I CAN AFFORD COLLEGE
You can accomplish amazing things with a California community college education. Don’t let finances get in the way. Get help paying for college costs like tuition, books or sometimes even the rent with a variety of financial aid options to help you reach your educational and career goals.
Get the Money You Need to Pay for the Education You Deserve
Money shouldn’t stand in the way of your educational goals. Community colleges give you a wide range of financial aid options to help pay for your education.
GRANTS
Aid that you DO NOT have to repay.You automatically get considered for federal grants when you submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). U.S. citizens fill out the FAFSA, while undocumented students must submit the CADAA.
SCHOLARSHIPS
Aid that you DO NOT have to repay.Thousands of scholarships are available to students, both from the California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment and various private organizations. You may already qualify for a scholarship and not even know it.
WORK-STUDY PROGRAMS
Aid that you earn and DO NOT have to repayFederal work-study programs offer part-time employment to enrolled students. Jobs might be on-campus or in the community, and participants earn at least the federal minimum wage. Contact your college's financial aid office to explore your opportunities.
LOANS
Aid that you DO have to repay.Student loans can help you pay for college, but they need to get paid back in full plus interest. Therefore, make sure that you investigate every other financial aid opportunity before taking on student loan debt.
Need Help Paying for College?
Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid year-round. No matter your financial situation, it's always free to apply and it opens the door to most types of financial aid.
Undocumented students can receive aid by submitting a California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
Undocumented students will not need to submit a FAFSA, and should instead complete a California Dream Act Application to apply for free financial aid to help pay for your community college education.
Grants & Scholarships
Now that you've filled out your FAFSA or CADAA, you can see what types of financial aid are available. Free money for college could be waiting for you.
PELL GRANTS
Federal Grant
Federal Pell Grants go to undergraduate students who come from lower-income families. You automatically apply for Pell Grants by submitting a FAFSA form.
More InfoCAL GRANT PROGRAMS
State Grant
Cal Grants are available for undergraduate, high school, and transfer students. You can automatically apply for each one by filling out a FAFSA or CADAA.
More InfoCalifornia College Promise Grant
Fee Waiver
Low-income students and those receiving cash assistance may apply for a California College Promise Grant (CCPG), which waives tuition.
More InfoFinancial Support Services
California community colleges assist our students by providing a wide array of financial aid services and support. Your success is our success.
VETERANS ASSISTANCE
Thank You for Your Service
In addition to tailored financial aid opportunities, veterans will receive priority registration across the California Community College system.
Learn MoreFOSTER YOUTH
Success Initiatives
Eligible current and former foster youth can receive financial assistance for books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food and emergency housing.
Learn MoreUNEMPLOYED STUDENTS
Success Is Right Around the Corner
California community colleges offer career training and certifications in some of the most highly coveted and fast-growing professional industries.
Learn MoreMore Financial Aid Programs
Even if you don't qualify for any grants, scholarships or assistance programs, there are still several ways you can get money to pay for your education.
WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
Part-Time Employment
Work-study students gain experience and earn money through a part-time job on-campus or in the community. Talk to your financial aid office about your options.
Apply NowSTUDENT LOANS
Explore All Other Aid Types First
If you have exhausted all your financial aid options and still need money for college, you can apply for a loan. You must pay back the loans with interest.
Apply NowFINANCIAL LITERACY
Financial Wellness Initiative
Learn the tools and skills that will help you make informed decisions about finances through the Counting Ahead initiative.
Learn MoreUpcoming Financial Aid Events Near You
Financial Aid Lab - Monday at Los Medanos College
10:00am - 02:00pm
To assist students and parents in completing their FAFSA, CA Dream Act application, creating their FSA ID and/or adding colleges.
Financial Aid Workshop at Mendocino College
11:00am - 01:00am
Need help completing the FAFSA or CADAA? Attend a workshop to receive hands on assistance. Please bring your and your parents 2020 income information. Don't forget to create an FSA ID for yourself and one of your parents at http://www.StudentAid.gov/fsaid if you are completing the FAFSA.
FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP at Santiago Canyon College at Santiago Canyon College
02:00pm - 04:00pm
All workshops are scheduled from 2:00 pm - 4:00 pm on the dates below. Workshops are held remotely at this time, either by phone or zoom. You must RSVP in order to participate in a workshop.