Starting with the Class of 2023 California Education Code (CEC) § 51225.7 requires a local educational agency to confirm each 12th grade pupil’s completion and submission of a FAFSA or CADAA unless the pupil is determined to be exempt or an opt-out form is completed by a pupil who is a legally emancipated minor, a pupil who is 18 years or older, a legal guardian, or parent, or a local educational agency on a pupil’s behalf.
Embedded Files
FAFSA and CADDA will open October 1st, 2026 for Class of 2027
Financial Aid Workshops - All workshops are in the CCRC (A-5)
Financial Aid Workshops - All workshops are in the CCRC (A-5)
The FAFSA, being referred to as “Better FAFSA, Better Future” by Federal Student Aid (FSA), was revised in 2024-2025. There are fewer questions and the time to fill it out has been shortened for most families.
The following documents are required to apply for financial aid:
Student social security number (if applicable)
Parent social security number or tax identification number (if applicable) & birthdates
Date arrived to CA if not born in state, Marriage/Divorce/Separation date (if applicable)
For students starting college Fall 2027: 2025 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ federal income tax return
For students starting college Summer 2027: 2024 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ federal income tax return
Current business information (if applicable)
Information on untaxed income such as alimony, child support, and public assistance
Email accounts for both parents and students
Tips for applying to financial aid:
The FAFSA and CA DREAM Act applications are always FREE
All seniors are recommended to file an application for financial aid regardless of family income level
Have your application reviewed by the CCRC before submitting it
The CCRC and counselors are NOT tax experts, but can help with most FAFSA/CA DREAM Act applications. For special circumstances or questions, you will need to call: 1-800-433-3243
Financial Aid Net Cost Calculators
Financial Aid Net Cost Calculators
These calculators provide a quick and easy way to estimate the amounts and types of financial aid you might receive, based on your personal information.
The values produced are not the actual amounts you will be offered, and are subject to the availability of funding.
It'll be helpful to refer to these documents before you use the calculators:
The federal income tax returns filed by you or your parents from two years ago (For example: 2026/2027 estimator will use 2024 tax return information)
The W-2 forms and/or pay stubs with year-to-date information for you and/or your parents from two years ago
Students and their families are expected to contribute to the cost of college to the extent that they’re able. Use this 2024-2025 academic year Student Aid Index (SAI) Calculator to:
Estimate how much the student’s family will be expected to contribute for the year. After all, you can’t make a realistic plan to cover the student’s share if you don’t have any idea what the student’s share could be.
Gain insight into the student’s financial aid eligibility. If you’re unable to contribute the entire cost of college, financial aid is available to bridge the gap. That's how the financial aid system works. The difference between the total cost and the student's SAI is considered the student's financial need and the amount of aid you’re eligible to receive.
*This calculator is only for Federal Student Aid and does not reflect State Aid
Types of Financial Aid
Types of Financial Aid
Page updated
Report abuse