Financial Aid

FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

Before each year of college, you can apply for federal grants, work-study, and loans with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Your college will use your FAFSA data to determine your federal aid eligibility. Many states and colleges use FAFSA data to award their own aid. Begin by creating your FSA ID and then complete the FAFSA form. After application submission, you’ll receive your Student Aid Report.

Helpful information to complete the FAFSA include the following:

• Social Security number

• Driver's License, if you have one

• Alien Registration Card, if you have one

• Most current bank statements

• Your and your parents' 2023 tax information (1040's and W2's)

• List of colleges you are interested in

CADAA (California Dream Act Application)

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), Senate Bill 2000 (SB 2000) and Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), 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.

Eligibility for the CADAA:

• Live in California and meet the eligibility requirements for a non-resident exemption

• Undocumented

• Have a valid or expired DACA

• U Visa holders

• Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)

• Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540, SB 2000, SB 68 

CHAFEE Grant Application 

If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states. Complete the CHAFEE application after completing the FAFSA or CADAA.

Webgrants 4 Students

Create an account with WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) to track your account and see if you are eligible for State Aid if you plan to attend a CA college. The WG4S portal provides students with the resources, information and tools needed to assist with the college financial aid process. WG4S will allow you to manage your Cal Grant and/or Chafee account(s) online by letting you view updates, make school changes, make address changes, and post leave of absence requests. Note: your WG4S account does not replace your School or FAFSA accounts. Each account must be monitored and managed independently.

How to read your Financial Aid Award Letter