What is financial aid?

Financial aid is money given, borrowed, or earned to help students pay for the cost of a college education. 

There are two types of aid:

• Gift Aid: grants & scholarships
• Self Help Aid: loans & work-study

How and when to apply

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the main application for most state and federal aid. It does NOT cost money to complete a FAFSA.

The filing period for aid in California is between January 1st and March 2nd. Students need to re-apply for aid every year by completing a renewal FAFSA.

Easy 8 step FAFSA tutorial, courtesy of the Financial Aid Office at UC Santa Barbara.

Do I qualify?

Everyone should apply for financial aid!

Students not eligible for gift aid, may be offered self help aid in the form of a student or parent loan. Visit the Federal Student Aid website to learn more.