FAFSA vs. Dream Act - A first-Gen Student’s Guide to Unlocking College Financial Aid in California

If you're pursuing college in California, there are only two financial aid applications you need to know about:

1. #FAFSA – Free Application for Federal Student Aid
2. California Dream Act Application (#CADAA) – for undocumented and certain eligible students

FAFSA: Free and Widely Applicable. The FAFSA is the main application for federal and state financial aid. Key details include:

• Free to fill out – Never pay to complete it. Avoid scams or paid services.
• Available online at studentaid.gov
• Eligibility: U.S. citizens, permanent residents, legal residents (including refugees and certain visa holders)
• FAFSA covers federal grants, work-study programs, and some state aid.

California Dream Act: For Undocumented Students. If you're undocumented, a DACA student, a Dreamer, or meet AB 540 criteria, your path to aid goes through the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

• Used to apply for California state financial aid only
• Includes aid for California Community Colleges, CSUs, UCs, and private colleges
• Access it at csac.ca.gov (California Student Aid Commission)

List All Potential Colleges in Your Application

Whether you're filling out the FAFSA or the Dream Act application, it's crucial to list all the schools you’re considering attending—community colleges, CSUs, UCs, or private schools. Listing multiple schools allows those institutions to access your information and process your aid package.

If you’re applying to a district with multiple campuses and plan to take classes across them, include each school individually. The more complete your application, the more options you'll preserve for aid eligibility.

 

Income and Eligibility: What You Need to Know

A common misconception is that your household income will automatically disqualify you from aid—not true. Here’s why you should apply regardless of income level:

• Many colleges offer Middle-Class Scholarships
• Some schools provide free tuition or fee waivers even for higher-income families
• Certain aid is based on other criteria besides income, such as academic merit or community need

The earlier you apply, the better your chances of accessing maximum aid.

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