Starting the Financial Aid Process
Whether you’re a new or returning student, financial aid plays a key role throughout your education.
Start by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA —see below) as soon as you’ve enrolled at Copper Mountain College. Complete a new Financial Aid application every year you remain a student. The application opens Oct. 1 each year.
The FAFSA & CADAA are free, and you can apply even before you’ve registered for classes. Apply as early as you can—some aid is first come, first served. Early action is needed for early award offers.
Use the 2024-2025 FAFSA/CADAA for the summer 2024, fall 2024, and spring 2025 terms.
Financial Aid Timeline
If you’re new to Copper Mountain College, apply for financial aid as part of the admission process. Follow these steps:
- Apply for admission to CMC and provide transcripts or other documentation as needed.
- Apply for financial aid using the FAFSA or the CADAA. Use school code 035424 for CMC.
- Allow 5-7 days to process your aid application. Check your CMC student email for confirmation that we’ve received your application (we download applications for the fall semester starting in late March).
- If requested, complete financial aid items shown in MyCMC. Log in and check the MyCMC Financial Aid Portal. You may not receive your aid until you’ve completed all the tasks listed.
- Register for classes at Copper Mountain.
- Choose a financial aid disbursement method with BankMobile (BMTX) – see below.
- Monitor MyCMC and your email. You may receive notices that require timely action. Missing a notice can delay your aid.
Open a dowloadable version of this timeline
Get Financial Aid Answers
Financial Aid TV is your 24/7 source for video information. Get multilingual info about types of aid, application processes, and much more. Go to Financial Aid TV
California Dream Act
The California Dream Act allows undocumented students and others who aren’t eligible for federal financial aid to apply for state aid. It also allows students to pay resident tuition at California public colleges.
If you aren’t eligible to complete the FAFSA, complete the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead. Complete a new CADAA every year you remain a student:
- Complete your CADAA by March 2. Allow up to two weeks for processing.
- Submit an AB540 form to Admissions & Records to determine your eligibility for California state grants.
- Contact Admissions & Records with any questions about in-state residency.
- Check for institutional scholarships. You may be eligible under the CA Dream Act.
Not sure which aid application is right for you? See additional info about FAFSA versus CADAA.
Financial Aid Verification
Your FAFSA or CADAA may be randomly selected for verification by the federal Department of Education or the California Student Aid Commission.
If you’re selected for verification, you’ll find a list of required documents in your MyCMC Financial Aid Portal. Your financial aid file is not complete until we’ve received and processed all required documents. The sooner we receive these documents, the sooner you’ll receive your aid.
Commonly required documents include:
- Your Parent(s) Help Pay for College
If you get financial support from your parents, you will need:
- Student’s tax transcript (if you worked or filed taxes the applicable year)
- Parent(s) tax transcript
- Verification of non-filing from the Internal Revenue Service (if parent did not work or file taxes for the applicable year)
If you are unable to obtain a tax transcript from the Internal Revenue Service, you may provide a copy of your 1040 tax return with a physical signature in blue ink.
If you are unable to obtain a verification of non-filing from the IRS, you may complete a certification of non-filing.
Students and parents should complete and sign the dependent verification worksheet.
- You Pay for College on Your Own
If you are independent from your parents, you will need:
- Student’s tax transcript (if you worked or filed taxes the applicable year)
- Spouse’s tax transcript (if you are now married, regardless of whether you were married when you filed the FAFSA)
- Verification of non-filing from the Internal Revenue Service (if you or your spouse did not file taxes the applicable year)
If you are unable to obtain a verification of non-filing from the IRS, you may complete a certification of non-filing.
Complete and sign the independent verification worksheet.
- Docs You May Need to Bring to CMC
You may need to present these documents in person:
- High school completion status (diploma, transcript, GED certification, etc.)
- Identity/statement of educational purpose signed in presence of a witness from our financial aid office (requires a non-military government-issued ID)
Financial Aid Disbursement & Refunds
Copper Mountain College partners with BankMobile for financial aid distribution and refunds. Choose a disbursement method for your financial aid:
- Sign up 24 hours after registering for classes.
- Log into MyCMC, find the “Financial Aid Disbursements/Refunds” box, and click the “Pick Now!” button.
- Follow the on-screen instructions, making sure you’re using the MyCMC portal.
- Keep a record of the disbursement method you choose. Direct deposit disbursements will be delayed 1-2 business days. Vibe account and debit card disbursements will take place the same day.
We distribute Pell Grant funds twice each semester in fall and spring—50% at the end of the term’s first week and 50% when the term is half completed.
Other aid funds may be distributed via the method you’ve chosen. Review your aid awards in MyCMC and consult the disbursement/refund schedule for expected disbursement dates.
For more info, see BankMobile FAQs, the BankMobile contract, and BankMobile’s refund choices page.
Copper Mountain Promise
Get no-cost tuition available to qualifying students enrolled in 12 units or more.
Forms & Resources
Find a library of financial aid forms plus info about types of aid, aid-related links, money management tips, and more.
Key Policies
Learn about satisfactory academic progress, what happens if you leave school, and other essential information.
Meet Our Financial Aid Team
Have questions? We’re here to help:
- Jenn O’Donnell, Dean of Student Services, Financial Aid and Enrollment Services, jodonnell@cmccd.edu
- Brittney Blakeley, Senior Financial Aid Specialist, bblakeley@cmccd.edu
- Mercy Magana, Financial Aid Specialist, mmagana@cmccd.edu
Contact Financial Aid
Financial Aid
Office of Student Services, 300 Quad
6162 Rotary Way
P.O. Box 1398
Joshua Tree, CA 92252
Phone: 760.366.3791, ext. 4235
Fax: 760.366.5257
Summer Hours:
June 1 to July 31
Monday – Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Closed Fridays
Regular Hours:
Monday – Thursday 8 am – 5 pm
Friday 8 am – 3 pm
We are closed on all legal and college holidays.