Free Application for Federal Student Aid

FAFSA video - to view click below!
Federal Student Aid PSA

To apply for a Cal Grant, you must complete and submit two forms: the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form between January 1 and March 2* of the year immediately before the fall term in which you would like to use your Cal Grant.

The FAFSA is also the application used to apply for financial aid from the federal government, including federal Pell Grants, as well as financial aid from colleges. You can submit the FAFSA online,or complete the PDF version of the FAFSA and mail it, or complete the paper FAFSA, available by calling toll free 800.433.3243. Get a federal personal identification number, or PIN, ahead of time to electronically sign the online FAFSA. If you're a dependent student, your parents can also get a PIN to e-sign your FAFSA.

If you'll be mailing the FAFSA or the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, be sure to get a Certificate of Mailing from the Post Office ($1.15 plus postage) as evidence you met the Cal Grant March 2* application deadline. (The FAFSA must be mailed to the federal processor and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form must be mailed to the California Student Aid Commission.)

If you or your parents are in a Registered Domestic Partnership at the time you submitted your FAFSA, you'll need to complete the G-37: Cal Grant Registered Domestic Partner Reporting Form (284kb) to be considered for a Cal Grant.

Need help completing the FAFSA or other forms? See your high school counselor or college financial aid administrator, or attend a free California Cash for College workshop.

The California Dream Act

Steps to College 2013 video - to view click below!
Steps to College 2013

Dream Act video - to view click below!
California Dream Act Application PSA

Authored by Assembly Member Gil Cedillo (Los Angeles), became law through the passage of two Assembly Bills, AB 130 and AB 131.

AB 130 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria (California Education Code 68130.5(a)) to apply for and receive non-state funded scholarships for public colleges and universities.

AB 131 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for and receive state-funded financial aid such as institutional grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant and Chafee Grant.

California Dream Act Video Interviews on UNIVISION

• January 15, 2013 - AB-540 students can now apply for the Cal Grant program!
• April 2, 2012 - Dream Act Application Begins Today!

California Dream Act Training Webinar

Presented by the California Student Aid Commission. Watch the newest California Dream Act Training Videos.You can download the five training video presentations here: Dream Act Training Webinar!

2013-14 Dream Act Application Documents

• 2013-14 Dream Act Application Worksheet
• 2013-14 Dream Act Application Instructions
• 2013-14 Dream Act Application (PDF)
  

Open Your WebGrants Account Today!

Now that you have graduated, it is time to manage your Cal Grant award, certify your high school graduation and tell us the school you will be attending so that your Cal Grant award can be made. Don’t wait, visit our WebGrants4Students.org, today!

Need Cash for College?
You Could Get a Cal Grant.

Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get cash for college. For starters, it's money you don't have to pay back. If you're a graduating high school senior or recent graduate, meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements and submit two forms by the Cal Grant deadline, you may receive a Cal Grant!

What is the Cal Grant deadline?

You must apply by March 2 to maximize your opportunity to receive an award.

If you miss the March 2 Cal Grant deadline AND you plan to attend a community college in the fall, you have until September 2 to apply. However, the number of Cal Grant awards is limited.

How Much Money Are We Talking About?

With a Cal Grant you can get up to $12,192 a year to pay for college expenses at any qualifying California college, university or career or technical school in California. Depending on which Cal Grant you get, the money can be used for tuition, room and board, even books and pencils. The best part is, it's yours to keep and you don't have to pay it back.

Here's How to Apply.

Submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) between January 1 and September 2 and submit a verified Cal Grant GPA anytime between November and the September 2 deadline. If you meet the income, eligibility, and GPA requirements, the cash is yours. The best part is, you can fill out the FAFSA online.