Starting the Financial Aid Process

Whether you’re a new or returning student, financial aid plays a key role throughout your education. 

Start by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA —see below) as soon as you’ve enrolled at Copper Mountain College. Complete a new Financial Aid application every year you remain a student. The application opens Oct. 1 each year. 

The FAFSA & CADAA are free, and you can apply even before you’ve registered for classes. Apply as early as you can—some aid is first come, first served. Early action is needed for early award offers. 

Use the 2024-2025 FAFSA/CADAA for the summer 2024, fall 2024, and spring 2025 terms. 

Financial Aid Timeline

Get Financial Aid Answers

Financial Aid TV is your 24/7 source for video information. Get multilingual info about types of aid, application processes, and much more.  Go to Financial Aid TV

California Dream Act

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students and others who aren’t eligible for federal financial aid to apply for state aid. It also allows students to pay resident tuition at California public colleges. 

If you aren’t eligible to complete the FAFSA, complete the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead. Complete a new CADAA every year you remain a student: 

  1. Complete your CADAA by March 2. Allow up to two weeks for processing.
  2. Submit an AB540 form to Admissions & Records to determine your eligibility for California state grants.
  3. Contact Admissions & Records with any questions about in-state residency.
  4. Check for institutional scholarships. You may be eligible under the CA Dream Act.

Not sure which aid application is right for you? See additional info about FAFSA versus CADAA

Financial Aid Verification

Your FAFSA or CADAA may be randomly selected for verification by the federal Department of Education or the California Student Aid Commission.

If you’re selected for verification, you’ll find a list of required documents in your MyCMC Financial Aid Portal. Your financial aid file is not complete until we’ve received and processed all required documents. The sooner we receive these documents, the sooner you’ll receive your aid.

Commonly required documents include:

Financial Aid Disbursement & Refunds

Copper Mountain College partners with BankMobile for financial aid distribution and refunds. Choose a disbursement method for your financial aid: 

  1. Sign up 24 hours after registering for classes. 
  2. Log into MyCMC, find the “Financial Aid Disbursements/Refunds” box, and click the “Pick Now!” button. 
  3. Follow the on-screen instructions, making sure you’re using the MyCMC portal. 
  4. Keep a record of the disbursement method you choose. Direct deposit disbursements will be delayed 1-2 business days. Vibe account and debit card disbursements will take place the same day. 

We distribute Pell Grant funds twice each semester in fall and spring—50% at the end of the term’s first week and 50% when the term is half completed.  

Other aid funds may be distributed via the method you’ve chosen. Review your aid awards in MyCMC and consult the disbursement/refund schedule for expected disbursement dates. 

For more info, see BankMobile FAQs, the BankMobile contract, and BankMobile’s refund choices page. 

Copper Mountain Promise

Get free tuition and book vouchers available to qualifying students enrolled in 12 units or more.

Forms & Resources

Find a library of financial aid forms plus info about types of aid, aid-related links, money management tips, and more.

Key Policies

Learn about satisfactory academic progress, what happens if you leave school, and other essential information.

Meet Our Financial Aid Team

Have questions? We’re here to help: 

Contact Financial Aid

Financial Aid 
Office of Student Services, 300 Quad 
6162 Rotary Way 
P.O. Box 1398 
Joshua Tree, CA 92252 

Phone: 760.366.3791, ext. 4235 
Fax: 760.366.5257

 

Summer Hours:

June 1 to July 31
Monday – Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Closed Fridays

Regular Hours:

Monday – Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Friday 8 am – 3 pm

We are closed on all legal and college holidays.