Financial Aid and Scholarships
Understanding your options for paying for higher education can help to ease out of pocket costs for students and families.
Review the resources below to discover which financial aid and scholarship applications may be right for you.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Students who are U.S. citizens can submit the FAFSA to apply for federal aid, including grants, loans, work-study funds, and some scholarships. The 2024-25 FAFSA opens December 1 and must be submitted if you are applying to college. Be sure to submit your FAFSA by March 2 each year to receive priority funding for the next academic year.
For the 2025-2026 school year, students can submit their application will be available starting December 1, 2024.
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students the opportunity to apply for certain types of financial aid to cover costs of attending eligible California colleges, universities and career education programs. Students who submit the CADAA do not need to also submit the FAFSA, but the CADAA follows the same October 1-March 2 submission period as the FAFSA.
California Student Aid Commission
The California Student Aid Commission offers a variety of programs and services in an effort to make higher education financially accessible to every California resident. Their resources can assist in students’ efforts to find which financial aid options best fit their unique circumstances.
College Scholarship Service (CSS) Profile
In addition to the FAFSA, students can complete the College Scholarship Service Profile to apply for non-federal financial aid, including scholarships, non-federal grants and college-based awards. CSS Profile provides annual access to more than $10 billion in aid for undergraduate, graduate and professional students.
San Diego Foundation
The San Diego Foundation collaborates with donors, government, business, academia and community organizations to support programs and funds that add real value for San Diegans today and for future generations. Their Community Scholarship Program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.
Paying for UC
The University provides information about paying for UC.
Additional Resources
University of California Financial Aid Info:
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan
UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will cover educational and student services fees if a student is a California resident whose family earns less than $80,000 a year and qualifies for financial aid. Blue and Gold students with sufficient financial need can also qualify for even more grant aid to help reduce the cost of attending.
Outside Scholarships
Discovering scholarship opportunities offered outside your chosen institution is a great way to access funds you may otherwise have not had the chance to apply for. Learn more about finding and applying for scholarships on the Department of Education website.
Scholarship Information
- SDCOE Scholarship and Contest Opportunities for San Diego County Students
- BECA Foundation Inc.
- Nationally Coveted College Scholarships, Graduate Fellowships and Postdoctoral Awards - College and Graduate School: Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants for Students - College and Graduate School: Scholarships, Fellowships and Grants for Students
- Fastweb Scholarships - This site presents information about over 1 million scholarships, in addition to internships and part-time employment near your home or school.
- Scholarship Search - Founded in 1998, Scholarships.com has helped students find money for college and learn about the entire financial aid process.
- ScholarShare - The ScholarShare College Savings Plan is California's 529 college savings plan, a state-sponsored, tax-advantaged investment vehicle designed to help and encourage families to save for future qualified higher education expenses.
San Diego Foundation
The San Diego Foundation collaborates with donors, government, business, academia and community organizations to support programs and funds that add real value for San Diegans today and for future generations. Their Community Scholarship Program provides scholarship opportunities for local students to help pursue their educational goals and achieve their higher education dreams.