IMPORTANT DATES
In addition to the dates below, please be aware that some private colleges and universities also require the CSS Profile in addition to the FAFSA application. Click here for more information
Financial Aid Must Do's
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the primary application that students and families must fill out to receive federal aid (student loans). Students and families can file this application as early as January 1st every year till March 2nd. The early this application is filed, the more likely students and families will receive full aid to cover cost of attendance. For more information, just click on the hyperlink to go to the Federal Department of Education website: www.fafsa.ed.gov
CADAA (Dreamers)- Opens Oct 1st, 2021- Closes March 2nd, 2022
https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE® The Profile is a financial aid application service of the College Board - a national, 100-year-old, not-profit membership association. Many of the member colleges and universities (such as Stanford & Northwestern) use the information collected on PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds. The deadline for filing this form is earlier than the FAFSA which means students should check carefully to determine whether the school(s) they are applying to require this form. The Profile can be accessed at the following website: http://profileonline.collegeboard.com/index.jsp
CSS Profile Student Guide
Cal Grant awards are state funded monetary grants given to students to help pay for college expenses. The awards do not have to be paid back. You apply for all Cal Grants when completing your FAFSA and having your school provide a verified GPA to CSAC. Selection is based on financial need, academic performance, and other factors. Cal Grant A is available to assist with registration fees for low- and middle-income students; for Cal Grant B, disadvantaged background is also considered; for Cal Grant C, vocational interest and aptitude are considered. You must apply for a Cal Grant by the March 2 deadline. For more information go to the following website: www.calgrants.org
Financial Planning & Loan Info
California Student Aid Commission has established an internet web site that offers information on careers, colleges, and financial aid. It can be accessed at: www.csac.ca.gov
Finaid is an overall financial aid site with information on loans and scholarships, and a financial aid calculator that can help you determine whether you qualify for need-based aid: www.finaid.org
The Golden State ScholarShare College Savings Trust is California's state and federally tax-free "529" college savings program. www.scholarshare.com
The National Center for Educational Statistics' Web site tells you the average award amount at each school, how many students receive aid and various other statistics. You can also find this information in many college handbooks. www.nces.ed.gov/ipeds/cool/search.asp
This U.S. Department of Education site has information about federal aid programs, and includes recommendations and tips for parents and students on how to pay for college. www.studentaid.ed.gov