​Types of Student Aid:

  1. ​Grants: Usually free money, but there are exceptions. Types of grants: Pell grant, Cal grant and CHAFEE grant (for foster youth).
  2. Work-Study Jobs: This program allows you to earn money to pay for school by working part-time.
  3. Scholarships: Free money given to students who qualify and apply for them. 
  4. Loans: Need to pay back as it is borrowed money. Types of loans offered to HS students: subsidized (for students with financial need; government pays the interest while you're in school), unsubsidized (not based on financial need; you pay interest).​ ​

​Who should apply for financial aid?
Students attending a trade/vocational school, community college and a university are encouraged to apply to see what type of assistance they qualify for. There are two application options for students, so make sure you apply to the right one:
  1. FAFSA- for US Citizens, Permanent Residents (green card holders), T Visa holder
  2. CA Dream Act- for undocumented students (dreamers), have valid or expired DACA, U-Visa holders, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and eligible for AB-540.   

Where & When to Apply? ​

Senior year is when students are required to apply to FAFSA or CADAA to see if they qualify for aid.  The application period: December - March 2nd.

FAFSA
FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) is the general application students and parents/guardians must complete to determine what types of aid they are eligible to receive.

CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)

The California Dream Act allows students interested in attending eligible California colleges, universities and career education programs to apply for state financial aid (Cal Grants). This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program.

Student Aid Index
For the financial aid award year 2024-25, FAFSA is making several changes to determine a dependent student’s aid eligibility, starting with the calculation of a family’s ability to pay for college.
The new Student Aid Index (SAI) will replace Expected Family Contribution (EFC) as the calculated amount a family is able to pay for college for a given year. Colleges will use SAI in place of EFC in the fundamental equation to determine need-based financial aid eligibility.
COST OF ATTENDANCE – STUDENT AID INDEX = FINANCIAL NEED
Your financial need is the same as your need-based financial aid eligibility, but rules on federal student aid plus a college’s own institutional need-based financial aid policies determine your financial aid package.

Cal Grant

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Grants are for students attending Universities of California, California State Universities or California Community Colleges, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
​The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with family income up to $201,000 and assets up to $201,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.

Cash for College Workshops
Free workshops to help you and your family complete the FAFSA or CADAA.  Use the website to look for and sign up for one near you.