Paying for College
Financial aid can help you pay for your college fees like textbooks, transportation, room and board and other educational expenses while attending community college and private or public colleges and universities. There are many options when it comes to paying for your education, through cash awards, grants, and scholarships. Types of financial aid.
Saving for College
A 529 college savings plan helps you save more over time. Any ScholarShare 529 earnings grow free from federal tax. Withdrawals for qualified higher education expenses are tax-free at both the federal and state level. Learn more about savings plan 529
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to fill out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. Each year, over 13 million students who file the FAFSA get more than $120 billion in grants, work-study, and low-interest loans from the U.S. Department of Education.
Lots of states and colleges also use the FAFSA to determine which students get financial aid—and how much they’ll get.
The FAFSA asks for information about you and your family’s finances, including tax returns, so you’ll need your parents’ help to complete it.
If you would like to estimate your federal student aid, but aren’t yet ready to apply for aid, try FAFSA4caster
California Dream Act
The California Dream Act Application allows students interested in attending eligible California Colleges, Universities and Career Education Programs to apply for state financial aid. This application is unrelated to the federal Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. Learn more about the California Dream Act
Hispanic Scholarship Fund
The Hispanic Scholarship Fund (HSF) empowers Latino families with the knowledge and resources needed to successfully complete higher education, and provides scholarships and support services to exceptional Hispanic American students.