Apply for Federal and State Financial Aid
The Federal Student Aid Free Application (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act (CADAA) will start accepting applications on October 1, 2022 for the 2023-2024 academic year.
How to Apply
All students start the application process by completing and submitting either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California 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 is money available to help.
FAFSA Application Guide CADAA Application Guide
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 Priority 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 California Community College Promise Grant (CCPG), federal financial aid programs like Pell Grant, and other institutional aid from colleges.
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 Priority 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 California Community College Promise Grant (CCPG).