There are many websites that provide detailed information on where, when, and how to apply for State, Federal, and private funding for college and career programs, below is a partial list. Additionally, most college/and university have their own financial aid office and information for a particular school’s office can usually be found on their website.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application for 2024-25 is now open. Check our website for updates or sign up for our CSAC email Listserv for "Students and Families".
Students attending California Community Colleges for the 2024-25 academic year should also apply by May 2 and no later than September 3, 2024
Financial aid helps students and their families pay for college. It can cover a range of educational expenses, like tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation.
Student loans are funded by governments or private lenders.
Scholarships are essentially free money to pay for school.
Grants are given to students who demonstrate financial need.
Program offers flexible part-time jobs around student schedules.
State Financial Aid Programs
For most state financial aid programs, submit your application no later than May 2, 2024 (date postmarked).
Cal Grant
Cal Grant requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 4, 2024. For additional community college Cal Grants, apply by Sept. 3, 2024 (date postmarked).
All Other Aid
Check with the financial aid office at the college or career school you plan to attend for more information on available state aid and deadlines. If you’re a noncitizen without a Social Security card or had one issued through the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, you should fill out the California Dream Act Application at dream.csac.ca.gov. Contact the California Student Aid Commission at csac.ca.gov or your financial aid office for more information.
A GPA is one of the requirements needed to be considered for a new Cal Grant award.
Most public California high schools, community colleges, and universities will automatically submit your Cal Grant GPA to us electronically. Because of this, most students don’t need to complete a paper GPA verification form.
March 3, 2025
Current high school seniors and last year’s high school graduates
Community College Student, transferring to a California 4-year university in Fall 2025
Cal Grant Competitive awards, reserved for students who are ineligible for Cal Grant Entitlement awards and submit a financial aid application by the priority deadline
September 2, 2025
Community College Student
Foster Youth (Community College)
Cal Grant C
Renewal Cal Grant Student – no GPA submission required.
COMPLETE THIS FORM ONLY IF YOUR SCHOOL HAS NOT SUBMITTED YOUR GPA AND THEY ARE UNABLE TO SUBMIT YOUR GPA ELECTRONICALLY.
Not sure if your GPA was submitted? Check your Cal Grant Award Status in WebGrants 4 Students.
Forms must be emailed or postmarked by the priority deadlines listed above to be considered on time.
LATE GPA APPEALS:
Students failing to submit a verified GPA by the priority deadline, can request a Late GPA Appeal and explain the reason why in the Late Submission Appeals section no later than May 16, 2025. For Competitive Students, Late GPA Appeals must be submitted by March 23, 2025.
https://www.careeronestop.org/credentials/affordtraining/financial-aid.aspx
