MyCR PortalWebAdvisorHelp DeskApply
main content

Financial Aid

Home Breadcrumb Link / Student Services / Financial Aid / Financial Aid

Start Here

1. Apply for Admission to CR

  • Complete the College of the Redwoods Admissions Application. Make sure to include your Social Security Number (SSN) on the application if you have one. If you do not include it, we will not be able to match your FAFSA to your CR student record.

Apply to CR

2. Determine the Correct Academic Year

Depending on what time of the year you submit a financial aid application, there may be more than one academic year available. Refer to the semesters below and apply for the correct academic year:

  • The 2024-2025 application covers Fall 2024, Spring 2025, and Summer 2025.
  • The 2025-2026 application covers Fall 2025, Spring 2026, and Summer 2026.

3. Submit Your Financial Aid Application

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid): For U.S. Citizens, Permanent Residents, and Eligible Non-Citizens.

  • Most students need to complete the FAFSA. To qualify, you must:
    • Be a U.S. Citizen, U.S. National, or Eligible Non-Citizen (including Lawful Permanent Residents).

Apply for FAFSA

CADAA (California Dream Act Application): For Undocumented, Temporary Protected Status, & U Visa Holder students (with or without DACA).

  • Important: Students with a Social Security Number through DACA and eligible under AB540 should apply using the California Dream Act Application for state aid, not FAFSA.
  • To be eligible student must:
    • NOT be eligible to file the FAFSA
    • Be a California Resident
    • Be eligible for AB540

Apply for CADAA

Next Steps After Applying

1. Check Your CR Email

  • The Financial Aid Office processes applications weekly. Expect confirmation of receipt within 1-2 weeks. If you don’t receive an email within this period, contact the Financial Aid Office.

2. Verify Information When Requested

  • Additional documentation may be required. Processing eligibility takes 4-6 weeks.
  • Watch your student email for updates and use myFinAid via WebAdvisor to keep track of which documents have been received and which are missing. View more information on checking your status.

3. Consider Other Award Applications

  • Many awards/services require additional applications after completing the FAFSA/CADAA.
  • Apply for scholarships, work-study, loans, or special awards. Visit the Types of Aid page for details.

4. View Your Award Letter

  • Once eligibility is determined, you will receive an email and can access your award letter via myFinAid.
  • If there has been a significant reduction of income, please contact us. We may be able to make adjustments based on your circumstances.  An additional form and documentation will be required to make this adjustment.

5. Select a Refund Preference

  • After receiving your award, you must select a refund preference through BankMobile Disbursements to access your financial aid funds.
    • Visit BankMobile Disbursements to set up your refund preference and ensure your contact information is up to date.
    • Sign up for text alerts to be notified when refunds or disbursements are processed. Review the Receiving Your Aid page to learn more about how financial aid is distributed.