FAFSA/CADAA Graduation Requirement
FAFSA/CADAA Graduation Requirement
Class of 2025: FAFSA/CADAA Completion or Opt-Out 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 on the Immigrants Rising website.
To Opt-Out:
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.
When to Apply?
2025-2026 Academic Year
For 2025-2026, CSAC is anticipating an announcement from the Department of Education to confirm an official application launch date. If you would like to receive real time financial aid application updates from CSAC, subscribe to CSAC's email service or follow on social media!
If the FAFSA and CADAA are released on December 1, 2024 as planned, the state priority deadline for the 2025-26 academic year will be March 3, 2025, due to March 2 falling on a weekend. The Community College deadline will be September 2, 2025.
(Last updated November 12, 2024)
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.
Additional Resources
How to Get an FSA ID for Individuals Without a Social Security Number
Cash For College Workshops
Students and families can attend free Cash for College Workshops across California for help completing the FAFSA, CADAA and Chafee Applications.
Each year CSS Profile unlocks access to more than $10 billion in nonfederal aid to thousands of students. Learn more.
Key Dates
December 2024
- Online FAFSA & CA Dream Act Application opens
- Get help completing your financial aid application at a Cash for College workshop in your area or at SMUHSD workshop.
March 2, 2025
- March 2 is the priority deadline for most four-year Colleges and Universities for submission of your DREAM Act/CADAA or FAFSA application. Some universities ask for it before March 2, 2025 so check the website.
After March 3, 2025
- Some colleges, especially community colleges, accept the CA Dream Act Application throughout the year. Check with your campus Financial Aid Office.
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September 2, 2025 is the final deadline for community college-bound students submitting FAFSA/CADAA