The mission of the Merced College Financial Aid Office is to assist in the recruitment and retention of students by providing financial resource information and access to funding.

We understand that college can be expensive and you may have questions on how to afford your education. We are committed in providing answers to those questions and providing quality customer service to meet your educational needs.

2024-2025 Financial Aid New Changes!

New changes are coming to the Fafsa application for the 2024-2025 aid year. Please visit here for more information.

For current students and a list of changes visit here.

Federal Student Aid Estimator visit here.

2024-2025 Fafsa Faqs

Application period is Live!

The Department of Education has begun its soft launch of the overhauled 2024-25 FAFSA, during which time the application will be available to students and families periodically as the department pulls the form down from time to time to perform maintenance and address any potential issues. 

If you need help, please contact the Financial Aid Office for any updates or assistance.

Start Here

Applying for financial aid is free, and many students are surprised to find out what they're eligible to receive. Even if you do not think you are eligible, it’s still a good idea to apply — it’s the only way to you'll be considered for every type of aid possible.

FAFSA

For U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents start the process of applying for aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

Dream Act

For undocumented students to apply for and receive state and institutional financial aid.

How do I receive my funds?

Merced College delivers your financial aid funds with BankMobile Disbursements, a technology solution, powered by BMTX, Inc.

Your choices on how to receive your refund include:

DEPOSIT TO AN EXISTING ACCOUNT –Money is transferred to an existing account the same business day BankMobile receive funds from the school. Typically, it takes 1 – 2 business days for the receiving bank to credit the money to your account.

DEPOSIT TO A BANKMOBILE VIBE CHECKING ACCOUNT –If you open a BankMobile Vibe Checking Account (upon identity verification), money is deposited the same business day BankMobile receive funds from the school.
Protect your accounts.
Under no circumstances would The Bank or BM Technologies, Inc. ever contact you by telephone, send you an email or text message, or written communication on an unsolicited basis requesting that you validate or provide your online banking User ID and password, your social security number, account number, or date of birth.

Expecting Financial Aid funds?

Simply follow these steps to make your preference selection:

  • Log in to your student portal.
  • Once logged in, find the Financial Aid Card and click on the BankMobile button.
  • Make your preference selection.

Your refund, if eligible, would disburse typically on the next disbursement date for that term

Is your address up to date?

Make sure your current mailing address is on file to help ensure you receive money owed to you, should you be due funds from Merced College.

Update your address in person at the Student Fees Office or the Admissions & Records Office at either campus. Ask for help at the counter.

When do I receive my funds?

Financial Aid Disbursements are listed under the Schedule of Payments. 

What if I am Not Eligible for Financial Aid?

Don’t worry! Students who are California residents (or meeting other in-state tuition requirements), and enrolled for 12 or more Units, can still receive a tuition waiver. Merced College participates in the California Promise Program called MC4FREE.

Scholarships

Scholarships are sources of free money and usually not based on financial need. Instead, they may recognize your grades or test scores, athletic ability, major, special talents, or community service.

Locations

Merced Campus

Lesher Student Services Building, 3rd Floor
Phone: (209) 384-6031
Fax: (209) 384-6312
or email financialaid@mccd.edu

Los Banos Campus

22240 Highway 152, Building A
Phone: (209) 826-3495
Fax: (209) 381-6583
or email financialaid@mccd.edu