FREE APPLICATION FOR FEDERAL STUDENT AID (FAFSA)
FAFSA is an acronym that stands for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. Colleges and universities use this form to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and college-sponsored financial aid, including grants, educational loans, and work-study programs. Therefore, even though the FAFSA is technically the application for federal aid, you have to fill it out to receive state and college-sponsored financial aid as well. If you're hoping for any government or school financial aid for college, you should file a FAFSA.
How does the FAFSA determine your eligibility for financial aid? The FAFSA is used by the US Department of Education to calculate your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, for college. Your EFC is a dollar amount that reflects how much you can afford to pay for college for the following academic year. The lower your EFC, the more aid you're eligible to receive. Your EFC is determined based on income, assets, and other household information you'll be asked to provide on the FAFSA.
The California Dream Act extends eligibility for certain types of UC and California financial aid to students, including undocumented students, who qualify for a nonresident tuition exemption under AB 540.
Undocumented students
As an undocumented student, you may be eligible for state aid, as well as private scholarships. Undocumented students are ineligible for federal aid (including federal loans and grants, and the federal work-study program), but now have the option to borrow student loans through the DREAM Loan Program.
What you need to do:
If you think you meet the requirements for an AB 540 nonresident tuition exemption, here's how to make sure you're considered for financial aid:
File a California Dream Act Application between October 1 and March 2. (Always confirm deadlines and requirements independently.) When you do this, you’ll need to confirm that you’ve registered for the Selective Service (if you’re a male under age 26). If you have a valid Social Security number, you can register online. If not, you'll need to register in-person at any U.S. Post office. For help filling out the California Dream Act Application, download our Dream Act application guide (pdf).
CA DREAM ACT
Cal Grant
Cal Grants are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, and do not have to be repaid. In addition to meeting the financial criteria and Cal Grant requirements, you must: submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application.
Apple Valley High School will automatically submit your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline for all students that do not opt out.
To track and manage your Cal Grant you will need to create an account at https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/.
Cal Vet Military Family Scholarship
Cal Vet Military Service Fee Waiver.mp4NEED HELP? CLICK ON FORM TO REGISTER BELOW!