How to Find Free Money for College in Partnership with Sallie Mae^®

Webinar: How to Find Free Money for College

In this must-watch webinar, we’ve partnered with Sallie Mae® to help you uncover the best tips to find free money for college. You’ll learn how to research scholarships, improve your chances of winning, and reduce your reliance on student loans. Whether you’re a student or parent, this webinar will equip you with the tools to navigate scholarships and find free money for college.

FAFSA^® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

If you’re a dependent student, you’ll need to provide the following:

• Your Social Security number
• Your parents' Social Security numbers (if applicable)
• You and a parent will need a FSA (Federal Student Aid ID)*

*To access the FAFSA and sign the form electronically. Your FSA ID must be obtained at studentaid.gov before you start the FAFSA, and we recommend applying 3-5 days before you plan on starting the FAFSA.

Deadlines: Academic Year 2026-2027

Federal Deadline: June 30, 2027

California Deadline: March 2, 2026

Your FAFSA is required to qualify for the Cal Grant. To take full advantage of California’s financial aid programs, make sure to submit your FAFSA before 3/2/2026. See more deadlines.

FAFSA tips to keep in mind

• Filing the FAFSA is free—you should never be asked to pay to complete the form.
• If your financial aid status has changed, you must complete the FAFSA with the information required, and then follow up with your school’s financial aid office for further advice.
• To be eligible for federal financial aid, you must file the FAFSA for each year you’ll be in school.