Financial aid is a year-long process with a lot of steps. Here's what you need to do and when to get every last dollar for the upcoming school year (2024-25). To make sure you do everything (and do it right!), check out Mos.
Do the 2024-25 FAFSA at studentaid.gov
Even if you think you won’t qualify for federal aid, doing the FAFSA unlocks money from the CA government, colleges, and even private scholarships.
Submit your GPA to California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Your school should do this for you, but if they haven’t, submit a form here
Create a WebGrants 4 Students account here
Confirm that your GPA was sent and see how much in CA grants you received
If you can’t submit FAFSA, submit the CADAA here
Apply by May 2, 2024 to qualify for CA grants
Do your CSS profile if you apply to these schools
Some college grants are first-come, first-serve, so apply early.
Check the school’s website for different scholarships
Some scholarships are offered by different departments and have separate applications.
$82,162 Tuition
Upto$56,211Saved
$85,064 Tuition
Upto$40,690Saved
$43,043 Tuition
Upto$21,406Saved
$36,980 Tuition
Upto$17,592Saved
$36,050 Tuition
Upto$9,586Saved
$30,143 Tuition
Upto8,540Saved
$27,159 Tuition
Upto$6,075Saved
$31,921 Tuition
Upto$5,549Saved
Apply to the Silicon Valley Foundation
You have really high chances of winning $6,000+ because this scholarship is exclusive to Alameda County.
Find and apply to scholarships on Mos
Mos matches you to scholarships, sends deadline reminders, and helps you apply, all for free.
Tips
Scholarships open all year, so check back regularly for new ones.
Prioritize niche scholarships based on intersectional traits. These may require more work, but you have higher chances of winning!
Personalize each application to show how your goals align with the scholarship provider’s values.
Get an SAT waiver, save $60/test
You qualify if you receive government aid (school lunches, housing, public assistance) or your family’s annual income falls within certain guidelines; see more here.
Get an ACT waiver, save $88/test up to 4 tests
You qualify if you receive government aid (school lunches, housing, public assistance) or your family’s annual income falls within certain guidelines; see more here.
Get a Common App waiver, save $30-75/school
You qualify if you received an SAT/ACT waiver, you’re eligible for the Pell Grant, or you can provide a supporting statement from a school official; see more here.
Get a UC waiver, save $80/school up to 4 schools
You qualify based on family size and income, automatically determined on your UC app; see more here.
Get a CSU waiver, save $70/school up to 4 schools
You qualify based on family size and income, automatically determined on your CSU app; see more here.
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