FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. It is a free form, from the Federal Student Aid office of the U.S. Department of Education. FAFSA is the gateway to be considered for 9 different federal student aid programs such as Federal Pell Grants, over 600 different state aid programs, and most of the institutional aid programs at private and public colleges and universities in the U.S.

FAFSA is also required for consideration to receive financial aid for specific student populations such as athletes, students with dependents, and military and their dependents.

The U.S. Department of Education begins accepting the FAFSA applications beginning October 1 of each year for the next fall academic year. Most federal, state, and institutional aid are considered on the basis of first come, first served. Therefore, students should submit their FAFSA applications as early as possible to be considered for maximum financial assistance.

You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you are a:

• U.S Citizen

• Permanent Resident

• Eligible non-citizen

• T Visa holder

WHAT IS A CAL GRANT AWARD?

A Cal Grant is money for college that doesn't have to be paid back. To qualify, a student must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.

There are three kinds of Cal Grants — A, B and C . Eligibility will be based on a student's FAFSA or CADAA responses, their verified Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges they list on their FAFSA and whether they’re a recent high school graduate.

Find all California Dream Act information & resources here

DACA info here

Students who are part of the foster care system may be eligible for financial aid

There are grants specifically designed to provide free money to foster youth for college or career training. The resources below can get students started down the road to aid and a successful educational journey.

Cal Grant B Foster Youth award

The grant allows students who are current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility. Foster youth have until 26 birthday to apply.

• Foster youth students may renew their Cal Grant B awards for the equivalent of 8 years of full-time attendance in an undergraduate program.

• Foster youth students have until their 26th birthday to apply for the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award.

• Foster youth students attending a California Community College can apply for a High School Entitlement award through September 2nd (rather than March 2nd).

Chafee Foster Youth Grant Program

Students who are or were in foster care for at least 1 day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. They don’t have to pay this money back and may also be able to use the grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while they’re in school. Students can use the Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.

Federal Grants

Federal Student Loans

Work Study Program

Aid for Military Families

Students With Dependents