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 open the door to most types of aid. No matter your financial situation, it's always free to apply.
Undocumented students can receive aid by submitting a California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
You don't need to fill out both applications. For undocumented students, completing the CADAA is your first step toward securing free financial aid.
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
The Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award provides free money to current high school seniors and recent high school graduates.
CAL GRANT PROGRAM
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.
Cal Grant - Transfer Entitlement
Transfer Entitlement Awards provides free money to students who plan to transfer directly from a California community college to a four-year university.
Support 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
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.
DISPLACED STUDENTS
Students affected by fires, floods, earthquakes or other disasters should complete the FAFSA or CADAA and then contact their college financial aid office.
FINANCIAL LITERACY
Learn the tools and skills that will help you make informed decisions about finances through CashCourse.
More 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.
COLLEGE CORPS
Join thousands of college students across the state who are making a real impact in their communities through College Corps. Gain hands-on experience, develop valuable skills, and earn up to $10,000 to help cover your college expenses. Make a difference while funding your future. See if your community college is participating today by viewing their resources page.
STUDENT LOANS
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.
WORK STUDY PROGRAMS
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.
Upcoming Financial Aid Events Near You
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