Cash For College

Students & Families

Attending college this upcoming fall (2024-2025)?
Submitting your financial aid application as soon as possible can maximize your financial aid opportunities! The priority deadline for state financial aid is typically March 2nd and September 2nd for CA Community College students (extended to May 2nd and September 3rd respectively for 2024), but you should still submit your application even if a deadline has passed.

Our free Cash for College workshops have financial aid experts who can help you complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) and answer all of your questions!

Register for free today! Both online webinars and in-person workshops near you are available.

Community Partners & College Access Professionals

Interested in hosting your own Cash for College workshops?
CSAC’s free Train the Trainer program provides community partners with the training and resources to host their own workshops and assist students with completing their FAFSA and CADAA. Register for a training session today!

We’re here to help:

Who can attend a Cash for College workshop/webinar and what should I bring to one?

Cash for College workshops and webinars are targeted for high school graduating seniors and their parents/adopted guardians. However, information in these workshops and webinars is also applicable to returning college students and high school juniors!

If you’re a student, please bring:
- Student’s StudentAid.Gov Account Login (FAFSA filers only)
- Social Security Number (if applicable)
- Alien Registration Number (if applicable)
- Income Tax Return (e.g. 2022 income tax return for 24-25 FAFSA/CADAA)
- List of schools you’re interested in attending

If you’re a parent or contributor, please bring:
- Contributor’s StudentAid.Gov Account Login (FAFSA filers only)
- Income Tax Return (e.g. 2022 income tax return for 24-25 FAFSA/CADAA)
- Amount in checking & savings accounts
- Untaxed income (e.g., child support received)
- Assets like businesses, investments, real estate, etc. (not including retirement or primary residence)

What is the CA Dream Act Application and Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)? 

The CADAA allows qualified undocumented and nonresident students (e.g., TPS Holders, U-Visa Holders) to receive certain types of financial aid in the state of California, including state and institutional aid. Information collected is NOT shared with any other government agency and it is used only for financial aid purposes.

 The FAFSA can be completed by US citizens, green card holders, and other eligible non-citizens. FAFSA filers would be eligible for state aid, federal aid, and institutional aid.

What do I need to do to apply for financial aid? How often do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for financial aid for the 2024-25 academic year, a student needs to submit CADAA or FAFSA before May 2nd, 2024 or September 3rd, 2024 (for CA community college students).

  Students should submit a financial aid application (CADAA or FAFSA) every year they plan to attend college or pursue a career certification. Check the question “what should I bring to a Cash for College workshop/webinar?” above so students and parent contributors know what documents to bring with them.

What are the next steps after submitting my financial aid application?

1. Create a free WebGrants 4 Students account to find out state and federal aid  you’re eligible for the upcoming academic year.
2. Follow up with your respective Financial Aid Office (FAO) if you have a special or unusual circumstances. The FAO can be found at your college, university, or vocational technical school. In addition, follow up with your College’s FAO regarding housing information and work-study eligiblility.
3. Visit College Scorecard to research & explore colleges/universities that meet your needs.
4. Use College Board’s Scholarship Search Tool or research local community scholarships!
5. Follow up with your respective Financial Aid Office (FAO) if you have a special or unusual circumstances. The FAO can be found at your college, university, or vocational technical school. In addition, follow up with your College’s FAO regarding housing information and work-study eligiblility.
6. Visit College Scorecard to research & explore colleges/universities that meet your needs.
7. Use College Board’s Scholarship Search Tool or research local community scholarships!

Who can I contact for help?

Students can contact the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Student Support unit if they have questions about:
-    CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) login and processing status
-    WebGrants 4 Students access
-    Specific questions about state financial aid programs

You can also contact your local Cal-SOAP Program or Regional Coordinating Organization (RCO); their contact information can be found below:

Cal-SOAP Contacts Page: Cal-SOAP Contacts Page - California Student Aid Commission

RCO Contacts Page: Organization Contacts – California Student Aid Commission