Financial Aid
Financial aid is any type of assistance used to pay college costs that is based on financial need. There are four main types of financial aid: grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study. Applying for most financial aid is free.
Financial Aid is an annual process where students are encouraged to apply by March 2nd. March 2nd is the priority deadline for the state of California processing with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid Form (FAFSA) and for Cal Grant consideration. Both the FAFSA and the GPA Verification Form need to be submitted by this date. Consideration for priority funding is given to those who apply on or before this day as funding is limited and applications are processed on a first-come, first-served basis. Students may complete the FAFSA anytime during the academic year; it is recommended that students consider processing time and funding availability.
California Community Colleges have a rolling admission process and there is no standard priority deadline. Students are encouraged to apply for financial aid any time during the academic year. It is advisable for students to check with each school for applicable deadlines.
Most University of California and California State University campuses adhere to the March 2nd priority deadline to consider applicants for all potential aid as some program funds are limited. Students who apply after the March 2nd deadline may receive limited financial aid.
The primary goal is to assist students in paying for college and this is achieved by :
- Evaluating family’s ability to pay educational costs
- Distributing limited resources in an equitable manner
- A package of financial aid awards is put together to meet the student’s need & may consist of gift aid and/or self-help aid, depending on the student’s eligibility
- At least 24 years old by December 31 of award year covered by the FAFSA;
- Graduate or professional student;
- Married;
- Has children or dependents (other than a spouse) for whom the student provides more than half support;
Your Personal Identification Number (PIN) can be used each year to electronically apply for federal student aid and to access your Federal Student Aid records online. If you receive a PIN, you agree not to share it with anyone. Your PIN serves as your electronic signature and provides access to your personal records, so you should never give your PIN to anyone, including commercial services that offer to help you complete your FAFSA. Be sure to keep your PIN in a safe place.
The PIN Application is for students and parents who do not already have a Federal Student Aid PIN and would like to apply for one. Visit the Federal Student Aid PIN website to apply www.pin.ed.gov
Step 1: Enter Personal Information
Step 2: Submit Your PIN Application
Step 3: Receive Your PIN by email or mail
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- 2010 FAFSA Application will be available January 1st.
- Deadline for the FAFSA is March 2, 2010.
- Visit www.pin.ed.gov to get a Personal Identification Number (PIN)
- Visit the FAFSA website to apply and get help in filing an application.
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- Federal work-study, or student employment, helps students pay for education costs such as books, supplies, and personal expenses.
- The federal work study program provides students with part-time employment to help meet their financial needs and gives them work experience while serving their campuses and surrounding communities
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- Grants don't have to be repaid and you don't need to work to earn them. Grant aid comes from federal and state governments and from individual colleges. Federal grants include the Pell grant and the Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant.
- The State of California offers the Cal Grant A, B, and, C as well as some other specialized grants. In addition to applying for federal and State grants, foster youth should apply for the California Chafee Grant.
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- Loans are money you borrow that must be repaid with interest. In most cases you do not start repaying until you leave college. Most loans that are awarded based on financial need are low-interest loans sponsored by the federal government.
- Read a comprehensive description about financial aid and learn more about how to access funding.
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