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.
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.
What you need to know about FAFSA
Quick guide: What to know about the new FAFSA
Follow California Student Aid Commission on Instagram for the latest news.
2025 Financial Aid Workshops
Save the dates for the following 2025 Financial Aid Workshops.
SMUHSD will be hosting financial aid workshops at multiple school sites in January and February for 12th graders and their families to get hands-on assistance with completing the FAFSA and California Dream Act applications.
- These workshops are open to all SMUHSD students and their families (not just students of the school where the workshop is located).
- Please bring your school-issued laptop.
- Spanish interpretation will be available for Spanish speaking families
Wednesday, January 22, 6 - 8 p.m.
San Mateo High School
Thursday, January 30, 6 - 8 p.m.
Aragon High School
Wednesday, February 5, 6 - 8 p.m.
Burlingame High School
Saturday, February 15, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Mills High School
Saturday, February 22, 10 a.m. - 12 p.m.
Capuchino High School
Monday, February 24, 6 - 8 p.m.
Hillsdale High School
Contact Info
Questions?
Talk to a College and Financial Aid Advisor at your school site.
Visit your school site Financial Aid web page for information specific to your school site.
Cash for College Workshops
Students and families can attend free Cash for College Workshops across California for help completing the FAFSA, CADAA and Chafee Applications.