What is Financial Aid?
Most people can’t afford to pay for college out-of-pocket. Fortunately, there are resources available to help students cover their college expenses. Student financial aid is funding available to students attending a post-secondary educational institution to cover costs associated with attending. In addition to college tuition and fees, financial aid can be used to help pay for room and board, transportation, books, supplies, and miscellaneous living expenses. Financial aid is available from federal, state, educational institutions, and private agencies (foundations), and can be awarded in the forms of grants, education loans, work-study and scholarships.
What Are My Options?
Scholarships
Free money awarded for exceptional achievement, talent/skill, and/or financial need
Grants
Free money given usually because of financial need
Work-Study
Money earned by working a part-time job while you are in school
Loans
Money borrowed that you must repay after you finish college
How CalSOAP Can Help
In addition to financial aid presentations, financial aid workshops, and one-on-one advising, CALSOAP also provides students with online resources to further support their academic endeavors.
Here are more resources to help you pay for college:
FAFSA
Federal Student Aid
Cal Grant
California Dream Act
Grants & Scholarships