Financial Aid

Grants

A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless, for example, you withdraw from school and owe a refund, or you receive a TEACH Grant and don’t complete your service obligation). A variety of federal grants are available, including:

• Pell Grants,

• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG),

• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants, and

• Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grants.

Learn About Grants

Scholarships

Many nonprofit and private organizations offer scholarships to help students pay for college or career school. This type of free money, which is sometimes based on academic merit, talent, or a particular area of study, can make a real difference in helping you manage your education expenses.

https://calkids.org/

Learn About Scholarships

Check out current open TOHS Scholarships

Work-Study Jobs

The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position. Your total work-study award depends on

• when you apply,

• your level of financial need, and

• your school’s funding level.

Learn About Work-Study

Loans

A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school’s financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan.

Learn About Loans

Apply for Financial Aid

Federal student aid from ED covers such expenses as tuition and fees, housing and food, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do!

Apply for federal student aid—grants, work-study, and loans—using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. And remember, the first F in “FAFSA” stands for “free”—you shouldn’t pay to fill out the FAFSA form!

The FAFSA form you fill out should correspond with the school year you’re planning to seek aid for. For example, if you’re applying for financial aid for the Fall of 2026, fill out the 2026-2027 FAFSA form. If you plan to take summer classes, contact your school's financial aid office to determine which FAFSA form you should fill out.

You can estimate your eligibility for federal student aid and your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) with our Federal Student Aid Estimator. Be sure to use the tool before you fill out the FAFSA form.

Complete a FAFSA® form

Aid for Military Families

There are special aid programs or additional aid eligibility for serving in the military or for being the spouse or child of a veteran.

Learn About Aid for Military Families

Aid From Your State Government

Other than federal aid, you might be eligible for financial assistance from your state. Contact your state grant agency for more information.

Aid From Your College or Career School

Many schools offer financial aid from their own grant and/or scholarship funds. Find out what might be available to you:

• Visit your school’s financial aid page on its website, or contact the financial aid office.

• Ask at the department that offers your course of study; they might have a scholarship for students in your major.

• Fill out any applications your school requires for its own aid programs, and meet your school’s deadlines.

Additional Links

Scholarships

Pell Grants

PLUS Loans

Aid for International Study

Apply for Financial Aid

Federal Vs Private Loans

Federal Student Aid Estimator