Financial Aid Resources
Applying for Financial Aid
Students will apply for financial aid for the first time during their Senior year between January 1st - March 2nd by completing the FAFSA application.
When in college, students will complete the FAFSA application every year between January 1st - March 2nd .
Make sure you have all of the documents you will need to apply for FAFSA.
Basic Financial Aid Terms
- Grants: Free money! Usually based on financial need and/or G.P.A., you automatically apply for grants when you fill out the FAFSA application and the California GPA verification form (submitted automatically or individual depending on your high school)
- Scholarships: Free money! The money comes from different organizations (government, schools, private foundations/organizations, individuals, etc.). Each scholarship application process is different.
- Work study: Money you are awarded to find a job through your college/university. Not all campus jobs require work study. Working on campus during college is highly recommended.
- Educational Loans: Money you borrow that you MUST pay back in order to pay for school. Loan interest rates and terms vary. Most public loans do not require you to start paying them back until 6 months after you graduate from college.
- Expected Financial Contribution (EFC): What you and your family are expected to contribute for the cost of your college education, based on your FAFSA (completed Senior Year)
