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.
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 repayYou 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 repayThousands 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 repayStudent 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.
Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award
State Grant
The Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award provides free money to current high school seniors and recent high school graduates.
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 InfoCal Grant - Transfer Entitlement
State Grant
Transfer Entitlement Awards provides free money to students who plan to transfer directly from a California community college to a four-year university.
More InfoSupport Services
California community colleges offer a wide array of student support services and programs to help you stay enrolled and complete your college goals. Your success is our success.
CALFRESH PROGRAM
Free Money for Groceries
CalFresh helps students buy food and eat healthier by giving them extra cash for groceries. Signing up for CalFresh won't affect any existing financial aid.
Learn MoreDISPLACED STUDENTS
Natural and Man-Made Disasters
Students affected by fires, floods, earthquakes or other disasters should complete the FAFSA or CADAA and then contact their college financial aid office.
Learn MoreFINANCIAL LITERACY
Financial Wellness Initiative
Learn the tools and skills that will help you make informed decisions about finances through CashCourse.
Learn MoreMore Ways To Pay for College
Even if you don't qualify for any grants, scholarships or student support programs, there are other ways you can get money to pay for your education.
STUDENT 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 NowWORK 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 NowUpcoming Financial Aid Events Near You
SCC FINANCIAL AID WORKSHOP at Santiago Canyon College
12:30pm - 02:30pm
Assist students with completing their financial aid application.
FAFSA/CADAA Submissions Lab at Hartnell College
03:30am - 05:00am
We are here to help! The Financial Aid Office hosts FAFSA and DREAM Act Submission Labs to assist you in submitting your financial aid application. See below for details.
Salinas Main Campus: Every Monday (except holidays), January 9 through December 11, from 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM in Building B-110
Alisal Campus: February 16, March 13, April 10, and May 8, at 3:30 - 5:00 PM in Room C205
Soledad Education Center: January 24, February 7 & 21, March 7 & 21, April 11 & 25, May 9 from 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM, Room 110
King City Education Center: February 24, March 24, April 18, and May 2 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM in Room 109
FAFSA/CADAA Submission Lab Summer 2023 and Fall 2023 at Hartnell College
02:30am - 04:00am
We are here to help! The Financial Aid Office hosts FAFSA and DREAM Act Submission Labs to assist you in submitting your financial aid application. See below for details.
Salinas Main Campus: Every Monday (except holidays and when campus is closed) January 9 through December 11 from
Summer 2023 Hours: June 5th to July 31st 2:30 PM - 4:00 PM in Building B-110
Fall 2023 Hours: August 7th to December 11 3:00 PM - 4:30 PM in Building B-110
Alisal Campus: June 26, July 17, September 11, October 16, November 13, and December 11 at 3:30 - 5:00 PM in Room C205
Soledad Education Center: June 20, July 11, July 25. August 29, September 12, September 26, October 10, October 24, November 7, November 21 and December 5 from 3:00 PM - 4:45 PM, Room 110
King City Education Center: June 2, July 18, September 5, October 3, November 14, December 12 from 2:30 PM - 4:30 PM in Room 109
