Paying for College: Financial Aid

How do I pay for college?

How do I apply for financial aid & which financial aid application do I fill out?

There are 2 types of financial aid applications. You can only fill out either the FAFSA OR CA Dream Act, NOT BOTH

FAFSA
- Student must be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or have citizenship status
- Requires student to create a Student FSA ID (username & password)
- Highly recommended that one parent (must have SSN) create a Parent FSA ID (username & password)
- Can qualify for:
  - Pell Grant (free money from the federal government)
  - Cal Grant (free money from the state of CA)
  - Federal Loans (optional to select loans; must pay back; lower interest rate)
  - Scholarships & Institutional Aid
CA DREAM ACT
- Student is undocumented or has DACA
- Requires student to create an account (username & password)
- Can qualify for:
  - Cal Grant (free money from the state of CA)
  - Student Dream Loan (optional to select loans; must pay back; lower interest rate)
  - Scholarships & Institutional Aid

What do I need to fill out a financial aid application?

*If there is an older sibling who previously filled out the FAFSA, please ask them for their parent's FSA ID username & password

Who do I contact to ask for help with my application?