Financial Aid Basics

Follow four easy steps to apply for financial aid. The priority filing period to submit your FAFSA is Jan. 1-March 2.

Professional Judgment is the discretion granted to financial aid administrators by law to make adjustments to a student's financial aid application due to special circumstances.

Review the current tuition and fees and other living costs, and learn how your financial need is determined.

Gain a better financial aid understanding by reading an overview of the process.

Enrollment status changes, not meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, grades, failure to turn in the proper documents and other factors can alter or eliminate your financial aid award. Make sure you're not at risk of losing any potential financial aid.

Stay updated on important financial aid dates and deadlines.

Find out if you qualify for federal or California grants. These are awards based on financial need that don't have to be paid back.

Learn the difference between federal and private loans, and figure out your best financing options.

Find out when to turn in the appropriate documents so you can qualify for federal and private loans.

The California Dream Act of 2011 became law through the passage of Assembly Bills 130 and 131. AB 130 and AB 131 allow AB 540 students to apply for state and institutional grants, and privately funded scholarships.