Discover Financial Aid Navigation Guide
Learn about resources and access to Financial Aid services and resources.
Explore Financial Aid
The goal of financial aid is to support students' academic success by providing assistance to help cover educational expenses. The amount of financial aid funds that a student may qualify for depends on state and federal eligibility guidelines and academic standards. Explore Direct Connect Financial Aid profile and learn all about resources to help you navigate the financial aid process.
Connect with Financial Aid Student Support
- Department Email: financialaid@smc.edu
- Loan applications and questions: LoanSupport@smc.edu
- Scholarship applications and questions: Scholarships@smc.edu
- Location: SSC 1st Floor (SMC Interactive map)
Remote Availability through QLess
Monday: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Tuesday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Wednesday: 8:30 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Thursday: 9:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m. - 12:00 p.m.
FinAid QLess callback queue: Please leave a message, including your ID number, full name, and a detailed description
of the issue you are calling about. We'll send you a text message to alert you when we are ready or call you at the number provided.
In-Person Services
For faster service, we urge you to visit our office during office hours.
ID.Me verification and bank mobile disbursements
To receive financial aid disbursements, students must clear verification and set up
their financial aid refund preference. For more information and step-by-step guidance
for these requirements, click on ID.ME and Bank Mobile links below.
FAFSA & Federal Student Aid (FSA) & New Loan regulations
Financial Aid from the U.S. Department of Education is considered Federal Financial Aid. To learn more about Pell Grant, SEOG, Federal Work Study and Direct Student Loans, visit: https://studentaid.gov/ . You can use your FSAID to log in and review your StudentAid Dashboard for an overview of your Pell Grant and/or Loan usage.
Starting July 1, 2026, the Federal Stafford Loan program has important changes for all new student loan borrowers. Learn all about new loan requirements and eligibility using the links below.
Federal Student Aid (FSA) One Big Beautiful Bill Updates (2026)
California Student Aid Commission
CSAC is the organization in California that manages the California Dream Act Application and all state financial aid programs including Cal-Grant, Chafee Grant (for Foster Youth) and Middle Class Scholarship. Students who are considered California Residents for Tuition purposes (including Undocumented/ Dreamers/ AB540 students) are highly encouraged to create a WebGrants Account to review Cal Grant eligibility and usage for transfer.
Dreamers, AB-540 and CA Dream Act Application
The California Dream Act of 2011 allow undocumented who meet Assembly Bill (AB) 540 requirements to receive in-state financial aid and and institutional scholarships. To be considered for in-state grants, undocumented AB-540 students must complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) every year (priority deadline is March 2nd). Learn more about AB-540 requirements, CADAA and financial aid resources for Dreamers/undocumented/DACA-mented students using the link below.
SMC Application Steps for Undocumented AB540 Students
SMC Scholarship Program
SMC Foundation in partnership with the Financial Aid Office offer the SMC Scholarship
application every year! Review the links below to learn more about the SMC Scholarship
application, eligibility requirements and deadlines.
SMC Scholarship Program Homepage
List of SMC Scholarships (Filter by Major, Key Words & Enrollment Status)
Thrive with Financial Aid Navigation Tools
Utilize these tools to successfully navigate Financial Aid Office services and resources.
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