Posted: September 25, 2017Written by: Lauren E Milbourne

Tags: 2017, press release

In order to streamline the college admission application and financial aid process for students, those interested in attending Cuesta College in the fall of 2018 can now apply for admission, financial aid and scholarships at one time. All three applications open October 1, 2017. Previously opening in the month of January, students will now have access to the online scholarship application - including the Cuesta Promise Scholarship application - on the same day that the Fall 2018 admission application, the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) application, and the California Dream Act application become available.

“Our goal is for students to be able to complete their FAFSA, general college application, and scholarship application in one sitting, rather than having to come back on three separate dates to complete these applications,” said Cuesta College Director of Financial Aid Patrick Scott.

“We are focusing on making the process efficient and positive for students – setting them up for success before they even step foot on the college campus.”

Cuesta College Foundation scholarships are open to all incoming and continuing Cuesta College students. The scholarships reward and assist students who have demonstrated academic excellence, leadership skills, and success in making progress toward a degree or certificate at Cuesta College. Scholarship monies can be used for tuition, textbooks, and other expenses.

“We encourage all students to apply for scholarships; many who think they won’t qualify for one end up getting multiple awards,” said Scott. In 2017, a total of 449 scholarships were awarded to 239 students, amounting to nearly $340K in scholarship funds disbursed. “The Cuesta College Foundation offers a wide array of scholarships, with criteria ranging from general to specific. Some examples of specific awards include those for current or prospective English as a Second Language students, female veterans, students with a disability, and more.”

The Cuesta Promise Scholarship offers a fee-free first year to all recently graduated San Luis Obispo County high school students, including those who received their GED or are home-schooled. The Promise pays enrollment fees, the health fee, and more. Since it launched in the fall of 2014, more than 2,000 students have received the Promise, saving each up to $1,400. For more information on the Promise, click here.

The FAFSA is a form that can be prepared annually by current and prospective college students in the United States to determine their eligibility for federal financial aid. The California Dream Act allows some undocumented students to apply for state-based financial aid.

The deadline to apply for Cuesta College’s general scholarships is March 2, 2018; the priority deadline to apply for the Promise Scholarship is also March 2, 2018. Students can apply for the Promise Scholarship through August 1, 2018; however, they will no longer be eligible for the 2018-19 general scholarships after March 2. To apply for both the general scholarships and the Promise Scholarship, click here.

The Fall 2018 semester begins August 20, 2018, and runs through December 21, 2018. Class schedules will be available in April 2018.