Financial Aid
What is financial Aid?
Financial aid is any money being given to a student pursuing a higher education after high school. This includes community colleges, universities, trade/vocational schools, and credential programs.
Who is eligible to receive financial aid?
Any student pursuing a higher education: US citizens, Non-US citizens
Where does financial aid come from?
One or more of the below entities might provide Financial Aid:
The Federal Government, the State, a college, a private organization, a business
Three types of financial Aid:
Free Money- Grants and scholarships
Borrowed Money- Loans
Earned money- Work Study
Resources:
FAFSA
New 2024-25 FAFSA application Process and Information
Steps for Applying for Financial Aid:
1. Apply for a FSA ID.
2. Complete the FAFSA Application by June 30, 2024. It is recommended to complete it as soon as possible.
3. Once you have completed your FAFSA, submit your Cal Grant Application by March 2nd.
California Dream Act Application: This application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program. Click here for the California Dream Act Application.
Cal Grant: A Cal Grant is money for college you don’t have to pay back. To qualify, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California. Click herhttps://www.csac.ca.gov/how-applye for the application.
Student Loans For International Students: Click here to learn more about student loan opportunities for International Students through Edupass.org.
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most types of Financial Aid, including scholarships. It is the key to paying for university, community college, or technical school. Current seniors should submit a FAFSA for the 2023-2024 academic year. The 2024-2025 FAFSA opens in December!
FAFSA Form
CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION
The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California. The CADAA is due by March 2nd, 2023.
CA Dream Act Application
Financial Aid 101 for Seniors_Class of 2022_for web.pdf (PDF)
SCHOLARSHIPS
Apply to scholarships to earn FREE money for college or trade school. Be sure to request any letters of recommendation at least two weeks before the due date. Please use the scholarship search feature in Naviance to help, as well as keep up on senior letters and notices form counseling with up to date info.
Scholarship Search engines:
Aspirinig Teacher Scholarship
Make sure to look in Naviance for Scholarships
Avoid Scholarship Scams
Apply to scholarships to earn FREE money for college or trade school. Be sure to request any letters of recommendation at least two weeks before the due date. Please use the scholarship search feature in Naviance to help, as well as keep up on senior letters and notices form counseling with up to date info.
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