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 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.
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
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
DVC Financial Aid Zoom Workshop at Diablo Valley College
10:00am - 11:00am
This is a one-hour informational Financial Aid workshop, we will go over the different grants that are available to DVC students and some basic FAFSA information, 30-40 min presentation and time for Q&A after that.
Note for approval committee, please read:
(I was unable to change the listing dates, I would like the this workshop to be listed now- the date of the workshop, 02/08/2023.)
Invitation for Zoom Meeting below:
Michelle Vezinaw is inviting you to a scheduled Zoom meeting.
Topic: Financial Aid Workshop
Time: Feb 8, 2023 10:00 AM Pacific Time (US and Canada)
Join Zoom Meeting
https://4cd.zoom.us/j/5475469917
Meeting ID: 547 546 9917
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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