FAFSA
FAFSA
"The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the form that the federal government, states, colleges and other organizations use to award financial aid. Submitting it is your key to accessing grants, scholarships, work-study programs and federal student loans.
2024-25 FAFSA Application opens January 1st!
Completing the FAFSA is the first step for anyone making college plans - it only takes 30 minutes on average to complete when you’re prepared." via FAFSA Guide: How to Get Free Money for College.
The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows students interested in attending eligible California colleges, universities, and educational programs to apply for state financial aid. Unlike FAFSA, eligibility is based solely on immigration status and educational experience.
Undocumented, Dream Act-eligible students should fill out a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead of the FAFSA form.
The 2024-25 FAFSA is now open! Have questions about FAFSA or CADAA? Attend one of our CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinars! These webinars will provide students and their families information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA). All students, families, and guardians welcome! Bring your questions!
Don’t know which application to complete?
FAFSA filers are a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen. For more on FAFSA eligibility click here.
CADAA filers are undocumented and nonresident students. For more on CADAA eligibility click here.
Your parents and your FSA ID (For FAFSA filers ONLY) or Dream Act Account (For CADAA filers)
Driver’s License, if you have one
Social Security Card, if you have one
Alien Registration Card, if you have one
ITIN, if you have one
List of colleges you are interested in to list on the applications
Most current bank statements
Any records of untaxed income
2022 tax information (1040’s and W2’s)
This includes your parents’ tax information if you are a dependent student.
What is a FSA ID? A FSA ID is a username and password that gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature. Both the student and parent(s) will need one to complete and electronically sign the form.
(Only required if you are filling out the FAFSA , CAADA filers will have their own process).