top of page
dreamstime_s_57739599_edited.jpg

If you haven't filled out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid  FAFSA  forms recently, you will want to familiarize yourself with the latest FAFSA changes. The FAFSA application typically opens on *October 1st each year, and there are documents you will want to gather and have on hand before you sit down to fill it out. Especially important to note, each state has its unique deadline to submit, so in general, it is better to turn your FAFSA forms in early as some colleges' financial aid funds are limited.

 

Most students and families want to know, "What financial aid will I qualify for?" The Federal Student Aid Estimator is one tool that can help families develop estimates for the costs of attending college and learn the financial-aid lingo like Expected Family Contribution "EFC" and "Student Aid Index" and how that might translate into what students and families will be expected to pay. For families finalizing college lists, applications, and making college decisions, completing the FAFSA is a step that should not be overlooked.  

​

* Look for new dates and information for 2025-26. Here are some of the anticipated FAFSA updates.

CollegeHacksforSavingMoneycover.jpg
do you qualify for a fee waiver?
Find out if you are eligible
for fee waivers for sending test scores,  applications, and enrollment deposit.
 
Visit these links to get forms and apply:  

​

NACAC Waivers

NACAC Enrollment Deposit ~Fee Waiver

SAT Waivers 

ACT Waivers

funding resources
(click for more info)
FAFSA

The office of Federal Student Aid provides grants, loans, and work-study funds for college or career school. FAFSA provides more than $120 billion in federal student aid each year to help pay for college or career school.

CSS

Nearly 400 colleges, professional schools, and scholarship programs use CSS Profile to award non federal aid.

UC Blue & Gold Plan

The Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan is a financial aid program intended to expand access to UC for lower-income students.

Cal Grants

"A Cal Grant is money for college you don’t have to pay back. To qualify, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California." California Student Aid Commission

financial resources

bottom of page