Financial Aid

What is financial Aid? 

Financial aid is any money being given to a student pursuing a higher education after high school. This includes community colleges, universities, trade/vocational schools, and credential programs. 

Who is eligible to receive financial aid? 

Any student pursuing a higher education: US citizens, Non-US citizens

Where does financial aid come from? 

One or more of the below entities might provide Financial Aid:

The Federal Government, the State, a college, a private organization, a business

Three types of financial Aid: 

Free Money- Grants and scholarships

Borrowed Money- Loans

Earned money- Work Study

FAFSA STEPS:

1.Obtain an FSA ID For student here : FSA ID

2.Obtain an FSA ID For one parent: (same link as above)

(It will take about 2 days for them to verify you with your FSA ID before you can complete the FAFSA applicaton below)

​​​​​​​3.Complete FAFSA Application 

Resources:

• Cal SOAP San Diego -- College access program that hosts financial aid workshops, events and webinars as well as individual financial aid application assistance. 
• California Student Aid Commission
• California College Promise Grant
• San Diego Promise

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is required for most types of Financial Aid, including scholarships. It is the key to paying for university, community college, or technical school. Current seniors should submit a FAFSA for the 2024-2025 academic year. The FAFSA opens January 2024 and is due by March 2nd, 2024.

YOU MUST OBTAIN AN FSA ID FOR BOTH STUDENT AND ONE PARENT PRIOR TO FILLING OUT THE FAFSA.  Once you have done so, it will take approximately 48 hours to verify before you can complete the FAFSA form below.  When filling out the FAFSA, make sure you click to the end when it confirms that your form has been submitted. 

FAFSA Form

2024-2025 FAFSA Essential Information 

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS) 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. 

• If you are not eligible to complete the FAFSA and are eligible under AB540 then you can complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

• CADAA
  CA GRANT
  888-224-7268
  Email: studentsupport@csac.ca.gov

CA Dream Act Application

Scholarship Search engines: 

• Fastweb

• San Diego Foundation 

• Scholarship Website 

Aspirinig Teacher Scholarship

Make sure to look in Naviance for Scholarships

Avoid Scholarship Scams

Apply for scholarships to earn FREE money for college or trade school. Be sure to request any letters of recommendation at least two weeks before the due date. Please use the scholarship search feature in Naviance to help, as well as keep up on senior letters and notices form counseling with up to date info.