Financial Aid

As you prepare for college or career school, explore how financial aid works, learn about the types of aid, and find out if you’re eligible. You can also estimate what aid you may be eligible for when you check out Federal Student Aid Estimator.

• How Financial Aid Works

• Different Types of Financial Aid:

  • Grants

  • Scholarships

  • Work-Study Job

  • Loans

  • Aid for Military Families

  • Aid for International Study

  • Additional Aid Resources

Applying for Financial Aid

Federal student aid from ED covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do!

Apply for federal student aid—grants, work-study, and loans—using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Learn more.
 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. 

View FAFSA Deadlines.

Note: Starting with the Class of 2023, filling out the FAFSA is a graduation requirement. 

California Dream Act Application (CDAA)

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), Senate Bill 2000 (SB 2000) and Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), 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. 

Check out some resources from the California Student Aid Commission for undocumented/Dreamer students filling out the California Dream Act Application.