The 2025–26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) is now open to students.
Resources for undocumented/dreamer students filling out the California Dream Act Application
Applying for the FAFSA is the most vital step to receiving federal aid. Federal Student Aid provides information about the application, federal and state deadlines, and frequently asked questions to assist in completing your application.
Updated videos to help students and families understand the importance of the FAFSA form, who is a FAFSA contributor, and what happens after submitting the form.
Unsure if you need to ask your parent(s) to provide information on the FAFSA? Use this tool to determine which parent(s) should participate.
On the FAFSA form, a “contributor” is anyone required to provide information, consent and approval for the transfer of federal tax information, and a signature on the form. To learn what that means for you, watch our Understand and Prepare FAFSA® Form Contributors video.