Paying for College
Starting with the Class of 2023, all graduating seniors must complete the FAFSA, CADA, or MVLA Opt-Out form. This state requirement was created because Californias were missing millions of dollars in unclaimed financial aid.
For the Class of 2024: the FAFSA will be released sometime in December (usually 10/01) because of a major overhaul in the form. You can prepare by creating an FSA ID. Each user (student + parent(s)) will need a unique FSA ID. If you apply to certain private schools (see the list here)- you can complete the CSS profile BEFORE submitting the FAFSA or CADA in December.
FAFSA will be new for 2023-2024. It is the largest overhaul in 40 years. The form will be available in December 2023.
Before the form is open, students and contributors (parent(s)) should create an FSA ID.
FAFSA now allows the student to send information to 20 schools.
If you want to make your FAFSA information available to an additional school after filing the FAFSA form, you may add that school’s Federal School Code.