Applying for financial aid can be confusing, but the staff in the Financial Aid Office will assist you through the process.
Six Steps to Financial Aid
- Create an FSA ID
We strongly recommend you create an FSA ID, a username and password combination, that allows you to sign your FAFSA® form electronically. Your FSA ID also can be used to access the myStudentAid app, sign loan contracts, and access certain information online. While you can get your FSA ID as you’re completing the FAFSA form online, getting it ahead of time and using it to fill out the FAFSA form on fafsa.gov or on the myStudentAid mobile app cuts down on errors and delays. Find out how to get an FSA ID and what to do if you forgot your FSA ID.
Important note: If you’re a dependent student, one of your parents whose information is reported on the FAFSA form will also need an FSA ID so that he or she can sign your application electronically. If your parent doesn’t have a Social Security number (SSN), your parent won’t be able to create an FSA ID (which requires an SSN). This means you’ll have to select the option to print a signature page when you get to the end of your FAFSA form on fafsa.gov (this option isn’t available in the myStudentAid app).
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act Application by the priority deadline of March 2.
- Porterville College School Code 001268
- Select IRS Data Retrieval Tool in order to expedite the processing of your financial aid file.
- Carefully review your Student Aid Report (SAR).
- The SAR will inform you if your application is complete, what your estimated expected family contribution (EFC), if you were selected for verification, as well as the data you submitted on your application.
- Complete any additional requirements by the priority deadline of July 1 of the award year.
- Login to insidePC, select Financial Aid tab, select Eligibility, select the Award Year, any required documents will be available here.
- Your refund will be provided with BankMobile Disbursements. Visit BankMobile for more information or to review our BankMobile Contract.
- Financial Aid is not available until the semester begins: Financial Aid Disbursements, 2021-2022
Special Circumstances
Please contact the Financial Aid Office for any help that you may need. Below are some resources to answer questions you may have.
Dependency Status
Dependency Override: Students petitioning the Financial Aid Office for consideration to change status from dependent to independent due to extenuating circumstances, need to return a completed Petition for Dependency Override to the Financial Aid Office along with appropriate documentation.
Making Changes to my FAFSA
In cases where family income is expected to be substantially less than previous year's family income, a student may request review of family contribution and financial aid eligibility. Complete and return the Special Condition form to the Financial Aid Office along with the appropriate documentation.
