Planning Tools & Resources

Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federally funded or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school.

To receive federal student aid, you must meet certain requirements. You must:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen.
• Have a valid Social Security Number.
• Be registered with Selective Service if you are male and 18 to 25 years of age.
• Have a high school diploma or a General Education Development (GED) Certificate or pass an exam approved by the U.S. Department of Education.
• Be enrolled or accepted for enrollment as a regular student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at a school that participates in the federal student aid programs.
• Not have a drug conviction for an offense that occurred while you were receiving federal student aid.

If you meet the requirements, here's how to apply:

• Obtain a FAFSA ID by visiting the Federal Student Aid website
• Apply for FAFSA after October 1, 2016 at FAFSA.GOV

FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid

For questions regarding the financial aid application, call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) or go to www.fafsa.ed.gov/help.htm

Cal Grants are one of the smartest ways to get cash for college, as it's money you don't have to pay back and is guaranteed. If you're a graduating high school senior or recent graduate, meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements and submit two forms by March 2, you are guaranteed a Cal Grant!

To be eligible for a Cal Grant you must:

• Submit the FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPS by the deadline.
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
• Be a California resident when you graduated from high school.
• Have a Social Security number.
• Attend a qualifying California college.
• Not have a bachelor's or professional degree.
• Have a financial need based on your college costs.
• Have family income and assets below the established ceilings.
• Meet any minimum GPA requirements.
• Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate.
• Be enrolled at least half time.
• Have registered with U.S. Selective Service.
• Not owe a refund on a state or federal grant, or be in default on a student loan.

Visit the Cal Grants website for more information.

• Tuition Funding Resources
• FastWeb
• FinAid
• Homestead Presentation on Financial Aid

• Financing Your College Education - Presented by Katy Fitzgerald, Mission College Financial Aid

  Fund Your Future Workbook

  CSS Profile
  Private and out-of-state colleges and universities have different deadlines. Go to each individual college’s financial aid website for their requirements and deadlines.

  Consumer Affairs Loan Information

  Resources for Undocumented Students