, you earn all the assistance that you were scheduled to receive for that period.

If you did not receive all of the funds that you earned, you may be due a post-withdrawal disbursement. If your post-withdrawal disbursement includes loan funds, your school must get your permission before it can disburse them. You may choose to decline some or all of the loan funds so that you don’t incur additional debt. Your school may automatically use all or a portion of your post-withdrawal disbursement of grant funds for tuition, fees, and room and board charges (as contracted with the school). The school needs your permission to use the post-withdrawal grant disbursement for all other institutional charges. If you do not give your permission (some schools ask for this when you enroll), you will be offered the funds. However, it may be in your best interest to allow the school to keep the funds to reduce your debt at the school.

There are some Title IV funds that you were scheduled to receive that cannot be disbursed to you once you withdraw because of other eligibility requirements. For example, if you are a first-time, first-year undergraduate student and you have not completed the first 30 days of your program before you withdraw, you will not receive any Direct Loan funds that you would have received had you remained enrolled past the 30th day.

If you receive (or your school or parent receive on your behalf) excess Title IV program funds that must be returned, your school must return a portion of the excess equal to the lesser of:

1. your institutional charges multiplied by the unearned percentage of your funds; or
2. the entire amount of excess funds.

The school must return this amount even if it didn’t keep this amount of your Title IV program funds. If your school is not required to return all of the excess funds, you must return the remaining amount.

For any loan funds that you must return, you (or your parent for a Direct PLUS Loan) repay in accordance with the terms of the promissory note. That is, you make scheduled payments to the holder of the loan over a period of time.

The requirements for Title IV program funds when you withdraw are separate from any refund policy that your school may have. Therefore, you may still owe funds to the school to cover unpaid institutional charges. Your school may also charge you for any Title IV program funds that the school was required to return. If you don’t already know your school’s refund policy, you should ask your school for a copy. Your school can also provide you with the requirements and procedures for officially withdrawing from school.

If you have questions about your Title IV program funds, you can call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-4-FEDAID (1-800-433-3243). TTY users may call 1-800-730-8913. Information is also available on Student Aid on the Web at https://studentaid.gov/.

1. If you participated in the Blackboard Pay program (regardless of current enrollment status at CMC) the end of the program and card services is effective May 31, 2019.
2. December 31, 2018, you will not be able to load any further funds on a card.
3. You will want to discontinue direct deposits to your Card prior to December 31, 2018.
4. You will want to deplete any funds remaining prior to May 30, 2019.
5. Effective May 30, 2019, no further use of the Card or Money Network Checks to access the funds on your Card – including through purchases, ATM withdrawals, automatic payments, or other transactions.
6. You will want to change any automatic payments prior May 1, 2019.
7. Any funds in excess of $1.00 remaining on a card after discontinuation of the program and final settlement of card transactions will be sent by check to the address associated with the card on or before June 15, 2019.

If you have additional questions please contact:
David Shook, Financial Aid Director
dshook@cmccd.edu
(760) 366-5278