• QUICK FACTS

    • FAFSA is required to determine eligibility for CAL Grants, Work-study, and Federal Loans.
    • the priority filing deadline for UC's and CSU's is March 2, 2023
    • CAL Grants will not be disbursed if FAFSA is not filed (or filed late)
    • Many private colleges & universities require submission of an additional document (the CSS Profile) to qualify for ANY type of scholarship or aid (check each website)   

     

    TYPES OF FEDERAL STUDENT AID

    Grants

    A grant is a form of financial aid that doesn’t have to be repaid (unless you withdraw from school and owe a refund). A variety of federal grants are available: 

    • Pell Grants,
    • Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG),
    • Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grants

     

    Learn About Grants

    Scholarships

    Scholarships are a type of FREE money, usually awarded based on academic merit, financial need, talent, or a particular area of study. While high school seniors are often awarded one-time scholarships from local organizations, the largest scholarships generally come directly from the college or university. While need-based scholarships are determined by a family's financial circumstances, merit-based scholarships are awarded to students based on the strength of their academics. The best way to qualify for large, merit-based scholarships and aid is to apply to colleges & universities where a student would place amongst the top-tier of applicants.

    Learn About Scholarships

    Work-Study Jobs

    The Federal Work-Study Program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time. You’ll earn at least the current federal minimum wage. However, you may earn more depending on the type of work you do and the skills required for the position. Your total work-study award depends on

    • when you apply,
    • your level of financial need, and
    • your school’s funding level.

     

    Learn About Work-Study

    Loans

    A loan is money you borrow and must pay back with interest. If you apply for financial aid, you may be offered loans as part of your school’s financial aid offer. When you receive a student loan, you are borrowing money to attend a college or career school. You must repay the loan as well as interest that accrues. It is important to understand your repayment options so you can successfully repay your loan. 

    Learn About Loans

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

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    id for Military Families

    There are special aid programs or additional aid eligibility for serving in the military or for being the spouse or child of a veteran.

    Learn About Aid for Military Families

     

    Apply for Financial Aid

    Federal student aid from ED covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as books and a computer.

    To qualify for financial aid you must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be used to apply for most aid programs provided by the state and federal governments and from public colleges and universities.  It is the form that determines the EFC.  Factors considered include family size, income, assets, parent's age, number of family members in college and unusual circumstances.

    Complete a FAFSA® form


    How do I Register for my FAFSA ID Number?
    Step 1:  Go to FSA ID
    Step 2.  Click on "Apply Now"
    Step 3:  Read the directions carefully, then click on "Next"
    Step 4:  Enter your personal information.  After entering your personal information click on "Next."  DO NOT share your FSA ID number with anyone!
    Step 5:  Print out your confirmation page and save it for your records.
     

    Information about your FSA ID: 

    An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid(FAFSA®) site at fafsa.gov