Counseling Center » College Planning (UC, CSU, Community College)

College Planning (UC, CSU, Community College)

Financial Aid is money students receive to succeed in college, which may look like grants, scholarships, loans, or work-study. This also includes the Two Years Free grant for California Community College students. Financial Aid supplements the amount you and your family contribute. 
Free money includes: Grants, Fee Waivers, Scholarships, and Work-Study Programs
To be eligible for financial aid you will need to fill out either the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application
  • You can apply as early as October 1. Finish your application as soon as you can. You might get more money if you submit early!
  • Start from CaliforniaColleges.edu, launch the FAFSA/CADAA, and sign into your existing account or create a new one.
  • Be sure to submit with all your schools no later than March 2.
 
The FSA ID gives you access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can serve as your legal signature. Only create a FSA ID using your own personal information and for your own exclusive use.  You are not authorized to create a FSA ID on behalf of someone else, including a family member.  Save your FSA ID for next year’s application submission!
 
Which application do I complete, FAFSA or the California Dream Act?
Complete FAFSA if you identify with one of the following
    • US Citizen
    • Students in mix-status homes: Meaning the student is a US Citizen and parents are undocumented
    • U.S. permanent resident, with a Permanent Resident Card (formerly known as an Alien Registration Receipt Card or "Green Card")
    • Conditional permanent resident (I-551C)
    • Other eligible noncitizens with an Arrival-Departure Record (I-94) from the Department of Homeland Security
 
Complete the California Dream Act if you identify with one of the following
    • Undocumented students
    • DACA students