FAFSA/CADAA completion is now a graduation requirement. If you need support, please consider attending one of our various workshops.
Financial Aid Applications (FAFSA & CA Dream Act) open October 1st for high school seniors! 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.
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 2026: 2024 1040, 1040A, or 1040EZ Federal Income Tax Return
For students starting college Summer 2026: 2023 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 for 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 CCC before submitting it
The CCC 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
To request an appointment for FAFSA assistance, please click here and complete our SHS Financial Aid Appointment Request Form.
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: 2024-25 estimator will use 2023 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.