All students deserve to have the opportunity to attend a higher education institution and pursue the career of their dreams.

Completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is the most important thing a student can do to get money for college, as it allows students to be considered for federal aid (FAFSA applicants only), state aid, institutional aid, and loans. 

Read below to learn more about the college financial aid opportunities available to you!

How to Apply for Financial Aid

The FAFSA/CADAA application period is now open! Learn how to apply on the California Student Aid Commission's website. Continue below to learn how to apply for financial aid through Californiacolleges.edu.

Cash for College Workshops for Students and Families

February 13, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.; March 25, 7:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. (Virtual)

Join a free virtual Cash for College workshop for help with completing a FAFSA or CADAA.  Financial aid experts can answer all of your questions. We can help you finish and submit your application on the same day. Learn more.

Students:
Apply for Financial Aid Through Californiacolleges.edu!

If you have a californiacolleges.edu account, make sure to apply for financial aid through the platform. The Californiacolleges.edu platform helps students find careers and colleges, find financial aid opportunities, and launch their college and financial aid applications.

If you are not sure if you have an account, ask your school counselor. By launching the application through CaliforniaColleges.edu, you can track your financial aid application status. Watch the video on how to launch your application.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why Should I Apply for Financial Aid?

Receiving financial aid can help you handle the costs associated with higher education. By completing and submitting the FAFSA or CADAA, students will be processed for federal aid (FAFSA applicants only), state aid, institutional aid, and student loan eligibility, unless the student has completed the formal opt-out process.

Students will have an estimate of most of the financial aid they can receive within a short time of submitting their application. This can help with making an informed decision about pursuing a college, university, or vocational school.

What is the FAFSA?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is a form that allows students to apply for all types of financial aid, including but not limited to federal financial aid, state financial aid, and institutional aid.

The FAFSA is one of the most important forms to fill out regarding a college education and should be completed every academic year. The information supplied is used to assess a student’s financial need and gives them access to multiple sources of financial aid to help pay to attend a college, university, or vocational school.

Find more about the FAFSA form.

What is the CADAA?

The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders, and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) to receive certain types of financial aid. 

Students who complete their CADAA form may receive private scholarships funded through public universities, state-administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. In addition, the California Dream Act allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.

Find more about the CADAA form.

Cindy Dominguez

Coordinator, Academic Counseling

Email: cdominguez@smcoe.org

Phone: (650) 802-5352