Financial Aid Updates & Events

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Updates

Financial Aid Processing Delay for 2026–2027

We are currently experiencing a temporary delay in processing financial aid for the 2026–2027 academic year due to recent federal updates. 2026-2027 semesters include Fall 2026 through Summer 2027. This does not apply to summer 2026 processing. 

What is causing the delay

The U.S. Department of Education recently made changes to how schools decide if students are eligible for financial aid. These updates are part of a new law that is meant to make financial aid simpler and easier to use. 

Because of these changes, we need a little extra time to update our system to make sure your financial aid is processed correctly. 

What this means for you

  • Financial aid will not be posted by the time you begin to register for fall 2026 classes.
  • There will be a delay in when your financial aid is applied to your tuition and fees for fall 2026.

Important
The first round of payments for tuition and fees for fall 2026 is not due until August 4, 2026, and we anticipate financial aid will be posted by that time.

Please continue to check this page for updates.

What You Can Do in the Meantime

To avoid additional delays, please make sure you have completed the following:

  • Submit your 2026–2027 FAFSA or CADAA for financial aid for fall 2026 through Spring 2027 financial aid
  • Confirm that MiraCosta College is listed in your school selection
    • You can view your school selection by logging into your FAFSA or CADAA.

Taking these steps now will help ensure your financial aid can be processed as quickly as possible once systems are fully updated.

What to Expect Once Processing Begins

  • You will receive an offer letter via email
  • Your financial aid will be available to view in your SURF Financial Aid tile
  • Aid will be applied toward your tuition and fees (if you are eligible)

MiraCosta College is monitoring these updates closely and will begin processing and awarding financial aid as soon as everything is ready.

Please note: This does not apply to summer 2026 tuition and fees. The summer 2026 processing will resume as normal.

Learn more about the recent changes made to federal financial aid.

Upcoming Events

SAP Appeal Workshops

If you've been notified that you're not meeting the Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements and have been disqualified, you may be eligible to submit a SAP Appeal to continue to receive your aid this semester while you work on getting your overall academics to meet the requirements. 

Join one of our workshops for step-by-step support with your appeal! 

Workshop Dates

  • Thurs. Apr. 16  |  OC14286  |  2:30 pm - 4 pm
  • Fri, May 8  |  OC14286  |  10 am - 11:30 am

Find the SAP Appeal on your SURF Tasks list requirement. Learn how to start your appeal.

Other Updates

Available Applications

  • The 2026-2027 FAFSA  & CADAA are now open!
  • The 2025-20276 FAFSA & CADAA are open!

Apply as early as possible to maximize your financial aid.

California Priority Deadline: March 2, 2026

  • Students who apply by the California priority deadline get priority to receive state grants (more money). Students can receive thousands in money just by applying by the priority deadline.
  • You can submit your application after March 2nd but may not have priority to receive state grants.
  • State grants are only available to CA residents or AB 540 eligible students.

More Deadline Information

Missed the state priority deadline? It's not too late to apply!

You can complete your financial aid application through the last month of the school year or before the last day you are attending for the school year.

  • You are no longer able apply for the 2024-2025 FAFSA but the 2025-2026 is open for Fall 2025 semester
  • For the 2025-2026 school year, the last date to apply for financial aid is June 30, 2026.
  • You must submit your application shortly before your last date of attendance in a school year.
    • For example: If you stop attending May 2025, then you will need to have your application submitted sometime in early May. Contact the financial aid office for more information on this.
  • If you applied for financial aid after beginning your classes, please know you can still apply and may still receive financial aid for those classes.
  • As long as your classes are still within the current school year, you can receive financial aid for classes taken in a previous semester.
  • For example, if you attended Fall 2024, and are attending Spring 2025, you can submit your financial aid application during Spring 2025 and possibly receive financial aid for Fall 2024.

Applying for Financial Aid in the 2026-27 Academic Year As a Mixed-Status Family in California

Students who are required to include information about a parent or spouse who is undocumented on their FAFSA may choose to complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead. Click HERE for more information to help you make an informed decision.

How to create an FSA ID for parents with no SSN

Instructions on how to create an FSA ID: English | Spanish

Contacts for Support