Frequently Asked Questions Related to Financial Aid

What is the best way to contact Financial Aid?

  • Submit the Contact Us Form on the Financial Aid website.  Our staff will reply to you as soon as possible.  We strive for 2 business days.  However, during peak times it can take up 3-5 business days.
  • Prior to contacting staff, it is recommended that you browse our website to see if our questions can be answered on one of our webpages at www.cerritos.edu/finaid. We also have 24/7 FATV online videos to answer your questions at cerritos.financialaidtv.com
  • Questions can also be e-mailed to finaid@cerritos.edu. Our office is heavily impacted at this time, response times may be delayed. 
  • You can also Ask Franco via Chat on the Financial Aid website.  The chat appears on the bottom right hand corner of each page.
  • You can join one of our zoom sessions for live video chat.  We have some for general financial aid questions and some for application assistance.  Times, dates, zoom links on our homepage.
  • You can call (562) 860-2451 ext. 2397, phones are being answered between 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m. Monday, Tuesday,Thursday, 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m. Wednesday and 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. on Friday.
                                                                                         

Are Financial Aid Staff available to assist me?

Yes.  The financial aid staff are still connecting with students and helping through online services.  Our office is currently closed for in person services.  We will do our best to assist you through e-mail.  However, if needed we can arrange a voice call or video chat as needed.  Please reach out to us for any of your questions or concerns.

My income has decreased significantly from the information I reported on my FAFSA/CA Dream Act application.  Can you consider my more recent income?

Yes, please submit the Contact Us Form from the Financial Aid website explaining your situation.  One of our financial aid staff will reach out to you with next steps.

I applied for FAFSA and would like to submit required forms.  How do I submit these forms?

Check your To Do List on MyCerritos to see if you need to submit forms.  For more information about submitting forms, visit our website for more details. 

How do I apply for Direct Student Loan?

Please visit the Direct Loan website to view the deadlines and steps for completing the loan application process.

I have been disqualified from financial aid, how do I appeal?

You can view our Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) website for standards, policy, deadlines, and appeal information. 

I am a student with food and/or housing insecurity, are there any resources available for students?

Yes, please visit our Falcon Basic Needs and Cerritos Cares website for a wealth of resources.  We want to connect you to resources so that you can be successful here at Cerritos College.

I am an undocumented student and have questions about paying for fees and resources available?

Cerritos College is an Undocu friendly campus.  Please visit our UndocuWebsite for resources, financial aid process, contacts, etc.