Financial Aid & Scholarships

Applying for and managing financial aid may feel confusing. Here is a simple toolkit of resources that explains types of financial aid, application platforms, and helpful calculators to help determine the true cost for college.

FINANCIAL AID

FAFSA
(Free Application for Federal Student Aid): Apply for federal grants, loans, and work study money. You must have a social security number.
https://fafsa.ed.gov/

FSA ID

Both students and parents need an FSA ID to submit a FAFSA. If you do not already have an FSA ID (a username and password) you can create one by visiting: fsaid.ed.gov/fsaid

Click HERE for instructions on how to create your FSA ID

DREAM
(The California Dream Act Application): Apply here for financial aid if you 1) have no social security number, 2) were enrolled full time in high school in CA for at least 3 years, and 3) will be graduating from a CA high school.
https://dream.csac.ca.gov/

Other useful links
CSS Profile Presentation: An interactive presentation on how to fill out the CSS Profile. This is a financial aid application required by some private universities or out of state schools. Check with your prospective university to see if this is needed.
CSAC: Log in after you have submitted the FAFSA to check Cal Grant award status, make a school change, or monitor and manage awards. You are automatically considered for Cal Grants by submitting the FAFSA.
Net Price Calculator Center: Search for and use the net price calculator for specific colleges and universities.
Big Future Financial Aid Tools: Read articles pertaining to calculating cost and aid, loan repayment, and comparing financial aid packages.
Fafsa 4 Caster: Forecast an estimated family contribution (EFC) by using this calculator on the FAFSA website.

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