To apply for financial aid you must complete the Free Application for Student Financial Aid (FAFSA).  IT MUST BE COMPLETED EVERY YEAR.  Separate applications are needed for scholarships and student loans.

There are two ways in which you can complete the FAFSA:

1.    Paper Application

1. Applications are available in local libraries, at all colleges and universities and in high school counseling offices.

2. Applications are available in the magazine racks outside the Financial Aid Office at Rio Hondo College

3. 2.    FAFSA on the Web

   Although the priority deadline of March 2, 2006 has passed, you can complete a FAFSA until June 30, 2007 or your last day of enrollment, whichever comes first.

Application Process 

1. Complete and submit the FAFSA

2. School receives information:
   The information you provided will be received electronically by the schools you listed on the application.

3. Student is notified:

• If a paper FAFSA is submitted, a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be mailed to you within approximately four to six weeks.

• If you submitted the FAFSA on the Web, you will receive an Electronic Student Aid Report (ESAR) within 7-10 days.

4. School may request additional information:
   You will receive a document tracking letter from Rio Hondo Financial Aid Office notifying you of the required forms needed to process your file.

5. Student submits documents:
   You should submit all documents as promptly as possible. The documents must be complete, legible and accurate.  PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS.  You must provide  the Office with copies and retain the originals for your file. Documents will not be returned or copied once submitted to the Financial Aid Office.

6. Application review:
   The Financial Aid Office will evaluate your eligibility once you have submitted all required documents and your file is complete. At any given time in the application review process, the Office may ask you to submit additional information.

7. Financial Aid Notification Letter:
   Once your file is complete, a Notification Letter (Award Letter) will be mailed to you indicating your eligibility at Rio Hondo College.  Your award letter should be mailed 3 – 4 weeks from your file complete date.

Be sure to read all materials sent with your Notification Letter. All initial letters are printed assuming full-time enrollment (12 units or more).  If you enroll less than full-time, your financial aid award will be revised and a new letter sent to your for your records.