Free Application for Federal Student Aid
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form you fill out to get financial aid. Financial aid includes fee waivers, grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships. Submit the FAFSA each year you are in college – it only takes about 30 minutes to complete when you are prepared.
Though undocumented students cannot apply for aid through the FAFSA, they may be eligible for state financial aid through the California Dream Act.
Deadline to Submit FAFSA
Submit the FAFSA as early as you can. This will help you figure out how to pay for college before classes begin.
Academic Year 2025-2026
The 2025-2026 academic year includes fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026.
Date FAFSA available: December 2024
Deadline to submit FAFSA or CADAA postmark deadline for consideration for Cal Grants: April 2, 2025*
Deadline to submit FAFSA: June 30, 2026
Deadline for all 2025-26 paperwork: July 7, 2026**
Tax filing year to use for FAFSA: 2023
* You can submit the FAFSA after the "Deadline to Submit" date until June 30 of the following year, but priority is given on a first-come, first-served basis. You may not be considered for a Cal Grant if you submit your application after this date.
**Dates are subject to change
Federal School Code
Merced College's federal school code is 001237. Make sure you include this on your FAFSA if you want to receive financial aid at Merced College.