Financial Aid

FinAid Info Sheet (English & Spanish).pdf

Financial Aid

College can cost less than you think! Financing a college education is a partnership between colleges, the government, parents, and students. The cost of attending college can often be offset or paid entirely with financial aid packages. Financial aid consists of gifts that you do not have to repay (grants and scholarships) and self-help aid (loans and employment).

What to Know

Application Materials Checklist:

  • General Student Info (Name, SSN/Permanent Residency Card, DOB, Driver's License)

  • Parent's Information (Name, SSN/Permanent Residency Card/ITIN, DOB)

  • Student and Parent:

    • 2019 W-2 and 1099 Forms and records of money earned and other taxable benefits

    • 2019 federal income tax form (even if not yet completed)

    • Records of untaxed income

    • Current bank statements

    • Business, farms, and other real estate records

    • Records of stocks, bonds, and other investments

  • Parent(s) marital status + marital date

  • Household size & number in college

  • College Information

  • Signature (FSA ID for FAFSA; Parent PIN for CADAA)

FAFSA CADA Worksheet 2018-19 (NEW).pdf

FINANCIAL AID IS DUE MAR. 2ND

FAFSA vs CADAA.pdf

FAFSA or cadaa?

It is always best to check with your Counselor or Adviser if you're unsure of which financial aid application to submit. Schedule a 1:1 to determine your eligibility and get support in completing this important application!

FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal application for financial aid. It may also be used to apply for aid from other sources, such as your state or school. . Filling out and submitting the FAFSA is ALWAYS free of charge.

CADAA: California Dream Act Application

The California Dream Act Application allows students enrolled in eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Cal Grant

Cal Grants are awards that the recipient does not repay. To receive a Cal Grant, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a verified Grade Point Average with the California Student Aid Commission by no later than March 2nd. Most schools or school districts will submit the GPA verfication on behalf of their students. Please check with your school.

Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with family incomes and assets up to $156,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.

Cal Vet College Fee Waiver

The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans under which dependents of Veterans may be eligible.

California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

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

UC Financial Aid

Paying for UC

Financing your UC education is a partnership between you, your parents/legal guardians and UC.

Blue & Gold Opportunities

UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will ensure that you will not have to pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid — and that's just for starters.