How to Apply for Financial Aid

Federal Student Aid is an office of the U.S. Department of Education that manages and regulates Title IV funds of the Higher Education Act (HEA) of 1965.  To be considered for various federal, state, and institutional aid, students need to complete a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) online.  Step-by-step instructions are provided below. 

STEP 1

Complete an Orientation & Assessment With the Admissions Office

To schedule an appointment contact:

Main & Extension Campus (Riverside)

(951) 826-4723

Branch Campus (Indio)

(760) 863-3333

Visit our Orientation & Assessment Schedule page.

STEP 2

Complete Your FAFSA Application Online

(It may take up to five business days for the school to receive your FAFSA.)

Go to the www.studentaid.gov

Complete the FAFSA Application

Choose the 2024-2025 FAFSA year.

Enter Riverside County Office of Education/School of Career Education’s Federal School ID Number: 042084

OR

If you are a U.S. non-resident and meet the AB540 Residency requirement you may be eligible for Financial Aid through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) online.

•              Apply at Dream Act Application 

•              Be sure to include Riverside County Office of Education school code: 04208400 

** Please note: If you worked in 2022, your FAFSA cannot be processed without tax information—no exceptions. You must create an FSA ID to submit your FAFSA. If you are a dependent, your parents will need an FSA ID as well. **

STEP 3

Complete the SCE Online Application

The application was sent to you after the orientation via email. The application must be completed to send your financial aid funding estimate. 

RCOE has partnered with an online company to automate the processing of federal financial aid applications using the Campus Ivy Financial Aid portal. After you have completed a FAFSA and SCE online application, Campus Ivy will send you an email to register your financial aid account. This is how you will access your funding estimate. 

    STEP 4

    Complete your loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note

    {This step is mandatory if receiving loans.)  

    Go to www.stuentaid.gov under the “Loans and Grants” menu to complete both the Loan Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note. Please be advised, that financial aid will not be processed until both are completed.  

    Step 5

    Contact our Financial Aid Office to review your financial options

    The Financial Aid Office will be available on a first-come, first-served basis. Please email your campus to schedule an  appointment.

    Email: scefinancialaid@rcoe.us

    Riverside & Grindstaff Campus: (951)826-4723 Indio Campus: (760)863-3333