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Financial Aid Applications: FAFSA & CADAA
Financial Aid Applications: FAFSA & CADAA
Applying for financial aid is an important step in planning for college. The FAFSA and CADAA are used to determine a student’s eligibility for grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans to help cover the cost of higher education.
The FAFSA is the federal financial aid application used by colleges and universities to determine eligibility for federal and state financial aid, including grants, loans, and work-study programs.
Who should complete it:
U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens planning to attend a college, university, or career/technical school.
The CADAA allows eligible students to apply for state and institutional financial aid in California, including Cal Grants and some campus-based aid. It is not a federal application.
Who should complete it:
Undocumented students, including those with DACA status, who meet California residency and eligibility requirements.
Important Notes
Important Notes
Students should complete either the FAFSA or the CADAA, not both.
Applications open each year and should be completed as early as possible to maximize financial aid eligibility.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offers helpful webinars for students and families that explain financial aid options and the application process in more detail. Please visit the CSAC website for available dates.
Completing the FAFSA or CADAA is a key step in making college more affordable and ensuring students are considered for all available financial aid opportunities.
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarship Opportunities
Scholarships are an important way to help reduce the cost of college and are available from a wide range of organizations, including colleges and universities, community groups, foundations, and private donors. Scholarships may be awarded based on academic achievement, financial need, leadership, community involvement, career interests, or other criteria.
To make it easier for students and families to find and track scholarship opportunities, all scholarship information sent to the school and counseling office is compiled into one shared document. This document is regularly updated and serves as a centralized resource for current local, regional, and national scholarships.
Students and families are encouraged to:
Review the scholarship document frequently, as deadlines and opportunities vary throughout the year
Pay close attention to eligibility requirements and application deadlines
Reach out to the counseling office with questions or for additional support
Taking advantage of scholarship opportunities can significantly reduce college costs and is an important part of the postsecondary planning process.
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