Attend financial aid workshops

Overview

Understanding financial aid before senior year helps your family plan effectively and avoid last-minute stress. These workshops are genuinely helpful!

Cash for College Workshops (California)

Free workshops held statewide October-March that help families complete FAFSA and California Dream Act applications.

Find events at: csac.ca.gov/cash-for-college

What You'll Learn

• How FAFSA works and what determines your aid eligibility
• Difference between grants (free money!), loans (must repay), and work-study
• CSS Profile requirements for private schools
• California-specific aid: Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, Middle Class Scholarship, Blue and Gold
• How to create FSA IDs

Important Parent Action

Both student AND one parent need to create separate FSA IDs at studentaid.gov. This takes 1-3 days to verify, so start early!

Encouraging Note

Financial aid can make college more affordable than you might expect. Many families are pleasantly surprised by the aid packages they receive!