Colleges and Universities will expect students and their families to contribute toward the expense of college, however, most college students utilize some form of financial aid to close the gap between what their families can afford, and the actual cost of college.

This page will highlight different financial aid programs for the State of California, as well as Federal programs. Familiarizing yourself with the types of aid available will make the college application process much more friendly, manageable and affordable.

Click HERE to download the Cal Grant GPA Information Release Form

To apply for aid, students must use FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov

The first step in the financial aid process for students is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The information that students provide on the FAFSA is used to determine their eligibility for most financial aid.  Students and parents can submit their FAFSA  AFTER January 1st of the student's senior year in high school. 

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^®   The fast, easy, convenient secure way to apply for financial aid.  The CSS Financial Aid Profile isa national, not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Many of the member colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs use the information collected on PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds.

For more information regarding the CSS profile please visit https://profileonline.collegeboard.com

Federal Aid: Aid that comes from the U.S. government.  Usually distributed through the college. 

Gift Aid: Financial aid that does not need to be paid back:

• Grants - Typically based on financial need
• Scholarships - Typically based on achievement or talent.

Loans: Funds that must be paid back later, with interest.  Federally-guaranteed loans can be from a private lender (e.g. a bank) or form the federal government (administered by the college).  Private loans are offered by private lenders with terms set by the lender, not the government.

Private Aid: Financial aid from non-goverment sources.

Pell Grant:  Gift aid that is given based on financial need.  How much aid you will be eligible to receive is based on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution), which is determined when you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). 

Federal Work-Study:  Provides part-time employment for students who have financial need.  Jobs are usually available both on or off campus.  Work study is also determined by FAFSA.

Perkins Loan:  Fixed low interest loan through your college.  You must demonstrate financial need. 

Stafford Loan:  Currently a variable interest rate loan.  You can receive this loan from a private lender or your college.  They can be subsidized (no interest accrues while enrolled full-time in school) or unsubsidized (interest accrues while in school.)

www.fafsa.ed.gov 

Here you will find FAFSA on the web, the FAFSA on the Web Worksheet, and federal school codes.

GET A PEEK INTO YOUR FUTURE WITH....

www.fafsa4caster.ed.gov/ 

FAFSA4caster will help you get an early start on the financial aid process by providing you with an early estimate of your eligibility for federal student aid; EVEN BEFORE YOUR SENIOR YEAR!  All you need is your social securty number and about 30 minutes to answer the questions.

In addition, FAFSA4caster will increase your knowledge of the financial aid process and provide information about other sources of aid.

www.federalstudentaid.ed.gov

For questions about federal financial aid, visit the U.S. Department of Education site for students and parents.

www.calgrants.org

This student-focused Web site, sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission, provides information on all Cal Grants in one location

www.csac.ca.gov

The California Student Aid Commission's Web site provides details on all the California state aid programs and how to apply for them.  Students can click on WebGrants for Students for fast answers about their Cal Grant application. 

www.californiacashforcollege.org

Here you will find information on free California Cash for College workshops where students can get line-by-line help completing the FAFSA and other forms.

www.edfund.org

EdFund's Web site presents information on planning and paying for college, federal loans, tools for financial literacy and much more.

www.edwise.org

Click here for EdFund's online financial planning tool, EdWise, which can help students borrow wisely, create a realistic spending plan and more

www.fastweb.com  Need Money for College?  Visit FastWeb to search for over 1.3 million scholarships!

There are three kinds of CAL Grants:  Cal Grant A; Cal Grant B; and CalGrant C.   Cal Grants can be used at any UC, CSU, California Community College, almost all independent colleges, and many career and technical schools in California.

To be eligible  for a Cal Grant you must:

• Submit a FAFSA and a CAL Grant GPA verification form by the deadline (usually in March)
• Be a US Citizen
• Be a California Resident
• Meet any minimum GPA requirements
• Have a Social Security Number
• Attend a qualifying CALIFORNIA college
• Have financial need based on your college costs and your EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
• Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
• Be enrolled at least half time

To find out more about the Cal Grant program, and to download a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form please visit www.calgrants.org

Click HERE  for information regarding the California Dream Act or visit www.caldreamact.org

For information in Spanish click HERE