Financial Aid

Financial Aid Applications

California Education Code Section 51225.7, effective since the 2022-2023 academic year, requires all local educational agencies to ensure that high school seniors complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA), or submit an approved opt-out form. Key details regarding this requirement include:

Purpose: To increase financial aid access for high school seniors.
Applicability: Applies to all 12th-grade pupils in California, including those in charter schools.
Requirements: Students must either complete the FAFSA/CADAA or have a parent/guardian, or the student (if 18+ or emancipated), file an opt-out form.
Compliance: Local educational agencies must verify this completion to comply with the code.

Financial Aid is not just for those who want to pursue College! Trade schools and vocational schools that are accredited and participate in Title IV federal student aid programs accept FAFSA, allowing students to access grants, work-study, and federal loans. Eligible schools include community colleges, technical colleges, and many private for-profit schools offering certificates or associate degrees in fields like welding, electrical work, HVAC, and healthcare.

Database of Accredited Postsecondary Institutions and Programs (DAPIP) managed by the U.S. Department of Education.

Financial Aid is not just for low income Families! The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides low-to middle-income undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with a scholarship to attend a University of California (UC), California State University (CSU) or California Community College Bachelor’s degree program. Maximum household income and asset ceilings of $250,000 for the 2026–2027 academic year. The official asset ceilings of $262,000 for the 2027/2028 Middle Class Scholarship have not yet been finalized or formally published by the California Student Aid Commission. Official limits remain subject to change until the state budget is completely passed.
MCS Income and Asset Ceilings

Key Deadlines (2027-2028 Academic Year)

October 1, 2026: FAFSA and CADAA applications open.
March 2, 2027: Priority deadline for state aid (Cal Grant, etc.).
August 2, 2027: Final deadline for California Community College students.
June 30, 2028: Absolut and final federal deadline for federal aid (FAFSA).

Important Notes

CADAA: The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is for eligible AB 540 students.
Action Needed: Always check with specific college financial aid offices, as some may have earlier institutional deadlines.
Apply Early: Submitting by March 2, 2027, maximizes your chances for all types of financial aid.

FAFSA information graphic listing types of federal and state financial aid programs.

An infographic lists financial aid programs available through CADAA, including Cal Grant and Dream Loan Program.

The FAFSA logo, featuring the text 'FAFSA' in blue.

The Federal Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) is for students that are US Citizens or Residents. Everybody, regardless of family income should submit an application. The application OPENS in October. Be sure to submit your application by the March 2nd priority deadline EVERY year!

What you'll need when filling out the application:

Social Security Number (student and parents)
Date of birth
Date parents married, divorced, separated or widowed
Prior, prior taxes. This means if your student will start their first year of college in 2027, you will use 2025 taxes (two years before the start of college)
W-2's (also prior, prior)
If your student filed taxes

Start a FASFA Form here

The California Dream Act logo features text and a graduation cap.

The California Dream Act (CADAA) allows undocumented and nonresident students (U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens) who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) 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.

Start a CADAA form here

Understanding which assets to report

When completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA), understanding which assets to report is critical. Listing an excluded asset by mistake is one of the most common errors families make, and it can heavily inflate your Student Aid Index (SAI), resulting in significantly less financial aid.

While evaluating and rating assets for financial aid follows standard formulas, rules and exemptions frequently change across academic years. For instance, small businesses and family farms were briefly required to be reported as assets under recent FAFSA Simplification Act guidelines, but the Small Business and Family Farm Exclusion is restored for the 2026–2027 award year.

Factors such as asset ownership (student vs. parent), business size, income level, and specific application types (FAFSA, CADAA, or CSS Profile) all impact how your net worth translates into aid eligibility.

For a breakdown of some of the standard exemptions, see our FAFSA/CADAA Asset Evaluation Overview Sheet compiled from official aid resources.

WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S)

Completed FASFA/CADAA - Now what?

You need to create a WebGrants 4 students account!

A WebGrants 4 Students account is a secure online portal managed by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) that allows California students to view and manage their state financial aid, such as Cal Grant and Chafee funds. Students can use their account to check their award status, update demographic information, confirm their college of attendance, and make changes like school changes or requesting a leave of absence. You must complete a FAFSA or California DREAM Act application before you can create a WebGrants account.

Click here to create a WebGrants4students account

Additional Financial Aid

Additional financial aid beside the FAFSA/CADAA is available for specific groups, often with a sepearate application process. See links and information below to find out if you belong in any of these specific groups.

You may qualify for the GI Bill if you are an active-duty service member, Veteran, National Guard/Reserve member, or a qualified dependent. Eligibility is primarily based on your length of active-duty service since September 11, 2001, and honorable discharge status.

The GI Bill is not considered a traditional scholarship, grant or financial aid. It is classified as an earned educational benefit or entitlement. It acts as a primary payer for your educational costs rather than a form of need-based or merit-based financial aid.
The GI Bill is a comprehensive federal benefits program administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that helps qualifying active-duty service members, veterans, and their dependents pay for college, graduate school, licensing certifications, and vocational training. Specific payouts vary by the exact program you qualify for.
While it is legally treated as an education payment, it interacts with scholarships and grants.
Because it sits outside standard federal financial aid, you can often use your GI Bill concurrently with federal grants (like the Pell Grant), student loans, and scholarships. However, there are a few important rules that apply.
GI Bill Q&A: How it works
CalVet College Fee Waiver

Veteran Dependents benefits: The CalVet Fee Waiver specifically waives tuition and mandatory campus fees for eligible dependents at California public schools.
VA- Chapter 35

The VA's Chapter 35 benefit provides a monthly stipend to eligible dependents and spouses of certain veterans, which can be used for tuition. It is paid directly to the student, not the school. How high the stipend is depends on how many college credits are taken within the semester. It does not pay a stipend in months when school is not is session.
You generally cannot use both benefits (CalVet Waiver & Chapter 35) for the same purpose.
With the exception of:
- Under CalVet Plan B, which requires a service-connected disability, or
- Plan D, children of Medal of Honor recipients under the age of 27 may qualify.
If a dependent qualifies for those exeptions, a dependent can receive both benefits, the CalVet waiver covering tuition and the Chapter 35 benefit providing a living allowance.
Law enforcement personnel dependents Grant (LEPD)

Financial Aid Programs for First Responders & Family The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD) provides a need-based educational grant to dependents and spouses of California peace officers, firefighters, law enforcement, and Department of Corrections employees who lost their lives or were totally disabled in the line of duty. This is a seperate additional application to the FASFA/CADAA. Click on the link above to find out more information and other resources for First Responders, such as the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act and the Children of Fallen Heroes Scholarship Act.
Foster Youth

Students who are in foster care for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18 may qualify for additional financial aid. These students can apply for the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth using the Chafee application. This is a one time seperate additional application to the FAFSA/CADAA.

This grant is up to $5,000 per academic year for up to 5 years, to help cover the costs of attending college including tuition, books, rent, food, and transportation. The Chafee Grant can be used at California schools or taken to another state. It's one of the only grants in California that can be taken to another state.
Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program provides financial assistance to eligible California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students who complete community or volunteer service. This program supports students in gaining valuable, hands on experience while earning additional financial aid. This is an additional application to the CADAA.

Understanding Your Financial Aid Disbursement

When you receive a financial aid award offer, the dollar amount listed reflects your estimated eligibility based on full-time enrollment (typically 12 or more units per semester). However, the final amount deposited into your account or refunded to you during disbursement may differ from your initial offer.

Yes, universities can adjust disbursed aid amounts. However, aid isn't randomly withheld; specific administrative rules or enrollment adjustments trigger these differences.

When a student receives an Award Notification, that number reflects estimated aid based on full-time status and expected expenses. When aid actually disburses, several factors can reduce the final payout:

Why might your disbursed financial aid be lower than expected?

Unit Adjustments (Enrollment Intensity): Grants and loans are prorated based on the exact number of units you are taking. If you are enrolled part-time (under 12 units), federal and state aid is automatically scaled down to match your unit count.
Direct Fee Deductions: Before issuing a refund check or direct deposit, financial aid is automatically applied toward any outstanding campus charges on your student account – such as course fees, lab fees, campus health fees, orientation costs, or parking permits.
Outside Awards & Over-Awards: Receiving outside scholarships, fee waivers, or grants after your initial award offer can adjust your overall financial need, requiring a recalculation of federal or state aid.

How to verify your disbursement: Log into your Student Portal and navigate to Account Activity or Payments & Disbursals. Compare the Total Aid Disbursed against the Itemized Charges Paid to see the exact breakdown of where your funds were applied. If you still see an unexplained difference, contact the Financial Aid or Bursar's Office for an itemized ledger review.

What is work-study?

A work-study program is a financial aid program that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need. It allows you to earn money to help pay for education and living expenses rather than adding to your student loan debt.

How It Works

Need-Based Eligibility: You qualify by filling out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and demonstrating financial need.
Not Automatically Dispersed: Unlike grants or scholarships, work-study money isn't just deposited into your school account. You have to apply for and get a work-study job, and you receive your earnings via a paycheck (based on the hours you actually work and your hourly rate).
It’s a real job: You still have to apply, interview, and perform the work. Having a work-study award on your financial aid package does not guarantee you a job.
Cap on Earnings: Your financial aid offer lists a maximum amount you can earn through the program. Once you reach that limit (or finish your allocated hours), your work-study employment for the term usually ends or transitions to regular institutional pay.
Taxable income: Your earnings are subject to standard income taxes (via a W-2), but they generally do not count against you or reduce your financial aid eligibility on future FAFSA forms.