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Understanding Different Types of Funding
Understanding Different Types of Funding
Gift Aid
Grants: This type of funding is considered to be free money. Grant monies do NOT have to be repaid. Grants can come from the federal government, state government, private sources, and college/universities.
Scholarships: Much like grants, scholarships are also considered free money and do NOT have to be paid back to the funding source. Scholarships typically require the student to follow an application process. Eligibility for scholarships can be based on either merit, financial need, or both.
Self-Help Aide
Loans: Unlike grants and scholarships, loans will require the student to pay back the monies borrowed to the lender. The terms of the loan will depend on the lender.
Student Employment provides part-time jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses.
Recommendations before you begin:
Create a professional email that you will use for your college applications, financial aid, scholarships, etc. For example, if your first name is "John" and your last name is "Eagle", you can use: johneagle@gmail.com or jeagle@gmail.com or eaglejohn@gmail.com Your school email will not be available after you graduate, so please create a professionl email.
Be sure to frequently check your email for important information
For in-person support, attend one of our financial aid/scholarships workshops sign-up at our calendar and/or contact your counselor.
Step 1
Step 1
It is recommended that all students who plan on attending a college or university complete one of the following before March 2 for state financial aid and before June 30 for federal financial aid.
Be sure to explore our Career and College Planning Resources!
2026–27 FAFSA® Form - Create your Account
The 2026–2027 FAFSA form will be available in the fall. Check their website for deadline dates: http://studentaid.gov
*FILE AS SOON AS POSSIBLE = the earlier you apply, then the more you'll qualify for more grants!
Deadline: March 2, 2026** To qualify for state aid
Write down your usermame and password, then keeping it in a safe place for future access!
Complete this if you are a:
U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen with a Social Security Number (SSN)
CADA = California Dream Act
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Dreamer Resource Center at your college/university
CADA = California Dream Act
Resources
Frequently Asked Questions
Dreamer Resource Center at your college/university
Complete this if you have:
No Social Security Number (SSN) or without DACA
TPS status, U Visa
AB 540 status AB540 Info as you apply to college!
Step 2
Step 2
Once you have completed your FAFSA, you will automatically be applied for the Cal-Grant.Your next step is to Create a Cal-Grant Account to select which college/university you would like the specific money grant to go. You can also postpone your award money if you decide to take a gap-year!
Click on logo to the left <-- to get to their website!
Step 3
Step 3
KEEP CHECKING YOUR EMAIL! Apply for scholarships!
--> Do you have an immediate family member in the military?
Ask them if you qualify for their military benefits for school!
CalVet Veteran Dependent College Fee Waiver
Students meeting eligibility criteria may get their college fees waived if they attend any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board.
Step 4
Step 4
In helping your decision of which college/university to attend:
Research the college's/university's financial aid website/information. There may be specific grants and scholarships given regardless of income.
Why apply?
Why apply?
Why should every student apply for FAFSA?
Why should every student apply for FAFSA?
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