FAFSA

  • Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) applications opened on October 1, 2020. It is important that you submit your 2021/2022 FAFSA as soon as possible. Applications must be submitted by March 2, 2021, however it is important to note that money is allotted by college financial aid offices on a first come-first get basis by the date you submit your FAFSA. 

    What is federal student aid? It's money from the federal government that helps you pay for college, career school, or graduate school expenses. Aid is available through grants, work-study, and loans. Every student who meets certain eligibility requirements can get some type of federal student aid, regardless of age or family income. Before you apply, get an estimate of how much aid you could get at https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/fafsa/estimate. 

    Completing and submitting the FAFSA form is free and quick, and it gives you access to the largest sources of financial aid to pay for college or career school - federal, state, and school resources.

    (Source: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/sites/default/files/2019-20-do-you-need-money.pdf)

How Do I Start?

  • Students and parents both play a part in filling out the FAFSA.
         1. Students can launch their application through CaliforniaColleges.edu
         2. Parents can start their application by clicking here

Students: Launch All Applications Through CCGI

  • Did you know that CaliforniaColleges.edu 
    (CCGI) is a centralized location that allows you to launch your COLLEGE APPLICATIONS and complete your FAFSA / California Dream Act application? Click here for step-by-step directions, including links to videos and pdfs. Launching all of your applications through CCGI offers students a smooth path to college and career!
Picture of reasons to fill out the FAFSA

What to prepare ahead of time:

  • File the FAFSA early! Financial aid is offered on a first-come, first-served basis.

    • FSA ID - both student and parent(s) need an FSA ID to sign the FAFSA
    • 2018 tax return and income statement
    • Parent and student Social Security Number / Alien Registration Number (non US citizen)
    • Bank statements and records of investments (if applicable)
    • Records of untaxed income (if applicable)

    Independent students don't need parent information

    Students and Parents can use the IRS Data Retrieval Tool

Don't Forget...

    • Don't forget to electronically sign your application
    • Make sure Admissions has your SSN
    • If applying for a Cal Grant, make sure state residency listed is "CA" for California

What happens after I file?

  • Notification is sent when FAFSA is processed

    • SAR (Student Aid Report) sent to student
    • ISIR sent to institutions specified on FAFSA
    • Contains data elements completed on FAFSA
    • Correct FAFSA as needed
    • CAR or ineligibility letter sent to student
    • Schools send follow-up request for missing information
    • Schools send award letter as early as December

Special Circumstances?

    • Follow up with the Financial Aid Office at the college
    • Each Financial Aid Office makes their own decision
    • The school's decision is final, and cannot be appealed with the US Dept of Education

Contact FAFSA

  • FAFSA Live Chat is available! Click here to visit their website, then click on "Live Chat".

    FAFSA Live Chat logo

Helpful FAFSA Links

Helpful CA Dream Act Links