How to Pay for College
Start With This Video
College can be expensive BUT there are lots of resources to help. Did you miss our Cash for College presentation? No worries! You can view the presentation below. Reach out to your counselor if you have any questions.
FAFSA
What is FAFSA?
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the form that determines your financial aid from the government and most colleges. The form collects personal and financial information from students and parents, and applies a formula to determine your Expected Family Contribution, or EFC. Watch the short videos below to learn more about FAFSA. Click Here for the FAFSA website and application.
Overview of the Financial Aid Process
FAFSA Overview
Types of Student Federal Aid
California Dream Act Application
What is the California Dream Act?
The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. Click Here for the California Dream Act Application website and application.
What is the difference between the FAFSA and the California Dream Act application?
Students should only complete one of the applications (not both), according to the citizenship requirements below:
You are eligible to complete the FAFSA at www.fafsa.ed.gov if you are a: • U.S Citizen, • Permanent Resident • Eligible non-citizen • T Visa holder
You are eligible to complete the CADAA at https://dream.csac.ca.gov if you are: • Undocumented, • Have a valid or expired DACA, • U Visa holders, • Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
DACA Application (English Tutorial)
DACA Application (Tutorial En Espanol)
Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Grants
What is a Grant?
Student grant programs are similar to scholarships in that they are free money you don't have to pay back. Federal and state governments commonly fund student grants, which are typically based on things like economic need, ability to pay, studentstatus and academic requirements.
Click here to learn more.
California Student Grant Info: Click Here
Scholarships
What is a Scholarship?
It's free money! Scholarships can be awarded for many reasons—academic ability, athletic talent, interests, demographics, career goals, etc. There are thousands of scholarships available. It can’t hurt to apply! Many scholarships go unawared because students don't apply. Watch the videos below for some tips. We have listed 4 different websites to start your search. Click on any of the four logos/pictures below to go directly to their website.
How to Find Scholarships
Scholarship Tips
Student Loans
What is a Student Loan?
A student loan is money that you borrow to help for pay school with the expectation that you will pay that money back in the future. Student loans don’t differ all that much from other types of loans. However, the process of obtaining and repaying a student loan does have some unique attributes. There are many options to consider to pay for college before taking a student loan. Please do some research before accepting any student loan. Watch the short videos below to learn a bit more.
How Student Loans Work
3 Minute Guide
Difference Between Federal and Private Loans
What's the difference between Grants, Scholarships, and Loans?
Scholarships, grants, and loans are some of the many options available to help you pay for your college education. But figuring out how to access and combine them can be overwhelming.
To take some stress out of the process we’ll answer questions like, “How do you qualify for a grant vs. a scholarship?” and “How do you apply for student loans vs. scholarships?” Plus, we’ll show you how to apply for scholarships, grants, and loans as well as the best way to put them all together so you can save the most money.
Read more here.
Additional Information
Cost of College Overview
Here are some quick facts about the cost of college.
Approximate costs of colleges in California:
Community College = $1800/year (live at home)
California State University = $8000/year (live at home)
California State University = $18,000/year (live on campus/dorm)
University of California = $34,000/year (live on campus/dorm)