Financial Aid Application:  The New Requirement for High School Seniors
Cathy McSweeney |  Feb. 3, 2023 

It’s that time of year when high school seniors agonizingly await college decisions while their parents face the anxiety of how to pay for the sky-high cost of tuition. A new California state requirement may bring some surprise relief to many families.

Assembly Bill 469, signed by Governor Gavin Newsom, requires that all high school seniors beginning in 2022-23 submit a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or a CADAA (California Dream Act Application). These applications allow students access to Pell grants, institutional-based scholarships and grants, and other sources of financial aid that help ease the burden of paying for college. 


During the pandemic, fewer families filled out a FAFSA or CADAA. For the high school class of 2021, over $561 million Pell grant dollars went unutilized in the state of California alone as reported by the National College Attainment Network. The aim of All in for FAFSA/CA Dream Act is to expand access to financial aid for students who may not be aware that funding is available. Haley Hertz, counselor at Dougherty Valley High School shared, “we are excited about this new requirement and are hopeful it will expand access to financial aid and increase opportunities for many of our students to attend college who may have otherwise felt it was out of reach." In addition, students may be able to accept offers from schools higher on their ‘wish list’ since unexpected financial or merit awards could make them more affordable.


Historically, many families have chosen not to fill out a FAFSA based on a belief that that they would not qualify for financial aid. Although this could be true, income and assets do not solely determine eligibility; the number of students in a family and the age of parents are among other factors considered. Students who submit a FAFSA can also considered for Federal Work Study funds, federal student loans, and scholarships and grants offered by the state, school, or private organizations. Scholarships and grants based on merit may require a FAFSA submission.


For those wanting to learn more, a new financial aid resource webpage has been added to the district website which contains many resources including a financial aid presentation, Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) and links to the school webpages for Counseling and the College and Career Advisors. Additionally, Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer Kahan is hosting a financial aid webinar, Cash for College, on February 9th at 5:30 via Zoom to share information about applying for aid.  RSVP here.


We encourage anyone with questions to connect with their Counselor or Advisor!