Financial Aid
What is FAFSA?
FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. The federal government uses this form to determine your eligibility for aid, including: grants, work-study, scholarships and loans. FAFSA on the Web is the online version of a paper FAFSA.
Why would I want to complete my FAFSA on the Web instead of on paper?
The process is quicker and it is what the federal government prefers.
How do I get started?
Visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov and click “Before Beginning a FAFSA” to get started.
FAFSA Web Tips
Use a sample FAFSA worksheet: Click “Before Beginning a FAFSA,” then “Print a Pre-Application Worksheet.” Use the printout as a guide before committing answers online. Do not enter online answers directly from the paper FAFSA. Web vs. paper FAFSA questions are in a different order.
Save your FAFSA online if you can’t finish it in one session: Click the “Save” button at the bottom of each step to save info for 45 days. Use a password (which you select at the start of the process) to retrieve your information later.
Fill out a FAFSA even if you don’t think you will qualify for aid: You may qualify even if you don’t think you do, and if your circumstances change during the year, you may have the ability to get aid later. Also, many private scholarships require the FAFSA.
Follow the instructions: Take your time and get help if you need it. Your counselors are a great resource for this!
Accurately list your information: Do not enter false information as a way to qualify for more aid. Doing so is a federal crime.
Print out a copy: Keep a completed copy for your records.
Signing the FAFSA
You will be required to provide your signature (and parent’s signature if you are a dependent student).
Information on the FAFSA website explains how students and parents apply for an FSA ID.
Your FSA ID will be your electronic identifier that enables you to:
Complete, sign, and submit your FAFSA online
Access your personal information in various U.S. Department of Education systems
If you want to create an FSA ID now, go for it!
What is CADAA?
The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students (U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens) who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.
Applying for Financial Aid Presentations (English and Spanish):
English FAFSA PowerPoint-Current.pptxSpanish FAFSA PowerPoint-current.pptxFAFSA COMPLETION REQUIREMENT
Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) are required to confirm that high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Students may alternatively complete an opt-out form, which shall be collected and retained by the high school.
These requirements apply beginning with the 2022-23 school year for the 2023-2024 FAFSA/CADAA application cycle that starts on October 1, 2022.
Rationale: There is a big push for FAFSA completion in California, because despite how much you make, students can receive 2 free years of classes at a community college. One of the requirements of the free community college classes is FAFSA completion. The goal is to ensure students have as many opportunities as possible. Not to mention, many training and professional programs can be taken through these free classes at different community colleges.