Financial Aid Information
The California Student Aid Commissions' website contains a wealth of information on state, federal, and institution-financial aid programs. Go to www.fafsa.ed.gov for filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online, also known as FAFSA on the Web. It's a fast, free, secure, and easy way for students to apply. Students who apply online will get their application results 7 to 14 days faster than if they mail a paper FAFSA. Students can print a paper copy of the FAFSA to use as a worksheet.
The FAFSA is also available online in Spanish. To electronically sign your FAFSA, students and parents (if applicable) must have an FSA ID. Besides the FAFSA being required for all campuses, most independent colleges and universities use additional family financial information in their financial aid awarding process. It is important that you check with your target/first choice campus Financial Aid Office to learn what additional forms must be filed. Some independent colleges and universities have their own institutional application. Contact the campus to obtain the form, and make sure your file it by the campus deadline. These forms will collect information that is then applied to the financial aid awarding process at the particular campus.
Some private/out-of-state campuses use an application called the CSS PROFILE which is also available from the campus or the College Board website (if you have taken an AP course before you have a College Board Account). The CSS PROFILE contains questions specific to the school or program you're applying to and then determines your financial need differently than the FAFSA. The CSS PROFILE takes into account factors such as whether your family owns a home. The CSS PROFILE asks for more detailed information than FAFSA. There is a cost for the CSS PROFILE. It's $5 ($6 if registering over the phone) plus $15 for each school or scholarship program selected. But if you qualify for a fee waiver these fees will be waived and you will not have to pay these fees.
Student Aid Estimator
Estimate how much financial aid you will receive.
The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities, and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) Program.
Whether you are comparing financial aid packages, preparing a budget, or estimating payments, this calculator can help you plan your college finances.
Please note that you cannot begin your financial aid application until October of your Senior Year.
Cal Grant Process