How to Apply

Each year, aid applicants must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). For the 2026-2027 year, the FAFSA became available on September 24, 2025. For the 2027-2028 year, the FAFSA is expected to be available by October 1, 2026. Students applying for admission for the fall 2026 and winter 2027 semesters should complete the 2026-2027 FAFSA. Students applying for admission for the spring 2027 semester should complete both 2026-2027 and 2027-2028 FAFSA applications. The FAFSA form can be completed at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa on a mobile device, laptop, or computer.

Financial Aid administrators are available to help students with the application process. The Financial Aid Department may request additional documentation to support the student’s application. The student’s financial aid package cannot be finalized until the Financial Aid Department has received all requested documentation. State grant recipients may also be required to submit additional documentation directly to the state agency administering the grant. Renewal of financial aid is not automatic. Recipients are required to reapply each year by the announced deadline.

The FAFSA now requires Contributors to provide consent to the IRS so they can share Federal Tax Information with the Department of Education. A contributor is someone who is required to provide information, sign, and consent to the FAFSA form, and allow their federal tax information to be transferred directly from the IRS into the form. This includes the student, and their spouse, biological or adoptive parent, or parent's spouse.

Additional information about the FAFSA is available.

Financial aid awards are determined by the Berkeley College Financial Aid Department. Financial aid is typically offered and awarded to eligible students in a “financial aid package,” detailing the student’s eligibility for federal, state, and institutional grants, scholarships, federal loans, and alternative loans. Each financial aid package also reflects charges that are payable directly to the College, which includes tuition and fees. Berkeley College recommends that students avoid unnecessary borrowing. College financial aid packages are developed with this goal in mind.