FAFSA and CADAA

The 2025-2026 FAFSA and CA Dream Act are now open for students and families to complete. The 2025-2026 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are used to apply for and renew your financial aid, including federal, state, and institutional aid, for the fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters. Only one application is required. If you are eligible to complete the FAFSA, you do not need to submit a CADAA. 

Need help with your FAFSA or CADAA application? Join us for Financial Aid Night! Our knowledgeable staff from the Office of Financial Aid will be on hand to answer your questions and to assist and support you with completing and submitting your application. No registration is required. However, let us know you're coming and we can keep you updated about the event. 

Event Details:

Date: Wednesday, February 5, 2025
Time: 4:00pm to 6:00pm
Location: Cowell Hall- 214

Sign Up Here

What You Need to Complete FAFSA

  • Meet general eligibility requirements.
  • Create a StudentAid.gov account if you do not already have one. If you have an account, but forgot your login credentials, select forgot my username or forgot my password option to reset your account.
  • If you are a dependent student or independent student that requires contributor(s) information on your FAFSA, they will also need to have their own StudentAid.gov to complete their section of your FAFSA.
  • You and your parents' Social Security Numbers (SSN).
  • 2023 tax returns.
  • Record of child support received.
  • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts.
  • Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms.

What You Need to Complete CADAA

  • Only complete the CADAA if you are a California resident, and do not meet FAFSA eligibility requirements.
  • Meet AB 540 requirements.
  • Create a CSAC account if you do not already have one. If you have an account, but forgot your login credentials, select forgot username or password option to reset your account.
  • You and your parents' 2023 tax returns, untaxed income, and bank statements.
  • Record of child support received.
  • Current balances of cash, savings, and checking accounts.
  • Net worth of investments, businesses, and farms.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

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Application Who Should File
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Domestic students who are U.S. citizens or eligible noncitizens and meets general eligibility requirements. 
California Dream Act Application  Undocumented and DACA students who are California residents and do not meet FAFSA filing requirements. FAFSA vs CA Dream Act

A FAFSA or CADAA is not required to renew merit-based financial aid. This includes, but not limited to: University Scholarship, Presidential Scholarship, Provost Scholarship, Hilltop Scholarship, Ignatius Scholarship, Dons Scholarship, Transfer Academic Scholarship, and etc. 

Yes, a FAFSA or CADAA is required for renewal of the Global Award.

If you are a dependent student, you may use the Federal Student Aid's FAFSA Parent Tool.

As an undergraduate student, CADAA filers are considered for state-based financial aid, such as Cal Grant, and institutional-based financial aid only.

Although both the FAFSA and CADAA are open to complete until June 30th of the end of the academic year, there are priority deadlines to ensure you get your financial aid package on time and to get the most of your financial aid. 

Early Decision/  Early Action November 1
Regular Decision March 1
Transfer Students March 1
All Continuing Students  March 2
Graduate/ Professional Students February 23

For California residents applying for the Cal Grant award, FAFSA or CA Dream Act application must be submitted by March 2nd for Cal Grant award consideration. A GPA verification is also required.

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