October Senior Family Engagement Newsletter

Financial aid helps students pay for the cost of attending college, such as tuition, fees, books, housing, transportation, and other expenses. The goal is to make college more affordable and accessible. Financial aid can come from different sources and in different forms and most students use multiple types of funds to afford college.

Grants – Free money that doesn’t have to be repaid (example: Pell Grant, Cal Grant).

Scholarships – Free money awarded for achievements based on academics, athletics, community service, etc.

Work-Study – Paid, part-time work  (usually on campus) while enrolled.

Loans – Borrowed money that students (or parents) must repay, usually with interest.

Want to learn more about the different types of Financial Aid? Click Here

Federal: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is for students 

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  Private Colleges/Universities: CSS Profile (cssprofile.collegeboard.org) is a financial aid application form, separate from the FAFSA/CADAA, used by many colleges, universities, and scholarship programs to award non-federal institutional aid, including grants and scholarships.
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  All Colleges/Universities: Institutional grants or tuition waivers
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  Private Sector: Scholarships from nonprofits, companies, foundations, and local groups

Financial aid can dramatically reduce the cost of college. Even families that think they “make too much” could still qualify for state and federal aid, considering other factors like family size, and merit-based scholarships don’t consider income. The FAFSA or CADAA is used by universities and organizations to award additional assistance, even if you didn’t qualify for federal or state aid.

Paying for college can feel complicated, but students don’t have to go through the process alone. Parents play an important role in helping their student stay organized, meet deadlines, and make informed choices about college costs.
One of the first steps is gathering financial documents. Applications like the FAFSA and CADAA require tax returns, W-2s, bank statements, and other records of income. Most students under 24 will need to include their parent or guardian’s information. However, students who are experiencing homelessness and are not living with or supported by a parent may be considered independent, which means they can complete the FAFSA or CADAA without parent information
Parents can also make the process easier by completing the FAFSA or CADAA alongside their student. For the 2025–26 school year, both applications open on October 1, 2025, and the priority deadline for Cal Grants is April 2, 2026. Applying early ensures students are considered for the maximum amount of aid.
Keeping track of deadlines is essential. Missing federal, state, or campus deadlines often means losing out on free money for college. Parents can help by organizing important dates and reminders so nothing is overlooked.
Beyond federal and state aid, scholarships are another valuable way to reduce college costs. Parents can encourage their student to search and apply for local and national scholarships. Even smaller awards can add up quickly and make a big difference.
When award letters arrive from colleges, reviewing them together helps families compare offers and understand the mix of grants, loans, and out-of-pocket costs. Attending spring financial aid workshops can also provide extra guidance in making the best decision.
Having open conversations about the family budget is equally important. Being realistic about what the family can contribute allows students to make informed choices when comparing colleges and aid offers.
Most importantly, students benefit from encouragement and support. The financial aid process can be overwhelming, but parents who stay positive and organized help reduce stress. Families looking for extra guidance can join free College Access Hub Zoom sessions or attend a Cash for College workshop, offered both online and in person.
By staying engaged, informed, and supportive, parents can make a challenging process much smoother and help their student focus on what really matters: preparing for a successful college experience.

Click here to download checklist!

Work together! Students should lead the process, but parents provide key financial information and guidance.
Please use the resources on our website and at these official websites to learn more:

 

 

Your school college counselor can help. You can attend our College Access Hubs and register for free today! Both online webinars and in-person workshops near you are available.

 

MYTH:

REALITY:

Our income is too high—our student won’t qualify.

Financial aid is not just based on income. While income is a factor, other factors include family size, the number of children in college, and the cost of the school. Many families who think they won’t qualify still receive aid, especially in the form of grants, work-study, or low-interest loans. Plus, many scholarships are based on merit and are awarded based on a student’s achievements, talents, or skills, not on their family’s income or financial situation. A merit-based scholarship might be given to a student with high grades, strong SAT/ACT scores, artistic talent, athletic ability, or community service leadership.