This Page contains helpful links to various financial aid information as well as links to local college financial aid offices. We understand the this process is stressful and are here to assist with the process.
Students, parents and borrowers are required to use an FSA ID, made up of a username and password to access certain U.S. Department of Education Websites. Your FSA ID is used to confirm your identity when accessing your financial aid information and electronically sign your federal student aid documents.
Apply for Financial Aid by using the FAFSA. Federal Student Aid has more than $150 billion available to help pay for school. Applications become available annually on October 1 and close March 2nd.
The California Dream Act Application allows students enrolled in eligible California Colleges, Universities, and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the Deferred Action for Childhood arrivals (DACA) program. Applications are available October 1st and close March 2nd. https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
CHAFEE GRANT
Students who were in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. This money back does not have to be paid back. Students may also be able to use this grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while in school. The Chafee Grant can be used at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states. Students must submit a FAFSA/Dream Act Application as well as a separate CHAFEE grant Application. https://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov/
WEBGRANTS 4 STUDENTS
The California Student Aid Commission has created WebGrants 4 Students (WGS) just for you, the student. The goal is to provide you with the resources, information and tools needed to assist you with the college financial aid process. WGS will allow you to manage your Cal Grant and/or Chafee account(s) online by letting you view updates, make school changes, make address changes, make corrections, and post leave of absence requests. It is important for you to understand that your WGS account does not replace your School or FAFSA accounts. Each account must be monitored and managed independently. https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/
Most colleges and universities nationwide use the FAFSA as their sole application for need-based financial aid, so students applying for aid at those colleges only need to complete the FAFSA. However, there are about 200 colleges which require that the CSS Profile also be completed in addition to the FAFSA. Those colleges use the CSS profile to assess the student’s eligibility for the college’s own institutional aid dollars. The CSS Profile campuses tend to be highly competitive campuses. https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
The College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents benefit waives mandatory system-wide tuition and fees at any State of California Community College, California State University, or University of California campus. This program does not cover the expense of books, parking or room and board. There are four plans under which dependents of veterans may be eligible. https://www.calvet.ca.gov/VetServices/Pages/College-Fee-Waiver.aspx
Financial Literacy
Shasta College's Website offers information regarding financial literacy and money management. Their mission is to provide students with accurate information and resources, to plan and prepare for a fiscally sound future and succeed in their educational endeavors. http://www.shastacollege.edu/fa_finlit
US Dept. of Ed - Financial Aid Shopping Sheet
The College Financing Plan is a consumer tool that participating institutions use to notify students about their financial aid package. It is a standardized form that is designed to simplify the information that prospective students receive about costs and financial aid so that they can easily compare institutions and make informed decisions about where to attend school.
