Financial Aid
What is Financial Aid?
There are 4 types of financial aid:
Grants are free money awarded based on your need. There are federal grants such as the Pell Grant and state grants such as the Cal Grant.
Federal Work Study allows students to earn money while they are in school. This is not money that is given to you up front, you have to earn it at a job. Usually the job is part time and on campus
Loans are money that students can borrow to help pay for college. Like any other loan, these have to be paid back, sometimes with interest.
Scholarships are free money that are awarded based on specific requirements. You generally have to submit an application to receive a scholarship.
The FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is a required application for financial aid. It is required by all institutions of higher education. Students and parents must complete the FAFSA in their senior year of high school.
You must have a Social Security number to complete the FAFSA. If you do not have a Social Security number you should complete the California Dream Act Application (see below).
Before you can complete the FAFSA you and your parent must apply for a FSA (Federal Student Aid) ID. Visit Federal Student Aid to get your FSA ID.
This year, the FAFSA Application will open on December 1, 2023 and is due by March 2, 2024.
PLEASE CLICK ON THE IMPORTANT UPDATES BUTTON ABOVE.
The California Student Aid Commission has great resources regarding common issues and fixes for this year's revised FAFSA application. If you are experiencing any issues submitting your FAFSA application, please check here often for answers to frequently asked questions.
Due to several unexpected issues with the revised FAFSA application, the due date has been extended to April 2, 2024.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The California Dream Act Application allows students enrolled in eligible California colleges, universities and career education programs to apply for state financial aid. Completion of the California Dream Act Application is required to determine financial aid for California AB540 eligible students. Your application will be processed by the California Student Aid Commission.
To complete the CA Dream Act Application, please visit California Student Aid Commission website.
2024-2025 Cash for College Pre-Recorded Webinar by California Student Aid Commission.
Click HERE to watch a helpful educational video to help complete your FAFSA and CADAA applications.