How to Apply

Each year, aid applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application should be submitted to the federal processor online at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. For the 2024-2025 year, the FAFSA became available on December 31, 2023. For the 2025-2026 year, the FAFSA is expected to be available by October 1, 2024 but it may not due to technical difficulties at the Department of Education. Students applying for admission for the fall 2024 and winter 2025 semesters should complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA. Students applying for admission for the spring 2025 semester should complete both 2024-2025 and 2025-2026 FAFSA applications. The FAFSA form can be completed on the fafsa.gov website on a mobile device, laptop, or computer.

Financial Aid administrators are available to help students with the application process. The Financial Aid Department may request additional documentation to support the student’s application. The student’s financial aid package cannot be finalized until the Financial Aid Department has received all requested documentation. State grant recipients may also be required to submit additional documentation directly to the state agency administering the grant. Renewal of financial aid is not automatic. Recipients are required to reapply each year by the announced deadline.

It is recommended that students, spouses, and/or parents use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool, which can make the application process easier, faster, and more accurate, facilitating earlier notification of awards.

Additional information about the FAFSA is available.

Berkeley College recommends that students avoid unnecessary borrowing. College financial aid packages are developed with this goal in mind. Financial aid awards are determined by the Berkeley College Financial Aid Department. Financial aid is typically offered and awarded to eligible students in a “financial aid package,” detailing the student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, and loans. Each financial aid package also reflects charges that are payable directly to the College, including tuition, fees, and the cost of housing obtained through the College.