Most financial aid is money that doesn't have to be repaid. Grants, part-time employment and scholarships make up a large portion of annual aid received by students at most colleges or universities. If you apply early, chances are that a significant amount of your financial need can be met with aid that doesn't have to be repaid.

It is confusing. That's why there are professional staff available just to help you fill out the application and answer your questions about the process. Contact the financial aid advisor at the community college you plan to attend or your high school counselor for personal assistance. Most high schools and colleges offer financial aid workshops. Please contact them for schedules.

Help is available. Just ask!

It's true many students apply for financial aid. To make sure your application receives best consideration, apply early. For Cal Grants, you must apply by March 2nd. For other aid, you must complete a FAFSA early (preferably during the month of January) in order to be guaranteed the best possible funding and to make sure you have assistance at the start of college.

You don't have to be a full-time student to receive financial aid. At California community colleges, there is no unit requirement for enrollment fee waivers through the Board of Governor Fee Waiver Program. To receive assistance from the other state and federal programs, you can take as few as six units and still qualify for financial aid. In some cases you can still be eligible to receive a Federal Pell Grant for as little as 1 unit.

Students without high school diplomas and are 18 years old can qualify for financial aid if they have a GED, or other high school proficiency certificate. They can also demonstrate readiness for college by taking a standardized Ability To Benefit test. Contact the community college you plan to attend for information regarding this test.

You might qualify for an enrollment fee waiver if you meet certain income requirements based on family size. There is a simple application for the Board of Governors Fee Waiver Program available at any California Community College financial aid office. Many colleges also provide an online application through CCCApply.

Once you begin receiving financial aid you must meet satisfactory academic requirements at the institution you plan to enroll in. Requirements include maintaining the institution's grade point average (GPA) and completion standards, and you must work towards an educational objective such as a degree or certificate.

Yes. There are a wide variety of federal, institutional and scholarship programs for which you may qualify. Contact the community college you plan to attend for more information.

You're not alone. Just remember this: There is financial aid available to assist with college costs. Apply now. Help is available for the asking. Contact the financial aid office at the community college you plan to attend for more information or questions.