California Community College Students and Financial Aid Recipients walking in front of a campus building

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 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 repay

Federal 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 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.

California Community Colleges Grants and Scholarships Recipient Working at Her Computer

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.

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CAL 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.

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Cal 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.

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California 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.

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CALIFORNIA KIDS INVESTMENT AND DEVELOPMENT SAVINGS PROGRAM (CalKIDS)

Investment and Development Savings Program

Families of low-income public school students can now access college savings accounts created in their children’s names.

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CHAFEE GRANT

Grant for Foster Youth

Current and former foster youth and dependents or wards of the court may qualify for up to $5,000 a year in free money for career training or college.

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Middle Class Scholarship

The Middle Class Scholarship provides bachelor degree seeking undergraduate students enrolled at a California community college with a scholarship to help meet the total cost of attendance.

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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.

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State Fiscal Recovery Fund (SFRF) Program

SFRF Emergency Financial Assistance Grants

For enrolled students of California Community Colleges facing financial hardship as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic. This grant aids students to remain enrolled in the current term or re-enroll in the subsequent term.

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STUDENT SCHOLARSHIPS

Scholarship

The California Community Colleges Scholarship Endowment offers over 3,000 student scholarships per year. Many private organizations also award various scholarships.

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Student Success COMPLETION GRANT

State Grant

The Student Success Completion Grant provides free money for students to take more classes and earn their degrees faster. Apply by filling out a FAFSA or CADAA form.

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2024 Keenan Insurance Scholarships

Pursuing a career in the insurance and risk management sector?

This scholarship offers tangible financial support for students and seeks to promote and increase the diversity of professionals working within the insurance and risk management sectors.

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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.

California Community Colleges Financial Support Services Building on a Sunny Campus

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.

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DISPLACED 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.

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FINANCIAL LITERACY

Financial Wellness Initiative

Learn the tools and skills that will help you make informed decisions about finances through CashCourse.

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FOSTER YOUTH

Success Initiatives

Eligible current and former foster youth can receive financial assistance for books and supplies, transportation, tutoring, food and emergency housing.

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HOMELESS STUDENTS

Food Pantries and Emergency Funds

For students facing unstable housing situations and/or food insecurity, your local community college may offer additional financial resources or support.

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UNDOCUMENTED

California Dream Act

Undocumented, Dream Act-eligible students should fill out a California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead of the FAFSA.

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UNEMPLOYED 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.

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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.

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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.

California Community Colleges Grants and Scholarships Recipient Working at Her Computer

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 Now

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 Now

CASH FOR COLLEGE

CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinar: Student Registration Virtual Event

Attend one of our CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinars! These webinars will provide students and their families with information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

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Upcoming Financial Aid Events Near You

Hartnell College Campus

March

18

FAFSA/CADAA Submission Labs Spring 2024 - Hartnell College at Hartnell College

03:00pm - 04:30pm

Financial Aid Office

8317556711
College of the Redwoods Campus

March

19

FAFSA Completion Workshop - Del Norte at College of the Redwoods

11:00am - 01:00pm

Financial Aid Office

883 W Washington Blvd, Crescent City, CA 95531

707-476-4182

March

19

CSAC Statewide Cash for College Webinar: Student Registration Virtual Event at

05:30pm - 06:45pm

Financial Aid Office

Webinar

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