Embedded Files
Financial Aid Applications (FAFSA & CA Dream Act) open October 1st!
The sooner you complete your FinAid App, the higher the chances you have to receive additional grants. We recommend submitting before October 30th! If you are planning to apply out-of-state, make sure to check the state's FAFSA deadline as they vary.
Your Counselor, College/Career Counselor, and CC Guidance Specialist are ready to help you!
Seniors (Class of 2022) will be applying for the 2022-2023 FAFSA/CA Dream Act
Make sure to launch your FAFSA or CA Dream Act from your CCGI account
Wondering which Financial Aid Application you need to fill out?
FAFSA or California Dream Act?
Check out the video & table below to find out!
How to Create your FSA ID
When can I start creating my FSA ID? The summer before Senior year.
Completing the FAFSA Video
Seniors (Class of 2022) will be applying for the 2022-2023 FAFSA
Completing the California Dream Act Application Video
Seniors (Class of 2022) will be applying for the 2022-2023 FAFSA
Types of Federal Grants
For Undergraduates and Students Pursuing a Teaching Credential
For Undergraduates and Students Pursuing a Teaching Credential
The Middle Class Scholarship is for undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential with family assets up to $191,000 and income up to $191,000.
Ten things you need to know
Ten things you need to know
1. The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with family income up to $191,000 and assets up to $191,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses. (UC's family's income and household assets are under $184,000 per year to qualify for this scholarship).
2. Students must meet the following requirements: be a California resident attending a UC or CSU; be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident or have AB 540* student status; meet certain income/asset and other financial aid standards; maintain satisfactory academic progress; not be in default on a student loan; and, must not be incarcerated.
3. You may receive the MCS award for up to 4 years depending on education level when awarded.
4. Beginning on October 1st through the March 2nd deadline, students may complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Use the California Dream Act Application if you do not have a Social Security number (SSN) or if you have a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) number. Make sure your email address is listed on your FAFSA or CADAA. Once you are accepted to a UC or CSU, you will automatically be considered for the MCS scholarship.
5. After you have submitted your FAFSA or CADAA, establish a WebGrants 4 Students account to monitor your state financial aid. We have updated our WebGrants 4 Students website which now offers enhanced security features and easier navigation.
6. Students whose families have income up to $191,000 and assets up to $191,000 per year may be eligible for a scholarship amount between 10% and 40% of the mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at a University of California or California State University campuses.
7. MCS scholarships are not set amounts and may vary by student and institution. The award amount is determined after you are awarded any federal, state, and institutional need-based grants for which you are eligible. The final award amount will be based on the number of students eligible for the MCS statewide and the funding allocated by the State Budget. Pursuant to Education Code section 70023, MCS award amounts may be reduced at any time during the academic year if is determined that the funds appropriated are insufficient to cover the cost of the projected MCS awards.
8. To get assistance completing the FAFSA or CADAA, you can attend a Cash for College workshop in your community beginning on October 1st, but before the March 2nd application deadline. Students must reapply each year. For workshop locations and more information on Cash for College, please visit cash4college.csac.ca.gov.
9. If you are selected to receive an MCS award, you will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission in August.
10. If you need more information about this scholarship, contact your UC or CSU campus Financial Aid Office or check your mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov account.
*AB 540 students are subject to the following qualifications:
Attend a California high school for a minimum of 3 years or attain credits equivalent to 3 or more years of high school coursework and have a combination of 3 or more years at a California elementary or secondary school as set forth in AB 2000.
Graduate from a California high school or pass the California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or get a General Equivalency Diploma (GED);
Enroll in an accredited and qualified California college or university; and,
If applicable, fill out an affidavit stating your intent to legalize your immigration status as soon as possible.
Types of State Grants
The Cal Grant award amounts shown below are the yearly maximum amounts based on a full-time enrollment status at a Cal Grant eligible institution. These award amounts are subject to change based on your school’s verification of your eligibility. These amounts will be divided and paid per term you are attending. Please see your financial aid office at your school for questions about your final award amounts.
If you are a student who is attending a CA public institution such as a CA State University, University of CA, or CA Community College, and you have dependent children under the age of 18 that you provide 50% or more financial support for, please check out our Students with Dependent Children Program FAQ for information about increased Cal Grant award amounts and answers to frequently asked questions about the program.
Additionally, you may only receive one Cal Grant award at a time. If you qualify for multiple awards, you will be granted the Cal Grant award that will pay the highest amount over the course of your program, depending on your college of attendance. For more information, please see our related FAQ - Why am I only getting the Cal Grant B even though I qualify for Cal Grant A?
NOTE: Cal Grant payment dates and methods are determined by your Financial Aid Office at your college. Please check your school’s financial aid website for more information on how and when they will disburse the award amounts.
At a CCC (CA Community College)
Cal Grant A – $0: The Cal Grant A does not cover your tuition and fees while attending a community college*, however your award eligibility will be held in reserve for up to two years until you transfer to a four-year college.
Cal Grant B – $1,656*: You can use your $1,656 access award as a living allowance to help pay for books and other community college costs.
Cal Grant C – $1,094: A student must be enrolled in an occupational or technical program to qualify for the Cal Grant C. (e.g. automotive technician, court reporter, etc). The amount offered can be used for books, tools, equipment, and other community college costs.
*If you are attending a baccalaureate program at a community college, you may receive funds to help pay for your tuition and fees. Please contact your Financial Aid Office at the college for more details.
At a CSU (California State University)
Cal Grant A – $5,742: This amount will be applied towards the systemwide tuition and fee cost of the school.
Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,656: You can use your $1,656 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost, such as the State University Grant (SUG) Program.
Cal Grant B (any other year) - $7,398:This amount includes the access award amount (described above) and an additional amount to cover the systemwide tuition and fees. ($1,656+$5,742= $7,398)
Cal Grant C: Not an available award at this type of institution. The Cal Grant C award is only for students enrolled in occupational or technical programs.
At a UC (University of California)
Cal Grant A – $12,570: This amount will be applied toward the systemwide tuition and fees of the school.
Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,656: You can use your $1,656 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost, such as the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.
Cal Grant B (any other year) - $14,226: This amount includes the access award amount (described above) and an additional amount to cover the systemwide tuition/fees. ($1,656+$12,570= $14,226)
Cal Grant C: Not an available award at this type of institution. The Cal Grant C award is only for students enrolled in occupational or technical programs.
At a Private Non-Profit School
Cal Grant A – $9,084: This amount will be applied toward the tuition and fees of the school.
Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,656: You can use your $1,656 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost.
Cal Grant B (any other year) - $10,740: This amount includes the access amount (described above) and the additional amount provided for tuition and fees. ($1,656+$9,084= $10,740)
Cal Grant C – $3,009: If you are attending a year-round private technical/vocational school ($2,462 + $547 = $3,009). The $2,462 is applied directly to your Tuition and Fees. The $547 is an amount designated for books and supplies.
At a Private For-Profit School (WASC Accredited)
Cal Grant A – $8,056: This amount will be applied toward the tuition and fees of the school.
Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,656: You can use your $1,656 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost.
Cal Grant B (any other year) – $9,728: This amount includes the access amount (described above) and the additional amount provided for tuition and fees. ($1,656+$8,056= $9,712)
Cal Grant C – $3,009: If you are attending a year-round private technical/vocational school ($2,462 + $547 = $3,009). The $2,462 is applied directly to your Tuition and Fees. The $547 is an amount designated for books and supplies.
At a Private For-Profit School (Non WASC Accredited)
Cal Grant A – $4,000: This amount will be applied toward the tuition and fees of the school.
Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,656: You can use your $1,656 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost.
Cal Grant B (any other year) - $5,656: This amount includes the access amount (described above) and the additional amount provided for tuition and fees. ($1,656+$4,000= $5,656)
Cal Grant C – $3,009: If you are attending a year-round private technical/vocational school ($2,462 + $547 = $3,009). The $2,462 is applied directly to your Tuition and Fees. The $547 is an amount designated for books and supplies.
Retrieved from the California Student Aid Commission website
Understanding all the different types of Financial Aid
Yes, you can get ALL of these!
Federal: When you submit your FAFSA
State: Cal Grants (connected to your FAFSA - the school submits your Cal Grant GPA for you to receive the appropriate Cal Grant) and for undocumented students when the California Dream Act is submitted
Charity: Scholarships - make sure to apply to at least 3 a week - you will receive lists every month - Don't forget to apply to your high school's scholarship, with one application you are applying to dozens
School: The university could award you additional grants due to you academic achievements
When will I found out how much money I will be receiving for each school?
First, you need to submit either the FAFSA or California Dream Act (whichever one applies to you) starting October 1st! The sooner you apply, the higher the changes you will get to receive additional grants. Submit your college applications before the deadline. You will receive admission decisions starting in February (timeframe changes every year), then, you will receive the Financial Award Package which will include all the Federal, State, and School grants you qualify for. You need to review and compare your Financial Award Packages with your Counselor, College/Career Counselor, or College/Career Guidance Specialist.
If you are planning to apply to El Camino College, make sure to apply to the SouthBay Promise, which will cover the first 2 years of your tuition, plus provide you other types of support! The application is due every April 30th. We recommend applying as soon as it open as you will have higher chances of getting it! Click HERE for more information.
If you are planning to apply to a UC, know there is a Blue and Gold Scholarship.
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.
Blue and Gold students with sufficient financial need can qualify for even more grant aid to help reduce the cost of attending.
How to apply: Submit your FAFSA or Dream Act (you will be automatically considered when you submit these forms by March 2; there is no separate application for this program)
If you are planning to apply to a CSU, UC, or private school, check out their university's financial aid website, they have a list of scholarships for incoming college freshmen. You should apply to as many as you qualify for, this is FREE money and students don't really know about this. Take advantage! When you check out the university's website in January, make sure to look for the Presidential's or President's Scholarship, review the requirements and if you are eligible, make sure to apply! These are typically full-ride scholarships, which means you will get your whole 4 years of tuitions covered, including room and board (housing and meals).
We have had so many students get full-rides through the Presidential's and President's Scholarships!
You can be the next one!
Undocumented Student Information
Financial Aid and Undocumented Students.pdfAyuda económica y estudiantes indocumentados.pdf
Quick Guide to College Access for Undocumented Students in California.pdfEligibility for AB540
Who is eligible?
Students (including undocumented students) who, for various reasons, are classified as nonresidents may be eligible.
To qualify for AB 540 status, students must also meet the following eligibility requirements:
Student must have attended a high school (public or private) in California for three or more years
Student must have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent (GED or CA HS Proficiency exam)
Student must be enrolled in an accredited California Institution of Higher Education
Student must file an AB 540 California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request Form for ECC or this one for other Community Colleges that includes an affidavit stating they have filed (or will file) an application to legalize as soon as they are able to do so. Completed forms must be submitted to the Admissions and Records Office located in the Student Services building
Submit a copy of your high school diploma and sealed high school transcripts to the El Camino College Admissions office for verification or the community college you will be attending.
* SB 68 expands AB 540 to enable students to count years spent at a California Community College and Adult School towards AB 540 eligibility. Additionally, the bill will allow the completion of an Associate’s Degree or satisfaction of the minimum requirements to transfer to the University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) to meet the degree or unit requirements. These new eligibility criteria expand possibilities for students educated in CA to qualify for in-state tuition and statebased financial aid at CCCs, CSUs, and UCs.
AB540 Affidavits
If you need help, please visit the College and Career Center
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