Degrees & Certificates

How to apply for Financial Aid and FAFSA

Applying for financial aid can help make college more affordable. Your first step is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). Your FAFSA information is used to see whether you qualify for grants, scholarships, work-study, student loans, or other aid. You may qualify for more than one type of financial aid. Some scholarships may require an additional application.

Before You Apply For Financial Aid

Before you fill out a financial aid application, make sure you have:

  • A high school diploma or General Education Development (GED)/High School Equivalency (HSE) certificate
  • A valid Social Security number
    • Don't have a Social Security number? If you're an undocumented student, and don't have a Social Security number, check your eligibility for the Comet Promise [THIS NEEDS A LINK]. You will not be eligible for federal financial aid.
  • Applied for admission
    • Your admissions application must specify that you plan to enroll in a program to earn your associate degree, bachelor's degree, or eligible certificate program
We encourage you to submit your FAFSA right after you submit your Coconino Community College admissions application. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the sooner you'll know what financial aid you can use to help pay for school.

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Create Your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID)

Your FSA ID is your Federal Student Aid ID. It's used to confirm your identity, and it's how you electronically sign your federal student aid documents.


You need to create your FSA ID before you fill out the FAFSA. It can take up to three days after creating your ID to be able to use it, so we recommend doing this step early.

[INSERT BUTTON LINKING TO https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account]

2. Gather Your Files and Documents

To make this step easy, we recommend you use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool that is built into the FAFSA to fill in your financial information. This tool automatically adds your tax data from the IRS into your FAFSA (so you don't have to add the data manually). To use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, you'll need your FSA ID and your federal income tax return.


If your parents claimed you as a dependent on their taxes last year, you will need some information from your parents (including step-parents):
  • Your parents' full legal names
  • Their dates of birth
  • Their Social Security numbers
  • Their email addresses

3. Fill Out & Submit Your FAFSA

Once you have your documents and information together, you are ready to fill out the FAFSA. 

Note: At CCC, all eligible students must complete the FAFSA to receive any financial aid, even aid not directly tied to federal funding, like outside scholarships.

  • If you plan to attend CCC during Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and/or Summer 2027 you need to fill out the 2026–27 FAFSA form using 2024 tax info. The 2026-27 FAFSA is open until June 30, 2027. Students are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of more aid.
  • If you plan to attend CCC during Fall 2027, Spring 2028 and/or Summer 2028, you need to fill out the 2027–28 FAFSA form using 2025 tax info. The 2027-28 FAFSA will likely open October 1, 2026 and stay open until June 30, 2027. Students are encouraged to apply early to take advantage of more aid.
Need help with your FAFSA application? Contact Financial Aid for one-on-one assistance! [INSERT LINK TO THE SCHEDULING PAGE]

[INSERT BUTTON Linking to https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa?os=f&ref=app]

4. Complete You To-dos and Monitor Your Status

You can check your Financial Aid processing status by logging into the MyCCC portal [LINK] and clicking "Financial Aid." Monitor your CCC student email, as any messages from the Financial Aid Office will be sent there. Be sure to do any admissions or financial aid requests that need to be completed for financial aid or admissions. Outstanding items can prohibit you from registering for classes and from qualifying for financial aid awards.


[INSERT REAL CHECKLIST WHEN WE GET IT]

[PREFERRABLY A POP-OUT BOX OR SOMETHING ATTENTION GRABBING]
Required Verification (Should be a heading in the pop-out box)
You may be alerted that you have to complete additional paperwork to verify the information you provided on your FAFSA.
[BUTTON] Link to verification page

5. Review and Accept Your Financial Aid Offer

Once your financial aid application file is complete, you’ll receive a financial aid package that outlines what you qualify for.


To review your offer, log into your MyCCC student account and click on "Financial Aid." If you need help getting into your MyCCC account, call 928-226-4357. [THIS NEEDS TO BE A PHONE LINK, also standardized format across all pages]

To accept your financial aid offer:
  1. Choose the aid year.
  2. Review your awards carefully and make sure you understand the requirements for accepting and keeping them. Accept, reduce or decline the loans offered to you.
  3. Complete the Entrance Counseling [link to https://studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling/undergraduate/loan-counseling/modules]  and Master Promissory Note. [Link to https://studentaid.gov/mpn/] You have to complete these two items before your funds will appear in your account.

[CALL-OUT BOX
HEADING: When Financial Aid Doesn’t Cover All Costs
If you do not have enough financial aid to cover costs of classes, you will have to make payment plan arrangements with Student Accounts Office to pay for the remaining balance.
BUTTON: Learn more about payment plans

6. Apply for Additional Aid

CCC Encourages all students to apply for additional financial aid to help pay for school. Scholarships can help cover costs that federal financial aid does not. Explore scholarships offered by CCC and outside organizations, including community groups, foundations, businesses, and employers. Requirements and deadlines vary, so review each opportunity and apply early.

[BUTTON] Explore scholarships (link to scholarships page)

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