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.
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.
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.
Some students should fill out the FAFSA applications while others will need to fill out the California Dream Act Application (each student should only complete one). Visit this website to see which application you should fill out to receive money for college. If you're eligible for the California Dream Act Application scroll down to the "Resources for Undocumented Students" section for more resources!
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, you should create your FSA ID here.
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.
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.
This resource provides information about residency requirements, tuition, college eligibility, financial aid, and other steps and tools for undocumented students.
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.
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.
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."
