Graduation Requirements
FAFSA/CADAA Graduation Requirement
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New for Class of 2023: FAFSA/CADAA Graduation Requirement
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid to assist with a student’s attendance at a college or career school. California Education Code (CEC) § 51225.7 requires a local educational agency to confirm each 12th-grade student’s completion and submission of a FAFSA or CADAA unless the student is determined to be exempt or an opt-out form is completed.
For guidance on whether you should complete the FAFSA or CADAA learn more here.
Why apply?
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Apply for government grants, loans, and work study all in one application
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Access to free money for college
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You don’t know your eligibility until you apply
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It can only benefit you!
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As ‘insurance’ in case your family’s income falls.
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Can benefit high-income applicants to need-aware colleges.
This opt-out form permits a student to opt out of the completion of a FAFSA or CADAA form graduation requirement. Completing this graduation requirement opt-out form does not prevent you from applying for the FAFSA or CADAA.
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Cash For College Workshops
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Students and families can attend free Cash for College Workshops across California for help completing the FAFSA, CADAA and Chafee Applications.
Key Dates
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October 1
- Cal Grant GPA submission begins
- Talk to your high school about submitting your GPA before March 2
- Online CA Dream Act Application opens
- Make sure you submit the CA Dream Act Application before March 2
- Get help at a Cash for College workshop in your area
March 2
- March 2, is the priority financial aid filing deadline for most colleges and universities and the absolute deadline for submission of your Cal Grant application (CA Dream Act Application + GPA)
- If you or your school submits your certified GPA using your DACA SSN, make sure you include that DACA SSN on question #8 of your CA Dream Act Application
- Better yet, submit a Non-SSN GPA to the CA Student Aid Commission
After March 2
- Some colleges, especially community colleges, accept the CA Dream Act Application throughout the year. Check with your campus Financial Aid Office.