Financial Aid
There are resources available to all students to afford the cost of college. Financial aid can provide money to assist you and the high costs of post-secondary education. There are multiple sources of financial aid, such as:
- scholarships
- grants
- work study
- student loans
- parent loans
Depending on your family income, most programs expect you and your family to contribute some money toward your education. Think of this as an investment for your future!
To apply for most types of federal and state financial aid, students must complete financial aid applications such as the FAFSA or the CADAA. See below for a brief description of each application.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
This application is for US citizens or eligible non-citizens such as permanent residents. Completing the FAFSA is required to be eligible for all financial aid and should be completed during the student's senior year. There are different deadlines, but the California deadline is March 2nd. It should be completed on-line using the FAFSA website. The FAFSA application will ask you questions about your family's finances and college plans. You also should list all of your colleges (up to 10) on the FAFSA, so they will receive your information.
This application is for US citizens or eligible non-citizens such as permanent residents. Completing the FAFSA is required to be eligible for all financial aid and should be completed during the student's senior year. There are different deadlines, but the California deadline is March 2nd. It should be completed on-line using the FAFSA website. The FAFSA application will ask you questions about your family's finances and college plans. You also should list all of your colleges (up to 10) on the FAFSA, so they will receive your information.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA):
Undocumented students who meet the eligibility requirements of AB 540 who do not have social security numbers or have a DACA number can still apply for financial aid in the State of California. They will apply through the California Dream Application website. Students might be eligible for financial aid from the state of California and the universities/colleges they apply to.
Undocumented students who meet the eligibility requirements of AB 540 who do not have social security numbers or have a DACA number can still apply for financial aid in the State of California. They will apply through the California Dream Application website. Students might be eligible for financial aid from the state of California and the universities/colleges they apply to.
The CSS Profile may also be required by some private or out of state colleges in addition to the FAFSA or CADAA. Check the college's financial aid office for more information.