How to Apply
How to Apply
STEP 1: SUBMIT THE FAFSA OR CADAA
The 2024-25 Better FAFSA/Better CA Dream Act application will be open by December 31, 2023. The Commission’s Frequently Asked Questions about Better FAFSA/Better CADAA are available online.
Deadline: April 2, 2024
Secondary Deadline: September 3, 2024, applicable for Community College students.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Students who are US Citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens should complete the FAFSA. Beginning with the 2024-25 FAFSA, anyone who’s required to provide information on the FAFSA form will need to create a
Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) This includes the student and if applicable, the student’s spouse, a biological/adoptive parent, or parent’s spouse (if remarried). All contributing individuals must provide consent to have information transferred onto the FAFSA form. If consent is not given, the FAFSA form will remain incomplete, and the student will be ineligible for federal student aid.
CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)
Undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid/expired), U Visa holders, students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS) and who meet AB 540 requirements can complete the CA Dream Act Application. Students completing the CADAA must finalize eligibility for AB 540 with their college – this important step allows students to pay in-state tuition and receive state financial aid. Students should work with their financial aid office to confirm eligibility and submit any necessary documentation to prove eligibility. The CA Dream Act Application is used to apply for state financial aid, like Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship as well as institutional aid from colleges like the Blue and Gold Scholarship or the State University Grant (SUG). Information provided on the CADAA is not shared with the federal government and it is not used for immigration enforcement. CSAC will work to the fullest extent of the law to protect all students that share their information through the CADAA.
IMPORTANT: Information that is provided on the FAFSA and CADAA is used to determine a student’s financial aid eligibility. Should a parent or spouse provide information on the FAFSA or CADAA, it does not make them financially responsible for the student’s educational costs.
STEP 2: CONFIRM GPA SUBMISSION TO CSAC
Priority Deadline: March 4, 2024
Secondary Deadline: September 3, 2024, applicable for Community College students.
First time applicants or students without a current Cal Grant award, must have a GPA on file with CSAC to be considered for a Cal Grant award. Students with an existing Cal Grant award do not need to submit a GPA to CSAC. CSAC accepts verified GPAs from high schools, adult schools, community colleges and 2/4 year colleges. A test score (SAT, ACT, GED, TASC, HiSET) can be submitted in lieu of a GPA if the student was homeschooled, attended an unaccredited school or calculation of a GPA on a 4.00 scale is not possible. Test scores can be submitted by completing the Cal Grant GPA Verification form.
Students can confirm submission of their GPA by creating a WebGrants 4 Students account.
STEP 3: CREATE A WEBGRANTS 4 STUDENTS ACCOUNT
Students can create a WebGrants 4 Students account after their FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application is submitted. Students can check the status of their GPA (if required) and manage or check the status of their state financial aid awards.
All students should create a WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) Account
Students should create a WG4S account to monitor and manage their state awarded financial aid.
After a student’s FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application is processed, they will receive an email from CSAC letting them know it’s time to create their WebGrants 4 Students account. WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) will let students check the status of their state grants, and take necessary steps to secure their aid. It’s important to note that a student’s WG4S account does not replace their school or FAFSA accounts and they may need more than one account to successfully apply for financial aid.
Stay up-to-date on deadlines and requirements by reading all correspondence from CSAC, FAFSA and your school of attendance.
Make sure a Grade Point Average (GPA) has been submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
All students will need to ensure their GPA has been submitted to CSAC.
The best way to do this is by creating a WebGrants 4 Students account and logging in to confirm we have a GPA on file. All students must ensure CSAC has their GPA on file by the March 2 deadline.
STUDENT & FAMILY RESOURCES
Students and their families are encouraged to apply as early as possible to maximize financial aid opportunities. This is empowering information that could make all the difference in a student’s decision to attend college.
