Important Dates

For many types of financial aid - such as, the Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGFW), Pell Grants and some scholarships - you can apply year round. Yet it's a good idea, to apply several weeks before the semester begins so that you'll know if you're eligible before classes start.

The Cal Grant programs have two deadlines: the well-publicized March 2nd deadline and a deadline specifically for California  Community Collegestudents, which is September 2nd. This means you can apply for a Cal Grant right through the summer, even if you missed the March deadline. To apply simply fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online (or on paper) and be sure to file your verified Cal Grant grade point average (you can get this form from your high school or CCC financial aid office) by September 2nd. The number of Cal Grants for the September deadline is limited, but you still must meet the filing deadline to be considered. It could mean a lot of FREE money for college.

To find out about different types of financial aid and how to apply, read through this web site, then visit the financial aid office on your local California Community College campus, where you can get free one-on-one assistance. Or, if you want to attend a “California Cash for College” event click here or visit www.californiacashforcollege.org  for more information.

Remember, the financial aid applications are free and so is help completing them.