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Financial Aid Workshops and Checklist:

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FSA ID

  • FSA ID

    An FSA I.D. is needed by both student and one parent (if they have a social security number) to complete & submit the FAFSA electronically.

    You can create your FSA I.D. in advance at https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/create-account/launch

    As you prepare to fill out the FAFSA, one of the first things you need to do is create an FSA ID . This is an account username and password for students and parents to access the FAFSA and sign the application electronically. It’s also how you log in to certain U.S. Department of Education websites to complete tasks like signing federal student loan documents, completing loan entrance counseling, and enrolling in loan repayment options. Because your FSA ID acts as an electronic legal signature, it’s important that you keep your login information in a safe and secure place and not share it with anyone.

    The FSA ID is an essential part of successfully completing the FAFSA and will be used throughout your college career to access federal financial aid websites. If you haven’t created an FSA ID already and have a social security number, you should make one before you fill out the FAFSA at studentaid.gov.

    You’ll need your Social Security number, full name, email address (NOT SCHOOL EMAIL) and date of birth. You’ll also need to create a memorable username and password, and provide answers to some challenge questions so you can retrieve your account information if you forget it.

     

Financial Aid Comes in 4 Forms:

  • Financial Aid explained: 

    Grants - This is free money.   

    • Grants may come in the form of money from the state of California (Cal Grant) and students who have an academic GPA of 3.0 or are eligible. Cal Grant funds vary depending on the type of college attending. (community, Cal State, UC, Private)
    • Grants also come in the form of money from the federal government. This is primarily based on total income contribution.
    • Grants can also come from the college you will attend. These grants are usually based on your successful completion of rigorous high school coursework.  They will be included in your financial aid package that is prepared for you once you submit your Statement of Intent to Register (SIR).

    Scholarships - This is free money. 

    • Scholarships can be need-based, merit-based, or given on the basis of a particular interest or background.  


    Work Study     - This is free money, but it comes in the form of a job. 

    • You must select YES on the FAFSA or Dream Act application in order to be considered. Work study is often dependent on need.
    • This money will be included in your financial aid package that is prepared for you once you submit your Statement of Intent to Register. 
    • Your school will contact you (or you will need to apply) when jobs are available and you will have a chance to choose a job once school starts in the Fall.


    Loans -     This is NOT free money. 

    • You will have to pay it back! Pay attention to payment options. You can begin making payments while in school but not until 6 months after your last day of college. So, if you take a break from school before you graduate you will have to start paying.  
    • These loans are usually offered at a lower interest rate and can help offset the immediate cost of college. 
    • When accepting a loan, consider your career goal and the income the type of entry-level job would offer since you will need to start paying back the loan soon after graduation.

     

Financial Aid Resources