Students
Financial Aid For Students in California
What is Financial Aid?
Financial aid is money that is given, paid, or lent to a student to be used to pay for college expenses. Scholarships, grants, work-study, and loans are all things to take into consideration when you are thinking about how to pay for college.
10,000 Degrees is here to help you find the resources to afford college. Use the information below to discover what types of free financial aid are available, what applications students need to complete, timelines, and more.
Getting Started
What are the different types of financial aid?
- Gift Aid
Money awarded to a student that does not need to be paid back. Examples: Pell Grant, Cal Grant, 10,000 Degrees Scholarships - Work Study
Money a student can earn through a campus job. They must work to receive the money. Examples: A job at the library or the bookstore - Loans
Borrowed money that DOES need to get paid back after graduating. Examples: Subsidized and unsubsidized loans, Parent Plus Loan, Dream Loan
Which application do I need to apply to?
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
For students who are a US citizen, permanent resident, T-Visa holder, or other eligible noncitizen. - California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
For students who are with or without DACA, have temporary protected status, are a U-visa holder, and meet AB540 requirements.
What is the Cal KIDS Program?
What is the Financial Aid timeline?
September – November:
Collect needed documents for financial aid applications
After October 1st, fill out and submit the CSS Profile (If applicable)
December – March:
By December Financial Aid Applications open (FAFSA & CADA)
Fill out and submit the FAFSA before the deadline, typically of March 2nd.
Review your submission confirmation, after submitting the application.
Create Student Portals for each college, and see if any additional financial aid information is needed.
Complete Financial Aid Verification (if selected)
April:
Review and compare your financial aid offers from Colleges.
Use the Financial Aid Award Letter Comparison Tool to interpret financial aid information from different colleges.
May:
High School Seniors: Submit your SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) to commit to attending your chosen institution
June:
Community College Transfer Students: Submit your SIR (Statement of Intent to Register) to commit to attending your chosen institution
Summer:
Ensure you understand what steps follow accepting a school, this may include applying for Freshman orientation or paying for the semester or quarter.
All Year Round:
Find and Apply for scholarships
Applying
After You Apply
Learn More
Attend one of our free Financial Aid workshops (in English and Spanish) to learn more about applying for financial aid. Some of our upcoming events are listed below and on our Events page. Or reach out to our Financial Aid Advisors for individual support.Â
3 events found.
