FAFSA/CADAA Graduation Requirement

  • Class of 2024: FAFSA/CADAA Graduation Requirement

    The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid to assist with a student’s attendance at a college or career school. California Education Code (CEC) § 51225.7 requires a local educational agency to confirm each 12th-grade student’s completion and submission of a FAFSA or CADAA unless the student is determined to be exempt or an opt-out form is completed. 

    For guidance on whether you should complete the FAFSA or CADAA learn more on the Immigrants Rising website.

    When to Apply?

    The FAFSA application will be available beginning December 2023. The priority deadline to receive the maximum aid including the CalGrant has been extended to May 2, 2024. 

    Why apply?

    • Apply for government grants, loans, and work-study all in one application

    • Access to free money for college

    • You don’t know your eligibility until you apply

    • It can only benefit you!

    • As ‘insurance’ in case your family’s income falls.

    • Can benefit high-income applicants to need-aware colleges.

    This Opt-Out form permits a student to opt out of the completion of a FAFSA or CADAA form graduation requirement. Completing this graduation requirement opt-out form does not prevent you from applying for the FAFSA or CADAA.

     

    Additional Resources

    How to Get an FSA ID for Individuals Without a Social Security Number 

    SMCOE Financial Aid Website

Cash For College Workshops

  • CSAC Cash for College Logo

    Students and families can attend free Cash for College Workshops across California for help completing the FAFSA, CADAA and Chafee Applications. 

Key Dates

  • December 2023

    April 2

    • April 2, is the priority financial aid filing deadline for most colleges and universities and the absolute deadline for submission of your Cal Grant application (CA Dream Act Application + GPA)
    • If you or your school submits your certified GPA using your DACA SSN, make sure you include that DACA SSN on question #8 of your CA Dream Act Application
    • Better yet, submit a Non-SSN GPA to the CA Student Aid Commission

    After April 2

    • Some colleges, especially community colleges, accept the CA Dream Act Application throughout the year. Check with your campus Financial Aid Office.