Posted: February 2, 2018Written by: lauren milbourne

Tags: 2018, featured, press release

A financial aid deadline is coming up for students interested in attending Cuesta College in Fall 2018. The deadline to apply for Cuesta College’s 2018-19 general scholarships is March 2, 2018. A single online application for both general scholarships and the Cuesta Promise Scholarship is available by visiting the scholarship application webpage.

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 Cuesta College Director of Financial Aid Patrick 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.”

Students can apply for the Cuesta Promise Scholarship through August 1, 2018; however, they will no longer be eligible for the 2018-19 general scholarships after March 2, 2018. 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. 

Students can also apply for financial aid via the FAFSA, 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 Fall 2018 semester begins August 20, 2018, and runs through December 21, 2018. Class schedules will be available in April 2018.