Embedded Files
The first step in your quest for financial aid should be to file either the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application.
The FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid
This calculates how much money you are eligible to receive from the federal government to use towards your education based on your parents' financial information from the previous year. The FAFSA is intended for students who are US citizens or eligible noncitizens with a valid Social Security number. Completing the FAFSA allows you to be considered for federal aid (Pell Grants), state aid (Cal Grants), grants/scholarships from colleges/universities, federal student loans, work-study, and may be required for some scholarships.
The CADAA: California Dream Act Application
This calculates how much money you are eligible to receive from the California state government to use towards your education based on your parents' financial information from the previous year. The CADAA is intended for students who are undocumented and meet the eligibility requirements for AB 540 including students with DACA, temporary protected status (TPS), or U visa holders. Completing the CADAA allows you to be considered for state aid (Cal Grants), grants/scholarships from some colleges/universities, and may be required for some scholarships.
When should you submit the FAFSA or CADAA?
Both applications are available each year starting October 1st. You should start the application during your senior year as early as possible. The deadline is March 2nd, but don’t wait until the last minute! These applications take time to complete, and many colleges and states have their own varying deadlines for financial aid. The 2026-27 FAFSA and CADAA applications are scheduled to open October 1, 2025! The Priority Filing Deadline is Monday, March 3, 2026.
What you will need to file:
Your Social Security number, alien registration number, or permanent residence card (Not required for the CADAA)
Your driver’s license number, if applicable
Your parents’ and your tax returns and W-2's from the year prior to the application opening
Your parents’ and your most recent bank statements
Your parents’ most recent business, mortgage, and investment records, if applicable
Know your parents' birthdates and dates of marriage/divorce
Use these documents to help you gather information and keep on track:
How to file the FAFSA
Start the FAFSA on the FAFSA website
Click "Start Here" and indicate if you are the student, the parent, or a preparer.
It will prompt you to "create an FSA ID" or "use personal identifiers". It is strongly recommended to create an FSA ID as this will be required later to submit the FAFSA online. The student and one parent need to create an FSA ID. Make sure to enter your name and Social Security number exactly how it appears on your Social Security card to avoid errors and delays.
Create a "Save Key" so you can save the application and come back to it later.
Filling out the FAFSA
Complete all five sections of the application: Student Demographics, School Selection, Dependency Status, Parent Demographics, and Financial Information.
Sign and Submit
Both the student and parent will sign electronically using their FSA ID. If the parent was unable to create an FSA ID (because they don't have a valid Social Security number) you need to print the signature page and mail it.
You should receive an email confirmation when you submit.
How to file the CADAA
Start the CADAA on the CADAA website
Create a username and password to log in.
Filling out the CADAA
Must include: Student Information, Parental Information, Income (taxed and untaxed), Assets & Investments, and Household Size.
Submit and Sign
Student submits application and should immediately check the confirmation page to review for errors.
Parent obtains a personal identification number (PIN) to sign the application.
You've submitted the FAFSA or CADAA, now what??
Check your email often! If you are missing any information, you will be notified by email. You will also receive your Student Aid Report (SAR) in an email.
Once your application is processed, your SAR will be sent to all the colleges you listed.
Once accepted to a college, the school will calculate and send you an offer, often called a financial aid award letter.
Create a WebGrants account on the California Student Aid Commission website to view and claim your Cal Grants award.
This video talks about what happens after you submit the FAFSA but the process is very similar with the CADAA.
Special Circumstances:
If your current situation is drastically different than what was reported on the prior year's tax return due to loss/change of employment, divorce/marriage, death of a parent, etc. you can appeal your financial aid decision with the financial aid office at the college you plan to attend. You must enter financial information exactly as it appears on your tax return.
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