Financial aid is available to assist students and families in meeting the costs of a college education. If you need help paying for fees, books, and other expenses, you should apply for financial aid.

There are a few basic types of aid: grants and scholarships, which don't have to be repaid; work-study jobs on or off campus; and loans, which must be repaid. Plus, at the California Community Colleges, you may receive a Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOGFW) or assistance from other programs.

Colleges, the state and the federal governments, as well as many private organizations, fund various kinds of financial aid. The first step in finding these resources is to apply-even if you aren't sure you'll qualify. More...

If you feel like you know what you need to know and are ready to start the financial aid application process, click here.