How to Apply

Steps to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Students must create an FSA ID (and parent if the student is dependent).
2. Locate your federal tax returns from the prior-prior year.
3. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
4. Coastal Alabama Community College Federal School Code: 001060.
5. Sign electronically with your FSA ID (and parent if the student is dependent).
6. Submit.

Create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID

First – create an FSA ID which confirms your identity when you access your financial aid information and electronically sign the FAFSA.  

Only one parent of dependent students must have an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA. You can only have one FSA ID, you cannot create a new one if forgotten.  You will have to contact FAFSA (1-800-433-3243) to retrieve it.

Complete the FAFSA to apply for federal and state student aid (Pell, FSEOG, Work-Study, Direct Loans and ASAP)

Each year students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) via the website. The submitted FAFSA is reviewed by Coastal Alabama to determine if additional documentation is required to determine student eligibility. 

Complete your FAFSA via the Federal Student Aid website

Earlier the Better – The 2024/2025 FAFSA will not open October 1. It will be available by January 1, 2024. Some aid is first-come, first-serve and students are encouraged to complete their FAFSA as soon as possible.

Financial Aid Offers - Students can view all financial aid requirements and offers via the OneACCS student portal. Students with outstanding requirements will not have financial aid. Once all required documents are received by Coastal Alabama, students will be notified with an email to check their student portal. Financial aid offers are any combination of the following:

• Grants
• Work Study
• Scholarships
• Loans
• Other Aid

In order to apply for Financial Assistance, we recommend the following steps:

1. Financial Aid Preparation
   Scholarships and state aid can help cover the cost of college or career school, but you may need assistance. Begin saving early!

   Many states have college funding programs. Ask your guidance counselor or your college financial aid office for more information

   Be sure you look for scholarships through the state, college, as well as national and community organizations.

2. FAFSA
   The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid and is the only way to apply for Federal student aid. Each October, the FAFSA is available for the upcoming school year. It is best to fill it out as soon as you can, because some aid is first come, first served. When you complete the FAFSA, you will need to provide personal and tax information. If you've filed your taxes already, you may be able to automatically retrieve the information from the IRS. Complete the FAFSA online at www.studentaid.gov

3. Types of Federal Student Aid
   As the largest provider of financial aid, the U.S. Department of Education's office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds.
   - Grants are free money that do not have to be repaid.
   - Student Loans are real loans that need to be repaid with interest.
   - A work-study job gives you the opportunity to earn money to help pay your educational expenses.

4. Award
   Your financial aid package explains the combination of federal grants, loans, and work-study a college is offering you. The offer might also contain state and institutional aid.

5. College
   The Financial Aid office at Coastal Alabama Community College is here to help and guide you along the way. If you have any questions or need assistance, please call us at 251-580-2151.

6. Beyond Education
   When you take time to plan for your education and let Federal Student Aid help you along the way, you will be setting the foundation for a bright future and success in the workplace. Once you leave school, you will need to repay your student loans.