Paso Robles High School

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 2024, you will use 2022 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

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

Other helpful links:

California Student Aid Commission website

What is an FSA ID, and will I need it to complete the FAFSA® form?

Which Parent To List As a Contributor?

Getting started with a StudentAid.gov account (FSA ID) video

Screen-by-screen walkthrough of the 2026-27 FAFSA, student and contribuitor experience dependent student

2026-2027 FAFSA Walkthrough Guide for Dependent Students, Contributors, and Independent Students

Line-by-Line Review of the 2025-26 California Dream Act Application (CADAA) (video)

StudentAid.gov website - Create an FSA ID account landing page

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.

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.
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 (button) 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.