Paying for college is possible — and applying for financial aid is the first step. At RCC, we’re here to help you access grants, scholarships, work-study and other resources to make your education affordable.
Each student’s eligibility is based on their financial need as well as cost of attendance, so it’s important to apply early and stay on top of any follow-up steps.
Apply for Financial Aid in 3 Steps
Step 1: Complete Your Application
Submit your application as soon as possible after October 1.
- Complete the FAFSA or ORSAA online
- Not sure which one to submit? Use the FAFSA/ORSAA Filter Tool to find out
- Need help? Contact the TRIO Educational Opportunity Center to schedule an appointment
Step 2: Check Your Email and MyFinAid
After you apply, stay engaged — this is how we finish processing your aid.
- Watch your RCC email for messages from [email protected]
(Tip: Save this email to avoid missing important updates) - Log in to your MyFinAid account to:
- Check your To Do List.
- View your award offer.
- Track disbursement details.
- If we request additional information, respond as soon as possible to avoid delays.
- RCC awards eligible grant funds first; loans and Work-Study are not automatically included.
- Have questions? Contact Financial Aid.
Step 3: Explore All Your Funding Options
Financial aid is more than just your FAFSA or ORSAA.
- Learn more about Ways to Pay for College including grants, scholarships and loans.
- Apply for RCC Foundation scholarships (100+ opportunities just for RCC students).
- Explore student employment opportunities on campus.
- Oregon high school seniors and GED® completers: apply for the Oregon Promise grant.
- Visit OregonStudentAid.gov for additional grants (childcare, foster youth, tribal programs and more).
- Review the Military Services page if applicable
- Check community resources like WorkSource Rogue Valley or Vocational Rehabilitation.
- Visit our Basic Needs resources if you need help with everyday expenses.
- If borrowing loans, complete the required loan application steps.
Not All Financial Aid is the Same
“Financial aid” includes several types of funding:
- Grants (like Pell or Oregon Opportunity Grant) typically don’t need to be repaid.
- Loans – must be repaid.
- Work-Study – part-time employment.
- Scholarships – awarded based on various criteria.
Some aid is need-based, meaning eligibility depends on your FAFSA/ORSAA results and your Student Aid Index (SAI). Other aid — like unsubsidized loans or some scholarships — may not require financial need.
Visit the Ways to Pay for College page to learn more about each type of aid.
Estimate Your Costs
Use the Net Price Calculator to estimate your out-of-pocket costs after grants and scholarships are applied.
Important Financial Aid Deadlines
|
TERM |
PRIORITY DEADLINE TO SUBMIT FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION & DOCUMENTS * |
TERM STARTS |
FINANCIAL AID DOCUMENT SUBMISSION DEADLINE ** |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Summer 2026 |
May 8, 2026 |
July 6, 2026 |
Aug. 20, 2026 |
|
Fall 2026 |
July 31, 2026 |
Sept. 28, 2026 |
Dec. 4, 2026 |
|
Winter 2027 |
October 23, 2026 |
Jan. 4, 2027 |
March 12, 2027 |
|
Spring 2027 |
January 29, 2027 |
March 29, 2027 |
June 4, 2027 |
* Register for classes to receive priority processing once you’ve applied and turned
in needed documents.
** Oregon grants are subject to earlier deadlines. Contact Financial Aid Advising if you have questions.