Paying for College

LEARNING ABOUT FINANCIAL AID

Federal Student Aid

This website helps students understand the different types of financial aid (including free money) students can receive to help pay for college.

Federal Student Aid Eligibility Criteria

View the eligibility requirements to receive federal student aid.

California State Aid

There are many different forms of aid the state of California can provide. Check them out here.

Cal Grant

Cal Grants are awards that the recipient does not repay. To receive a Cal Grant, submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and a verified Grade Point Average with the California Student Aid Commission by no later than March 2nd. Most schools or school districts will submit the GPA verification on behalf of their students. Please check with your school.

California Promise Grant

Most California community colleges provide free college for at least the first two years. Learn more here.

Cal Grant C

The Cal Grant C program provides free money to students pursuing an occupational or technical program. There's no GPA requirement.

Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to a free $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. Learn more and apply here.

UC Tuition and Financial Aid

This website informs students and families about how to pay for college at UC schools. Learn more about the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan, Middle-Class Scholarship, and other programs to help pay for college.

CSU Tuition and Financial Aid

This website informs students and families about how to pay for college at CSU schools. Explore costs and financial aid.

FINANCIAL AID APPLICATIONS

FAFSA or CADAA?

Need to know whether you should fill out the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to get money for college? Visit this website to see which one you qualify for.

What's needed to complete your financial aid application/Lo que se necesita para completar su solicitud de ayuda financiera

This checklist will inform you on everything you need to fill out your financial aid application.

Create Your FSA ID

If you're filling out the FAFSA you’ll need to create an FSA ID to log into your account. Whether you're a student, parent, or borrower, your should create your FSA ID here.

FAFSA Application

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal application for financial aid. Students may also use the application to apply for aid from other sources, such as their state or school. The deadlines for your state or schools may differ from the federal deadlines, and you may be required to complete additional forms. Filling out and submitting the FAFSA is ALWAYS free of charge.

Filling out the FAFSA

This page provides a guide for filling out the FAFSA application.

Who is my "Parent" (FAFSA)

The FAFSA application will ask you to provide "parent" information. If you are not sure who you should put as your parent, this page can help.

What info do I need to fill out the FAFSA?

This page provides a list of information you will need to complete the FAFSA application.

Verification, Reviewing and Correcting Your FAFSA Application

This webpage can provide assistance if you are faced with the situation of needing to change your FAFSA application or being selected for verification.

CSS Profile

Each year CSS Profile unlocks access to more than $10 billion in nonfederal institutional aid for thousands of students. In order to receive institutional aid for many private and out-of-state schools, you must fill out the CSS profile. Check out the website to see participating schools and how to apply.

WebGrants 4 Students

If you've been awarded a Cal Grant, register with this website to view your Cal grant award and assign it to the school you will attend.

RESOURCES FOR UNDOCUMENTED STUDENTS

Quick Guide to College Access for Undocumented Students

This resource provides information about residency requirements, tuition, college eligibility, financial aid, and other steps and tools for undocumented students.

California Dream Act Application

The California Dream Act Application allows undocumented students looking to enroll in 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.

CA Dream Act Application Resources

These resources can help undocumented/dreamer students fill out the California Dream Act Application.

Submitting the AB540/AB 2000/SB 68 Affidavit

Learn more about who should submit a AB540/AB 2000/SB 68 affidavit, why you would need to submit an affidavit, and how to submit an affidavit.

California In-state Tuition Tool

Immigrants Rising’s In-State Tuition Tool (ISTT) helps you determine if you meet eligibility for in-state tuition (AB 540/SB 68) in California. This is especially helpful for students that may be undocumented.

UC Undocumented Students Page

Learn more about the UC systems resources for undocumented students.

CSU Undocumented Students Page

Learn more about the CSU systems resources for undocumented students.

Scholarship List via Immigrants Rising

This comprehensive scholarship list can help students pay for college. Undocumented students are eligible to apply to all scholarships on this list.

SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship List via Immigrants Rising

This comprehensive scholarship list can help students pay for college. Undocumented students are eligible to apply to all scholarships on this list.

UC Scholarships

If you're strongly considering attending a UC or have gotten into a UC, apply for UC scholarships on this page.

CSU Scholarships

If you're strongly considering attending a CSU or have gotten into a CSU, apply for CSU scholarships on this page.

Big Future Scholarship Directory

Browse over 10,000 scholarships, with more than $4 billion scholarship dollars yearly on the BigFuture website.

Niche Scholarship Directory

Search lists of scholarships by choosing a category or get matched to college scholarships you are eligible for on the Niche website.

Fastweb Scholarships

Discover unique college scholarships and grant opportunities on the fastweb website.

ADDITIONAL RESOURCES

"Financial Aid Checklist "

Complete this checklist to ensure you don't have any issues with your financial aid.

CEP Financial Aid Comparison Tool

This tool will help students compare different financial aid awards they received from different schools. This can help students make a choice on which college to attend after they have received their acceptances. To edit this document, click "File" in the top left corner, then click "Make a copy."

Federal Student Aid Videos

These videos will guide students through the federal aid process providing different tips and answering frequently asked questions.

Preparing for the FAFSA Form

These videos can help guide students fill out the FAFSA application.

Tax Transcript

Visit this page to learn how parents/guardians can request a tax transcript to assist in filling out financial aid applications.