How to Apply

All students start the application process by completing and submitting either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Whether a student is completing a bachelor’s program, associate’s program, a credential program, or a career technical education program, there’s money available to help.

All In for FAFSA/CA Dream Act PSA video gallery

 

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.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

If a student is a US Citizen, permanent resident, or other qualifying non-resident then they must submit a FAFSA by the March 2 Cal Grant Deadline to be eligible for the most opportunities. Students attending California Community Colleges can submit a FAFSA through September 2 of each year to be considered for a community college Cal Grant award. To start the FAFSA a student will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID so they can login and sign the completed application. The FAFSA is used to apply for state financial aid, like Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship, federal financial aid programs like Pell Grant, and institutional aid from colleges like the Blue and Gold Scholarship or the State University Grant (SUG).

 

CA Dream Act Application (CADAA)

Undocumented students who meet AB 540 requirements will need to submit the CA Dream Act Application by the March 2 Cal Grant Deadline to be eligible for the most opportunities. Students attending California Community Colleges can submit a CA Dream Act Application through September 2 of each year to be considered for a community college Cal Grant award. After a student completes the CA Dream Act Application they must respond to requests for additional information including but not limited to the AB 540 affidavit from the student’s school of attendance. 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).

 

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.

Specialized Financial Aid Programs

Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
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Students with Dependents
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California Military Department GI Bill Award
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Golden State Teacher Grant
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Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant
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California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program for Students
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California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG) Program for Institutions
Learn More

Financial Aid Checklists
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