Steps to Apply for Financial Aid
Financial Aid Office
| Fall Hours: | 9/5/16 - 12/16/16 |
| Monday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Tuesday | 8:30 AM - 6:00 PM |
| Wednesday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Thursday | 8:30 AM - 5:00 PM |
| Friday | 9:00 AM - 1:00 PM |
| 9/23, 9/30, 10/14 and 10/28 | 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM |
Phone: (408) 741-2024
Email: wvfa@westvalley.edu
Office of Financial Aid
Phone: (408) 741-2024
Fax: (408) 867-7337
wvfa@westvalley.eduFederal School Code: 001338
Money shouldn’t get in the way of your education, especially since we make it easy and fast to find assistance where we can. The complete process can take 4-6 weeks.
Click on each of the steps below for details.
1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application.
Free Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Application ^
If you plan to attend the Summer 2015 semester then you must complete both 2015-16 and 2016-17 FAFSA applications. Make sure to list the West Valley College school code (001338) on your application to ensure that we receive a copy of your application data. Obtain Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. The FSA ID will serve as your electronic signature when completing your online FAFSA.
This step can take 1-2 weeks if filed online. It is your responsibility to follow the below steps to ensure that your file is reviewed for completion.
OR
We encourage current AB 540 eligible college students, and current AB 540 eligible high school students who plan to attend WVC to use the Dream Act Application. Complete application instructions and the Dream Act Application are available online at: www.caldreamact.org. AB540 students must complete the AB540 affidavit with the WVC Admissions Office.
This step can take 2-3 weeks if filed online. It is your responsibility to follow the below steps to ensure that your file is reviewed for completion.
2. Free workshops available for additional 1-on-1 assistance
Every Wednesday at 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM in the A&R Building Lobby. Sign up with the Financial Aid Office.
3. Update your email with Admissions & Records.
Check your email often for important Financial Aid communications.
4. Submit all required documents listed as missing.
Log onto WVCPortal ^, under Financial Aid, choose My Documents, to submit all required documents listed as missing.
5. Download the required forms.
6. Submit all of the required documents at one time in one of the following ways:
- Scan and email to: wvfa@wvm.edu
- Mail to: WVC Financial Aid Office, 14000 Fruitvale Ave., Saratoga, CA 95070
- Drop Box-located outside Financial Aid Office in the Admissions & Records building
- In person-during the Financial Aid Office hours
- Fax to: 408-867-7337
7. Allow 2-3 weeks for processing.
You may log into WVCPortal ^ to check your status at any time.
8. Direct Loan
If needed, stop by the Financial Aid Office and pick up a Direct Loan Request Packet.
9. If you are interested in a Federal Work-Study job.
Download and submit the Federal Work-Study (FWS) Student Agreement upon completing your financial aid file.
*The new FSA ID will be comprised of a user-selected username and password to authenticate identity. The change will eliminate the need for individuals to enter personal identifiers (Social Security Number, name and date of birth) when accessing Federal Student Aid Systems such as, FAFSA.gov, NSLDS Student Access, and StudentLoans.gov. Existing users will be able to link their PIN information to the FSA ID.
