Financial aid is money to help pay for college or trade school. Students must apply for financial aid every year that they will be in school the following year. Applications open on October 1 and close March 2. The earlier you apply, the better!
In California, community college or trade school is FREE as long as a student
Completes a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act (CADAA) application
Is enrolled full-time for the first time (dual enrollment is okay)
It is now a BUSD graduation requirement. Even if a student does not know if they want to go to community college or trade school, applying now gives them options later.
Seniors must either show proof of completion of their application to Ms. Sharaga or submit an opt out form.
A US citizen
A US permanent resident
An eligible non-citizen
A T visa holder
Undocumented
A DACA holder
A U Visa holder
Temporary protected status
*Consider completing the CADAA if you are in a mixed status family (see "Additional Resources" below)
BUSD has partnered with the California Guidance Initiative to help you complete your financial aid application. To get started...
(1) Log into the California Colleges App through Clever
(2) Click "Get Started" in the center of the page
(3) Go to the "Lessons" page and click on the "Financial Aid" tab
(4) Click through the financial aid lessons
(5) Click "Launch FAFSA/CADAA" on the top of the page
See quick links to the applications below as well.
Follow this checklist to make sure you're not missing any steps on your application journey!
7-10 business days after submitting your application, it is important for you to create a student account on https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. This will allow you to verify your state-based aid eligibility and accept any awards you may be given.
Financial Aid 101 (Presentation)
Financial Aid Opt Out Form (Document)
FSA ID Account Creation Tip Sheet (Document)
Cal Grant Information (Website)
How to Appeal for More Financial Aid Due to Unusual Circumstances (Document)
FAFSA Information for Students from Families of Mixed Immigration Statuses (Website)
Resources for Mixed Status Families (Website)
Financial Aid for Foster Youth (Website)