FAFSA
What is the FAFSA Form?
The FAFSA form is the Free Applicaiton for Federal Student Aid. Filling out this form helps students get the best financial aid packets possible from the schools they are applying to.2025-2026 FAFSA Form will be available December 1, 2024. Sign up for your FSA ID now and you will be notified when the FAFSA Form is available.
In a normal year, the FAFSA Form becomes available October 1st and is due March 2nd. It is best to turn it in as soon as possible so you get the chance to see your Award Letters around the same time you recieve your Acceptance Letters.
CADAA
What is the CADAA?
The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), Senate Bill 2000 (SB 2000) and Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.Which Application Do I Apply to?
Apply for the FAFSA If:
- You are a U.S. Citizen or an eligible noncitizen (CLICK HERE)
- You have a valid Social Security number (with the exception of students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau);
- You plan to be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a college or career school (trade/vocational)
- Are Undocumented
- Have a valid or expired DACA status
- Are a U Visa holder
- Have Temporary protected Status (TPS)
- Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540
- You plan to be enrolled in a degree or certificate program at a college or career school (trade/vocational) in the state of California.
Both applications open on October 1st of every year and are due March 2. The sooner you apply the better as aid is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Cal Grant
What is the Cal Grant?
A Cal Grant is a form of financial assistance for college that does not require repayment. In order to be eligible, one must submit an application for either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) before the specified deadline. Additionally, meeting the financial and GPA criteria is necessary. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University, California Community College, as well as approved independent, career, and technical schools.After you fill out the FAFSA/CADAA you need to follow up! Make a WebGrants 4 Students acount and verify your status. If you see something that doesn't look right, ask your conselor to help you resolve the issue.
CSS
What is the CSS Profile?
Many private colleges require you to fill out the College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile. This is a separate application run by the College Board. This is how you will be awarded non-federal financial aid. Check the list to see if your college requires the CSS Profile.FAFSA vs CSS
The primary differences between FAFSA and CSS Profile are:
- Cost: FAFSA is free, while CSS Profile has a fee of $25 for the first school and $16 for each additional school. Fee waivers may be available (there are fee waivers)
- Username: FAFSA requires an FSA ID, while CSS Profile requires a College Board username.
- Questions: FAFSA asks the same questions for all applicants, while CSS Profile tailors the application based on the schools you are applying to.
- Considered Assets: FAFSA does not ask about home value, while CSS Profile does, with each school assessing its weight when evaluating financial contribution.
- Years Considered: FAFSA requires tax information from two years prior, while CSS Profile asks for income details from two years ago, one year ago, and current year (estimated income). This allows for evaluating financial fluctuations and accessing up-to-date information.
CLICK HERE to watch a video on How to Submit the CSS
Local Scholarships
What is the EDCOE Local Scholarship Website?
The El Dorado County of Education made a website to display scholarships just for students from El Dorado County. It's one of the best places to find money for college because there is less competition.
Financial Aid 101: Beyond the FAFSA
