Apply for Financial Aid - Current Students

Cal Maritime Federal School Code: 001134

When do I apply?

January 1st through March 2nd is the priority filing period to submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)for the upcoming school year. Filing before March 2nd will ensure that you will be considered for the most funding. However, we will continue to accept applications up to the end of the academic year.

How do I apply?

Step 1:

You must fill out the FAFSA every year. Watch this FAFSA Video Tutorial by UC Santa Barbara. Fill out the FAFSA using one of the following methods:

• File electronically by using FAFSA Online. If you have previously filed a FAFSA electronically for a prior school year, you may be able to file a Renewal FAFSA. You will need your PIN to file either electronic FAFSAs. If you have problems with your PIN, logon www.PIN.ed.gov and follow instructions.
• You can also download a PDF version of the FAFSA.
• Call toll free 800-4FED-AID (800-433-3243) to have a paper FAFSA sent to you, and with any FAFSA questions.
• If you cannot file a RENEWAL FAFSA, you may fill out a NEW electronic FAFSA and print out and send in the Signature page.
• The Financial Aid Department does NOT provide the 1098T Tax Form. Please contact Student Services for more information.

Step 2:

Check the status of your application with FAFSA on the Web 3-5 days after submission if you filed electronically, 7-10 days after submission if you printed, signed and mailed a signature page or a paper FAFSA.

After FAFSA on the Web validates your information, CMA will electronically receive your FAFSA information.

How do I check the status of my financial aid?

 You may check on the web in CSUM Online Services (available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week) or call 707-654-1275 to talk with a Financial Aid representative during our regular business hours.

Step 3:

You may be asked to provide additional information. You may need verification or other documents to allow us to proceed to awarding your financial aid. Please check your e-mail and your Online Services To Do Lists for details.

Please submit all required documentation promptly, i.e., within seven days.

Step 4:

We will start awarding financial aid after mid-March.

Check your CSUM or other e-mail for your award notification. Your awards will be visible under Financial Aid in Online Services.

Your loans will need acceptance and also MPN's. Details will be in Online Services under ToDo Items and in e-mails.

Please complete the process as soon as you receive notification. 

Step 5

How to get your financial aid money

You must submit all requested documentation in order to receive your financial aid. All funds are used first to pay any charges at Cal Maritime. If any funds remain after those deductions, checks will appear in your mailbox on campus by the end of your second week of class. If there is Plus money to return, it will be sent to the parents.

Who May Apply?

To receive aid from federal student aid programs you must:

• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student progressing toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security Number
• Make satisfactory academic progress
• Sign the statement on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) certifying that you will use federal student aid only for educational purposes, that you are not in default on a federal student loan, and you do not owe money on a federal student grant
• Register with Selective Service – if required

Dependent vs. Independent student:

If you can answer "yes" to any of the questions in Step 3 of the FAFSA, you are independent and will not need to provide parent information on your FAFSA. If you cannot answer "yes" to any of these questions, you are considered dependent for 2011-2012.

California Registered Domestic Partners:

If a student or parent is a California Registered Partner, please notify the Financial Aid Office. You will need to complete a separate form to be eligible for California state funds.

Cal Maritime Scholarships

All scholarships for entering students are originated in the Office of Admission.

Continuing students receive e-mail notifications in January to complete the 2011-2012 CMA Foundation Scholarship Application.