Financial aid is money to help pay for college or career, technical or trade school. Financial aid helps students pay for; tuition & fees, room & board, books & supplies, travel, and other costs. The most common types of financial aid come in grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans. The most vital step in establishing eligibility for financial aid is completing the FAFSA or "Free Application for Federal Student Aid."

	The Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, is the form that determines your financial aid from the government and most colleges. The form collects personal and financial information from students and parents and applies a formula to determine your Expected Family Contribution or EFC. The FAFSA is the most vital step in applying and being eligible for financial aid. Each year the FAFSA opens on October 1st and some aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. To complete the FAFSA application go to https://studentaid.gov/
	The California DREAM (Development, Relief, and Education for Alien Minors) Act is a package of California state laws that allow children who were brought into the US under the age of 16 without proper visas/immigration documentation which have attended school regularly and otherwise meet in-state tuition and GPA requirements to apply for student financial aid benefits. In 2011, the California Dream Act was divided into two bills, AB130 and AB131. Governor Jerry Brown signed AB130 on July 25, 2011, and Brown signed AB131 on October 8, 2011. AB 130 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for non-state-funded scholarships for colleges and universities. AB 131 allows students who meet AB 540 criteria to apply for state-funded financial aid. CADA FAQ link: California Dream Act FAQ
	CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^® The fast, easy, convenient, secure way to apply for financial aid. The CSS Financial Aid Profile is a national, not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Many member colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs use the information collected on PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds. For more information regarding the CSS profile, please visit https://profileonline.collegeboard.com
	There are three kinds of CAL Grants: Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, and CalGrant C. Cal Grants can be used at any UC, CSU, California Community College, almost all independent colleges, and many career and technical schools in California. To be eligible for a Cal Grant, you must submit a FAFSA application by the California State deadline. *CA priority filing deadline, March 2, 2021* GPA will be automatically be submitted per Assembly Bill 2160 Be a US Citizen Be a California Resident Meet any minimum GPA requirements Have a Social Security Number Attend a qualifying CALIFORNIA college Have financial need based on your college costs and your EFC (Expected Family Contribution) Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate Be enrolled at least half time
	Types of Financial Aid Federal Aid: Aid that comes from the U.S. government. Usually distributed through the college. Gift Aid: Financial aid that does not need to be paid back: Grants: Typically based on financial need Scholarships: Typically based on achievement or talent. Loans: Funds that must be paid back later, with interest. Federally guaranteed loans can be from a private lender (e.g., a bank) or the federal government (administered by the college.) Private Aid: Financial aid from non-government sources. Private lenders offer private loans with terms set by the lender.
	Federal State Aid Programs Pell Grant: Gift aid that is given based on financial need. How much aid you will be eligible to receive is based on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution), which is determined when you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Cal Grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and academic achievement, measured by GPAs and scoring criteria. Visit csac.ca.gov for information. Federal Work-Study: Provides part-time employment for students who have financial need. Jobs are usually available both on or off-campus. FAFSA also determines Work-study. Perkins Loan: Fixed low-interest loan through your college. You must demonstrate financial need. Stafford Loan: Currently a variable interest rate loan. They can be subsidized (no interest accrues while enrolled full-time in school) or unsubsidized (interest accrues while in school.) You can receive this loan from a private lender or your college. Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to students who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are Pell Grant recipients. California Promise Grant waives community college enrollment fees for qualified California residents who meet application requirements and deadlines. Irvine Valley College ivc.edu/promise/Pages/default.aspx Saddleback Community College saddleback.edu/promise/Saddleback-College-Promise-Program Orange Coast College orangecoastcollege.edu/student_services/student-equity/Pages/pirates-promise.aspx The California Chafee Grant Program gives current or former foster youth money for career and technical training or college courses. Visit chafee.csac.ca.gov/default.aspx for more information.