FAFSA
https://fafsa.ed.gov/
|
FAFSA stands for “Free Application for Federal Student Aid.” Federal Student Aid, disbursed by the U.S. Department of Education, is the largest form of student financial aid in the nation. When students submit a FAFSA, they will automatically apply for all federal financial aid options that they may be eligible for, including a Federal Pell Grant, federal work-study and federal student loans. The FAFSA also must be completed to apply for a Cal Grant or a Chafee grant, which is specifically for foster youth.
Applying for federal financial aid is an annual process that can be done online by submitting a FAFSA. Students are encouraged to apply by March 2nd each year for aid for the following fall, but students who miss this deadline should still apply. March 2nd is also the California priority deadline for processing the FAFSA and for Cal Grant consideration. To complete the FAFSA go to www.fafsa.gov. ***Submitting the FAFSA is FREE. Do not utilize any website which requires users to pay to submit the FAFSA*** |
|
|
Four Types of Aid
There are four main types of financial aid: 1) Grants, 2) Scholarships 3) Student Loans and 4) Work-Study Some of them are specifically for foster youth, like the Chafee Grants. Applying for most financial aid is free. |
|
GRANTS
These are funds for college expenses that students do not have to repay. These are available both from the government and private entities.
Chafee Grant:
These are funds for college expenses that students do not have to repay. These are available both from the government and private entities.
Chafee Grant:
- Amount: up to $5,000 a year
- Reimburse: no, students do not have to pay back
- Who qualifies: foster youth or former foster youth who has financial need, was in foster care after the age of 16 and has not reached their 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year
- Use for: career and technical training or college. Can be used for tuition, child care, transportation and/or rent while in school.
- Where: can be used at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states
- To apply: https://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/
- Application(s)/Deadline: FAFSA by March 2 strongly recommended. Late applications are accepted.
- Amount: varies depending on type of Cal Grant
- Reimburse: no, students do not have to pay back
- Who qualifies: graduating high school senior or recent graduate who meets academic, financial and eligibility requirements, as well as transfer students
- Use for: some types of Cal Grants are limited to use for tuition and others may be used for living expenses such as room & board, and books and supplies (depending on type of Cal Grant)
- Where: can be used at any qualifying college, university or career or technical school in California
- To apply: http://www.csac.ca.gov/
- Application(s)/Deadline:
- FAFSA by March 2
- Cal Grant Grade Point Average (GPA) Verification form by March 2
- If a student misses this deadline, community college students can apply by September 2 for Cal Grant Competitive awards, but these are extremely limited.
- Amount: current maximum is $5,775 for the 2015-2016 award year (July 1, 2015 to June 30, 2016). Amount depends on financial need, costs to attend school, status as a full-time or part-time student, and plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
- Reimburse: no, students do not have to pay back
- Who qualifies: undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree with financial need
- Use for: college expenses including tuition and living expenses
- Where: at any one of approximately 5,400 participating postsecondary institutions
- Website: https://studentaid.ed.gov/sa/types/grants-scholarships/pell
- Application(s)/Deadline: students are strongly encouraged to file their FAFSA by March 2 in order to ensure access to all available financial aid. For community college students, however, there is no specific deadline for submitting the FAFSA in order to qualify for a Pell Grant.
- Reimburse: no, students do not have to pay back
- Who qualifies: eligible California residents who are low income or have financial need. Students must complete matriculation requirements (orientation, assessment and education plan) in order to qualify.
- Use for: waiver of course enrollment fees
- Where: community colleges
- To apply: http://home.cccapply.org/money/bog-fee-waiver or college’s financial aid office
- Application(s)/Deadline: while FAFSA submission is highly recommended it is not required to apply for a BOG fee waiver
- Amount: permits enrollment fees to be waived at community colleges
|
SCHOLARSHIPS
These are funds for college expenses that students do not have to repay, and are available both from the government and private entities. Scholarships for Foster Youth: Many campuses have special scholarships or financial aid packages available for current and former foster youth. Contact staff at foster youth campus support programs to find what options may available. Unstoppable Awards
|
|
|
WORK STUDY
Federal work-study is part-time employment where students earn funds while enrolled in school. Students are paid at least the federal minimum wage and the jobs can be on- or off-campus. Not all colleges participate in the Federal Work-study program and funds may be limited. Check with your school’s financial aid office to find out if your school participates. |
|
STUDENT LOANS
Student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. Loans for financing education are available from a variety of programs, including:
Subsidized Stafford Loans: available to students who meet financial requirements and are attending school at least part time. The government pays the interest from the time students get the loan money until up to six months after they leave school.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: available to any student regardless of financial need, but the student pays the interest while in school, and after leaving college
Perkins Loans: administered by colleges; for students with exceptional financial need
A useful resource: https://www.salliemae.com/
Student loans are borrowed funds that must be repaid. Loans for financing education are available from a variety of programs, including:
Subsidized Stafford Loans: available to students who meet financial requirements and are attending school at least part time. The government pays the interest from the time students get the loan money until up to six months after they leave school.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans: available to any student regardless of financial need, but the student pays the interest while in school, and after leaving college
Perkins Loans: administered by colleges; for students with exceptional financial need
A useful resource: https://www.salliemae.com/
|
|
|
|
Tips for completing the FAFSA
The easiest and fastest way to apply for federal and state aid is by using FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.gov. It is available in both Spanish and English and you can apply around the clock, seven days a week, starting on October 1st of each year.
If you do not have access to a computer, you can attend a workshop or use a computer on campus to file your FAFSA.
Important: The FAFSA application is submitted to the Federal Processor. The Cabrillo Financial Aid office does not process your FAFSA application.
What is an FSA ID?An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA®) at fafsa.gov.
If you are a parent of a dependent student, you will need your own FSA ID if you want to sign your child's FAFSA electronically. If you have more than one child attending college, you can use the same FSA ID to sign all applications. Please note: Each FSA ID user must have a unique e-mail address.
Your FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically. It has the same legal status as a written signature. Don't give your FSA ID to anyone—not even to someone helping you fill out the FAFSA. Sharing your FSA ID could put you at risk of identity theft!
The easiest and fastest way to apply for federal and state aid is by using FAFSA on the Web at www.fafsa.gov. It is available in both Spanish and English and you can apply around the clock, seven days a week, starting on October 1st of each year.
- File online. If you need help filing online contact our office or come to a workshop.
- Use your legal name as it appears on your Social Security card. Nicknames will cause delays.
- Apply for an FSA ID so you can sign the FAFSA electronically. Dependent students can have a parent apply for an FSA ID. The FSA ID can also be used to make corrections to your FAFSA.
- Before starting, read the "Before Beginning a FAFSA" steps at www.fafsa.gov which lists what information is needed.
- Have all necessary documents on hand when completing the FAFSA such as your federal tax returns.
- Read the questions carefully.
- Do not leave any blank fields. Use a zero if the question does not apply to you.
- Review the completed FAFSA thoroughly before submitting it and keep a printout for your records.
- Remember to sign the FAFSA and obtain all other required signatures. You cannot receive aid without the required signature(s).
- Meet deadlines! Even if you have not filed your tax return, use estimates based on your W2's and make corrections to your FAFSA online once you have filed your taxes.
- Dependent students: if the parent responsible for completing the FAFSA has remarried, income and asset information for the new spouse must be reported.
- If you will have a child born before or during the award year (Fall through Summer sessions) and will be your legal dependent, the child should be counted as a member of the household.
- Be sure to report any money received or paid on your behalf.
- Do not include grant or scholarship money if you did not report them to the IRS.
- If you can provide an e-mail address, you will get a message confirming that your FAFSA on the Web was received.
- Avoid peak hours; you will get a faster response, especially after 8 p.m.
- To meet the deadline for Cal Grants, you must submit your FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline for each year, but you are strongly encouraged not to wait until the last minute.
If you do not have access to a computer, you can attend a workshop or use a computer on campus to file your FAFSA.
Important: The FAFSA application is submitted to the Federal Processor. The Cabrillo Financial Aid office does not process your FAFSA application.
What is an FSA ID?An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid ( FAFSA®) at fafsa.gov.
If you are a parent of a dependent student, you will need your own FSA ID if you want to sign your child's FAFSA electronically. If you have more than one child attending college, you can use the same FSA ID to sign all applications. Please note: Each FSA ID user must have a unique e-mail address.
Your FSA ID is used to sign legally binding documents electronically. It has the same legal status as a written signature. Don't give your FSA ID to anyone—not even to someone helping you fill out the FAFSA. Sharing your FSA ID could put you at risk of identity theft!
DREAM ACT
Not a US Citizen or Permanent resident? Want to apply for financial aid, but cannot apply for federal aid due to your immigration status? Have you attended a California High School for three full years and graduated from a California High School or received your GED or passed the high school equivalency exam in California? You may be eligible for state financial aid under the California Dream Act. Read on!
CURRENT STUDENTS
· Did you graduate in 2015, but were not awarded a Cal Grant? Complete a 2016-2017 Dream Act Application and check with your high school to verify your GPA was submitted. Both should be submitted by March 2nd to be considered for your high school entitlement Cal Grant.
CURRENT HIGH SCHOOL SENIORS
· Complete a Dream Act Application for a Board of Governor’s Fee Waiver and for Cal Grant competitive awards. For more information, read on and visit www.caldreamact.org.
Dream Act Information
Until the passage of the Dream Act, undocumented students were not eligible for federal, state or university funded financial aid. Under this new law, undocumented students who qualify under AB 540 criteria may now be eligible for certain types of financial aid. The California Dream Act Application is used to determine a student's eligibility for need-based financial aid. For detailed information on the California Dream Act, please visit csac.ca.gov/dream_act.asp. Additional information is also available in UC Santa Barbara's California Dream Application Tutorial.
What is the California Dream Act?
The Dream Act is really two laws that were passed in 2011 and allow AB 540 students to apply for and receive several types of financial aid, including:
- Board of Governors Fee Waivers (BOG)
- State financial aid like Cal Grants and Chafee Grants
- Assistance from EOPS, CARE or CalWORKs
- Privately-funded scholarships
What is an AB 540 student?
You are an AB 540 student, and exempt from paying non-resident enrollment fees, if you meet all of the following criteria:
- Attended a California high school for at least three years;
- Graduated from a California high school, got a GED or passed the California High School Proficiency Exam;
- Are registered or enrolled at a California community college; AND
- If required, complete an affidavit saying you have filed (or will file when you are eligible to do so) for legal immigration status.
Available Types of Aid:
Several types of state and institutional aid are available to AB 540 students as a result of the California Dream Act.
Check out the chart below for additional information, eligibility and application timing. You can also link directly to several of the required applications from the chart, under the "Type of Application Required" column.
* To apply for any or all of the financial aid programs requiring the California Dream Application, you only need to complete and submit ONE application.
** Refer to the GPA Verification Form available on the California Dream Act website, at www.caldreamact.org, to help determine who needs to certify your GPA. If you have further questions, check with your Financial Aid Office.
Where do I start?
Follow the steps below to get started on the road to fulfilling your college dreams!
1. Find a California public college near you, and explore the majors and course offerings, and cost to attend.
2. Complete the admissions process for the college you have selected to attend.
3. Apply for financial aid. For more information about the types of financial aid available to AB 540 students as a result of the California Dream Act, refer to the chart above. You can link to many of the required applications directly from the chart, under the "Type of Application Required" column. Need assistance completing your financial aid application? Our office can help! For a listing of scheduled Financial Aid Application Workshops, visit our Financial Aid Outreach page.
4. Meet with a college counselor to develop a plan to help you achieve your educational goals.
Now that I’ve applied, what happens next?
1. Your Dream Act application will be processed by the California Student Aid Commission and sent to each college you listed on your Dream Act Application (Processing occurs continuously for new applicants throughout academic year).
2. The Financial Aid Office will download your Dream Act Application information and manually match that application with your Cabrillo College Admissions Application record.
3. The Financial Aid Office will determine if you are eligible for a Board of Governor's Fee Waiver. Eligibility is determined by financial need and your AB 540 residency status as determined by Admissions & Records (Early March 2016).
4. Create a Web Grants for Students account to monitor your Cal Grant Award.
5. Submit your signed AB 540 affidavit to the Admissions & Records Office immediately after you graduate from high school.
6. Submit any requested financial aid forms to the Financial Aid O
** Refer to the GPA Verification Form available on the California Dream Act website, at www.caldreamact.org, to help determine who needs to certify your GPA. If you have further questions, check with your Financial Aid Office.
Where do I start?
Follow the steps below to get started on the road to fulfilling your college dreams!
1. Find a California public college near you, and explore the majors and course offerings, and cost to attend.
2. Complete the admissions process for the college you have selected to attend.
3. Apply for financial aid. For more information about the types of financial aid available to AB 540 students as a result of the California Dream Act, refer to the chart above. You can link to many of the required applications directly from the chart, under the "Type of Application Required" column. Need assistance completing your financial aid application? Our office can help! For a listing of scheduled Financial Aid Application Workshops, visit our Financial Aid Outreach page.
4. Meet with a college counselor to develop a plan to help you achieve your educational goals.
Now that I’ve applied, what happens next?
1. Your Dream Act application will be processed by the California Student Aid Commission and sent to each college you listed on your Dream Act Application (Processing occurs continuously for new applicants throughout academic year).
2. The Financial Aid Office will download your Dream Act Application information and manually match that application with your Cabrillo College Admissions Application record.
3. The Financial Aid Office will determine if you are eligible for a Board of Governor's Fee Waiver. Eligibility is determined by financial need and your AB 540 residency status as determined by Admissions & Records (Early March 2016).
4. Create a Web Grants for Students account to monitor your Cal Grant Award.
5. Submit your signed AB 540 affidavit to the Admissions & Records Office immediately after you graduate from high school.
6. Submit any requested financial aid forms to the Financial Aid O
***There is some concern that under Trump's Presidential Administration, individuals who have or will be applying for the DREAM ACT, DACA, Deferred Action Programs may be targeted by ICE and other deportation agencies. These programs are significantly less secure than they have been in the past. Anyone applying should be aware that it currently involves risk and some advocacy groups are suggesting not applying at this time, as the identifying information collected may be used against a person later. ***
