College Resources

Let's see if we can help answer some questions about college....

Where do I begin in registering for  for college? 

Interview with East LA College Outreach Office

How do I find out about financial aid to help pay for college?

Interview with Pierce College Financial Aid Office

What is the Los Angeles College Promise  and how do I get FREE college? 

Los Angeles Community College District

Dream Act – How do I access college and financial aid if I am not a citizen? 

LACCD has Dream Resource Centers to assist DACA Students and Non-citizens

Visit the one on your local campus or LA Valley College 

A Place to Start...

Not sure where to begin? 

Here are some resources that might give you a place to start on your journey to higher education

Why go to college? 

What is your WHY? Student Story and Video 

Understanding types of college degrees

Step-by-Step for new community college students. Handout Version

Not sure what you want to do? Try the ElimiMAJOR worksheet or explore a degrees & certificates

 

CCC Apply - California Community Colleges Online Application

Your gateway to the California Community Colleges. Each year 2.1 million students from all over the world build their career skills, prepare for transfer to four-year colleges and universities, or simply enrich their lives through learning.

cccapply.org

For Los Angeles Community College District Schools CLICK HERE

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)

Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school.

studentaid.gov/fafsa 

California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid.

 CA Dream Act FAQs

dream.csac.ca.gov

Cash for College

Starting October 1 through June 30, students and families can attend FREE Cash for College workshops across California for help completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act (CADAA) and Chafee Grant for Foster Youth applications.
  Our mission is to help low-income and first generation college-goers complete the application process so they can access financial aid for education and career/technical training beyond high school.

cash4college.csac.ca.gov/  

ICanAffordCollege.com

The “I Can Afford College” campaign is a statewide, financial aid awareness initiative sponsored by the California Community Colleges.  Our goal at “I Can Afford College” is simple. We want to let students and parents know that:

  • California community colleges are affordable.
  • Financial aid is available year-round to help pay for enrollment fees and college costs like books, supplies, and even rent in some cases.
  • All 116 California community colleges have financial aid professionals who can give you free one-on-one help.

Los Angeles Pierce College
Financial Aid Resources

The financial aid office at Pierce College has a wealth of resources available to help students with understanding and applying for financial aid. All community colleges have a financial aid office that can help you. Find your local office by using the links at the bottom of the page. 

You can view Pierce college resources at this link: 

Go to Financial Aid

 

 

West LA College Program Pathways Mapper

The Program Pathways Mapper allows you to explore  a set of program maps that show a semester-by-semester path from program entry to completion. You will also find videos and learning outcomes that will deepen your understanding of each program and pathway. 

You will find information on occupations and career commonly associated with each program, including typical wages and the labor market demand for California. 

Financial Aid Helpful Videos

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is made available by federal, state, and private sources in the form of grants, scholarships, employment, and loans. Financial aid makes it possible for students to continue their education beyond high school, even if they and/or family cannot meet the full cost of college. 

How to Apply for Financial Aid

If you are a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen (permanent resident), you will complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If you are NOT a US Citizen or eligible non-citizen, you will need to compete the CA Dream Act application (see link in section above). 

What Happens after Submitting the FAFSA?

Once you have submitted your FAFSA, you will receive your results (known as Student Aid Report) from the Federal Processor. You will then receive a communication via email to provide you with next steps. Please note, your communication will come to your assigned college email account. 

How to Receive Financial Aid

Once all the required documentation has been submitted and uploaded, your college financial aid office will conduct a thorough review of your file for discrepancies. Your financial aid package will be posted to your student portal. Financial Aid Refunds will occur during the first week of fall semester.

Contact Information for Local Colleges

Los Angeles Pierce College

www.piercecollege.edu

pierceadmissions@piercecollege.edu

Los Angeles Southwest College

www.lasc.edu
admissions@lasc.edu
outreach@lasc.edu

Los Angeles Trade Tech College

www.lattc.edu
admissions@lattc.edu
outreach@lattc.edu

Los Angeles Valley College

www.lavc.edu
admissions@lavc.edu
start@lavc.edu

East Los Angeles College

www.elac.edu
admissions2@elac.edu
outreach@elac.edu

Live chat with ELAC

Los Angeles
City College

www.lacitycollege.edu
Admissions@lacitycollege.edu
outreach@lacitycollege.edu

Los Angeles
Harbor College

www.lahc.edu
arhelp@lahc.edu
outreach@lahc.edu

Los Angeles
Mission College

www.lamission.edu
admissions@lamission.edu
outreach@lamission.edu

Looking for a college in another area?

If you live in another area or planning on moving soon, you can use the California Community College finder which lists schools throughout the state.

Click here for the California Community College Finder