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Financial Aid

Financial Aid Information

How to Apply for Financial Aid

 

FAFSA: Complete if you are a US Citizen OR Permanent Resident

Step 1: Create a Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID) CLICK HERE (fsaid.ed.gov) 

Step 2: Complete online FAFSA application: CLICK HERE  (fafsa.ed.gov)

Students must complete the FAFSA every year to be eligible to receive federal and state aid. Schools use the information reported on your FAFSA to determine your financial aid package. Your Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) will be based on several factors including:

  •     Annual family income and household size
  •   Number of dependents attending college
  •     Family assets
  •   Other forms of income


 

 

 

California Dream Act: Complete if you are AB540- Undocumented Student

Online application: CLICK HERE (for CA colleges only)

 
There are tons of scholarships that do NOT require applicants to be citizens or legal residents. For more information about scholarships, AB 540 and the Dream Act application, visit the College Center. Go to E4FC or MALDEF for more information.
 

Types of Financial Aid:

1. Grants: Money that does NOT need to be repaid…FREE $$$$

 

CAL GRANT:

Need and merit based, state funded CA schools only

Cal Grant A:

• 3.0 or higher high school GPA and financial need

• Up to $12, 192 for UC, up to $5,472 for CSU, up to $9, 223 for privates.

• Renewable for up to 4 years (can be put on hold during community college)

Cal Grant B:

• 2.0 or higher high school GPA and financial need

• Year 1: Up to $1,473 living allowance

• Year 2: Up to $1, 473 living allowance PLUS Cal Grant A

• Renewable for up to 4 years (can be put on hold during community college)

Cal Grant C:

• Vocational programs (career based programs)

• Up to $574 for books, tools, etc., fees waived

• Renewable for up to 2 years

How to apply:

1. Complete FAFSA or Dream Act by March 2nd

2. GPA verification: LAUSD will send automatically

3. Create a Web Grants Account (click here to create) to check your Cal Grant eligibility and FAFSA status.

 

 

PELL GRANT:

Need based, federally funded, two or four-year universities

  • Award amount: $650-$5,645
  • How to apply: Complete FAFSA by March 2nd

EOP GRANT:

Based on admission to school’s EOP program

  • Award Amount: $100-$1000
  • How to apply: Student must be considered low-income and be among the first in his or her family to complete college in the United States.
  • CSU: There is an additional EOP application (deadlines vary by campus) you must file ASAP after you have submitted your admission application.

Access EOP Application Here

FSEOG GRANT:

Need based, federally funded, 4-year school

  • Award amount: $100-$4,000
  • How to apply: Complete FAFSA by March 2nd

UNIVERSITY GRANT:

Need and merit based

  • Award amount: Varies by school
  • How to apply: Complete FAFSA by March 2nd

CHAFFEE GRANT:

For foster youth or former foster youth

  • Award Amount: Up to $5,000
  • How to apply: Complete FAFSA by March 2nd

2. Loans: Borrowed money you must repay.

 

PERKINS LOAN:

Subsidized (does not accrue interest until after college. Fixed 5% interest rate)

Loan Amount: Up to $3,000/year

How to apply: Complete FAFSA by March 2nd

 

STAFFORD/FEDERAL DIRECT LOAN:

May be subsidized or unsubsidized (Interest accrues while in college. Not fixed interest rate)

Loan amount: $5,500-$7,500/year

How to apply: Complete FAFSA by March 2nd

 

3. Work Study: Financial assistance earned by student through on-campus employment.

  • Award Amount: Varies
  • How to Apply: Complete FAFSA by March 2nd and indicate interest in work study

 

4. Scholarships: FREE money awarded to students based on merit, need, interests, etc.

  • Award Amount: Varies
  • How to Apply:
    • Visit the CHS College Center for a comprehensive list of available scholarships