Financial Aid

Community College to Four Year Transfer Path

Tuesday, April 28, 6:30 - 7:30 p.m.

SMUHSD invites students and parents to learn more about the community college to four-year transfer pathway.

Tune in to hear from former SMUHSD students who will be sharing their experiences navigating the community college system, and who transferred (and graduated from) different UC campuses.

Check in with the College & Financial Aid Advisor at your school site with any questions!

Zoom Link: https://smuhsd-org.zoom.us/j/91823819014

 

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Free Camp College Workshops

Join the Western Association for College Admission Counseling (WACAC) on Wednesdays this summer and fall for the return of Camp College.

This seven-session virtual bootcamp for college applications is FREE and open to all high school counselors and students in the graduating class of 2027. 

Reserve your spot now for this informative series specifically curated to maximize each step of the application journey: https://us06web.zoom.us/webinar/register/WN_8Rod86sBRderH-J29qUIxA#/registration

2026 Dates:

All sessions are held on Wednesdays from 4 - 5 p.m.

• May 27: Building Your College List
• June 3: How College Application Decisions Are Made
• June 10: Avoiding Missed Opportunities On The Common App/UC App
• June 17: Getting Started On Your App: Essays & Activities 
• June 24: Personal Writing For The Common App And UC App 
• September 23: Ask The Experts Q&A Session
• September 30: Financial Aid

As you prepare for college or career school, explore how financial aid works, learn about the types of aid, and find out if you’re eligible. You can also estimate what aid you may be eligible for when you check out Federal Student Aid Estimator.

• How Financial Aid Works

• Different Types of Financial Aid:

  • Grants

  • Scholarships

  • Work-Study Job

  • Loans

  • Aid for Military Families

  • Aid for International Study

  • Additional Aid Resources

Applying for Financial Aid

Federal student aid from ED covers such expenses as tuition and fees, room and board, books and supplies, and transportation. Aid can also help pay for other related expenses, such as a computer and dependent care. Thousands of schools across the country participate in the federal student aid programs; ask the schools you’re interested in whether they do!

Apply for federal student aid—grants, work-study, and loans—using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. Learn more.
 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for financial aid for college or graduate school. 

View FAFSA Deadlines.

Note: Starting with the Class of 2023, filling out the FAFSA is a graduation requirement. 

California Dream Act Application (CDAA)

The California Dream Act allows undocumented students, DACA recipients (valid or expired), U Visa holders and students under Temporary Protected Status (TPS), who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540), Senate Bill 2000 (SB 2000) and Senate Bill 68 (SB 68), to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants. 

In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California. 

Check out some resources from the California Student Aid Commission for undocumented/Dreamer students filling out the California Dream Act Application.