±¬ÁÏÉçÇø

Apply for Financial Aid

Applying for financial aid at ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø is a multi-step process. This quick guide will help you understand which application to complete, important deadlines, and how to check your award.

Step 1: Choose the Right Application

You must submit either the or the every year.

Who Should File FAFSA?

You can file a if you are:

• A U.S. citizen
• A permanent resident (Green card holder)
• Have an I-94 with status such as refugee, asylum grant, Cuban-Haitian entrant, conditional entrant (before April 1, 1980), parolee, T-Visa holder, or VAWA-qualified immigrant
• A citizen of Micronesia, Marshall Islands, or Palau

Use this video to help you get started:  

Who Should File CADAA?

You should file a if you:

• Are not eligible to file a FAFSA
• Meet California AB540 status
• Do not hold a valid non-immigrant visa

This includes undocumented students, those with Temporary Protected Status (TPS), or a U Visa. Visit Immigrants Rising for help choosing the correct application: FAFSA vs. CA Dream Act.

Step 2: Submit by the Deadline

Submit your application by March 2nd. Apply early to receive your award notification starting in December.

Step 3: Apply for Scholarships

Complete the to be considered for multiple scholarships. The application includes three short essays and takes only a short time to complete.

Application Period: October 1st – February 1st

Step 4: Create Your WebGrants Account

If you are a California resident, create a account after submitting your FAFSA or CADAA.

Step 5: Review Your Award

±¬ÁÏÉçÇø begins importing applications in late November and sends award notices in December.

If additional documents are needed, you may receive a preliminary award offer. The preliminary award notification helps you plan while you gather your documents and submit them to be reviewed.  Your final eligibility cannot be determined if documents are requested but not submitted.

Step 5: Sign up for Direct Deposit

We encourage you to sign up for Direct Deposit today. We want to make sure your refunds arrive in your bank account rather than waiting 14 days for a paper check to be mailed.  Refunds | Student Financial Services

• October | Create your FSA ID and apply for Scholarships
  • Scholarships are a financial aid resource available for all students to apply.
  • ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø Scholarship Opens - One application for the various scholarship opportunities administered by ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø.
  • Whether you’re a student or contributor, you must create your account to apply for, receive, and manage your federal student aid.
• December | Complete your FAFSA or CADAA
  • FAFSA and CADA Applications Open - Complete the  or to be considered for financial aid for the following academic year.  The earlier you apply, the sooner we can get your estimate aid award to you!
• February | Deadline for ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø Scholarships
  • Apply for Scholarships - Submit the ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø Scholarship application by February 1 to be considered for a variety of scholarships available to ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø students.
  • Review the Scholarships website for additional scholarship opportunities.
• March 2 - May 30 | Submit Intent to Enroll
  • Your next move is to submit your Intent to Enroll to notify the ±¬ÁÏÉçÇø you plan to attend and that you will accept the admission offer and enroll.
  • If you have applied for financial aid, be sure to view and accept, or decline, your award offer. Register for Direct Deposit in your My±¬ÁÏÉçÇø portal to make sure refunds are sent to you quickly.
• July | Course Drop Protection Applied & Look for your 'Good to Go' email
  • Course Drop Protection - Once you have a completed financial aid application on file, Course Drop Protection will be placed on your account. This hold protects your classes from being dropped in anticipation of your financial aid award covering your tuition and fees. Log-in to to confirm your Course Drop Protection Hold has been placed on your account.
  • The Good to Go email provides a comprehensive summary of your tuition, fees, and financial aid, detailing your anticipated refund or outstanding balance after the application of financial aid. This plan is designed to enhance your understanding of how your financial aid can be utilized effectively.
• August | Awards Disbursed
  • Financial Aid Awards are Paid - Financial Aid will be disbursed to students who fulfill all eligibility requirements and have completed any outstanding "to-do" items or holds. Aid disbursement is scheduled for the week prior to the start of classes. 
    • Remaining funds will be issued to students via direct deposit; students are required to enroll in direct deposit to receive their funds electronically; otherwise, a paper check will be mailed.
    • An email notification will be sent once your aid has been applied to your student account balance.
• September | Enrollment Census & Grant Recalculation
  • Your financial aid award summary will initially display your full-time award amount. This amount will be prorated (adjusted) based on your enrollment status at the time of the census.
  • For example, if you are enrolled full-time (12 units) at the time of disbursement but subsequently drop to half-time status by the census date, your aid will be prorated accordingly to reflect half-time funding. For more info refer to the Enrollment & Recalculation of Aid page.