$ Financial Aid $

It's FAFSA/CA DREAM ACT Season! Even if you do not think your family may qualify for Financial Assistance, it is recommended that every Senior fill out the free FAFSA OR CA Dream application. Keep in mind that many college scholarship programs and Cal Grant Awards require a financial aid application on file.

The FAFSA/CA DREAM (2020/21) application window opens October 1st and the deadline to apply is March 2, 2020.

FAFSA APPLICATION

An FSA I.D. is needed by both student and one parent to submit the FAFSA electronically. You can create your FSA I.D. in advance at https://fsaid.ed.gov or you can also watch this step by step video on how to create your I.D.  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K7ihhGk8mCY&feature=youtu.be Students can start their online FAFSA application at fafsa.gov

CA DREAM ACT APPLICATION 

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. Students can start their online CA Dream Act application at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/ 

Financial Aid Workshops

Seniors and their families are invited to attend the 3rd Annual College Application and Success Day parent info and financial aid meeting on Wednesday, October 2nd, 2019 from 6:00 - 7:30 PM in the Staff Cafeteria. After the info meeting, Advance! will have a Financial Aid presentation and help students and their parents create an FSA I.D. in preparation of College Application and Success Day. The College and Career Center will also have FSA ID workshops for students on Thursday, September 26th & Thursday, October 10th during lunch in the College and Career Center.

If students need assistance with their FAFSA/CA DREAM application or creating an FSA ID, please contact Ms. Conde at aconde@fjuhsd.org or in the College and Career Center.

Financial Aid explained: Financial Aid 101

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.  

• For a list of scholarships and scholarship sites please scroll down or log in to Naviance.

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 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.