Financial Aid

FINANCIAL AID PRESENTATIONS - Fall 2023/Winter 2024

Presented by David Levy

View Post-Workshop Resources - Part 1 (September 2023)

View Post-Workshop Resources - Part 2 (October 2023 - CSS Profile)

View Post-Workshop Resources - Part 3 (January 2024 - FAFSA/CADAA)

To apply for the many types of financial aid (federal and state), you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) for each year you are requesting aid. In addition to the FAFSA some colleges and universities require the CSS Profile to apply for merit aid and scholarships. Check each college website to learn the requirements for financial aid.

• Cal Grants - (state aid) are free money guaranteed to every high school senior that applies on time and meets income, eligibility, and GPA requirements.

• Grants - Think of a grant as the ultimate graduation gift, because you don't have to pay it back.

• Loans - Federal loans are low-interest loans that come in all shapes and sizes.

• Merit Aid - Awarded by colleges/universities based on GPA and/or test scores.

• Pell Grants - Awarded to low-income earners meeting certain income requirements.

• Scholarships - Free money for college, usually based on your areas of study or merit, such as good grades, high test scores, athletic, musical or other special talents, community service and sometimes financial need.

• Subsidized Loans - Available to students who meet financial requirements and are attending school at least half-time. With this loan, the government pays the interest when you receive the loan until up to six months after you leave school. 

• Unsubsidized Loans - Available to any student regardless of financial need, but the student pays the interest.

• Work-Study - Work at a part-time job that may help you with a career, and use the earnings to help finance your education.