Financial Aid and Scholarships
Your Guide to Financial Aid and Scholarships
Looking for help paying for college or training programs? GoSJ connects you to financial aid resources and scholarship opportunities in San Joaquin County. Learn how to apply for FAFSA or the California Dream Act, and explore scholarships that align with your goals. Remember: students should apply for financial aid every year Local employers and organizations are encouraged to share scholarship opportunities to be featured on this page and across our network.
Financial Aid
Financial aid provides money to help cover the cost of college or career school. It includes grants, work-study, loans, and scholarships to make education more affordable. Watch this video to discover how federal grants, loans, and work-study programs can help you pay for your education.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid and California Dream Act Application
In California, all high school seniors must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or a California Dream Act Application (CADAA)—unless they opt-out.
The FAFSA form is used by colleges and career schools to determine how much financial aid you are eligible to receive, which could include grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans. Undocumented students can apply for state and institutional aid using the CADAA.
Any student, regardless of income, who wants to be considered for aid, should apply every year. It’s important to note that a scholarship will affect your other student aid because all your student aid added together can’t be more than your cost of attendance at your college or career school.
FAFSA/CADAA Applications and Resources
FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsaCADAA: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing
Educator Resources:
Financial Aid Toolkit Resources: https://financialaidtoolkit.ed.gov/tk/resources/all.jspScholarships
There are lots of ways to find scholarships! You can start by speaking with your high school counselor, reaching out to the financial aid office at the college you want to attend, visiting your local library, or searching online. Just be careful—make sure the scholarships you find are real and not scams trying to collect your information. And remember, you will never have to pay to apply for scholarships or get financial aid.