FAFSA/ CADAA & Financial Aid Information
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NJUHSD All In For Your Future! Class of 2026
This is a resource to support your post-high school planning! This site provides comprehensive information on:
- District Scholarships through Going Merry
- FAFSA/CADAA applications
- Cal Grant opportunities
- FAFSA Tips and Tricks
- California Community Colleges
- Sierra College
- CSS Profile
- NJUHSD Events
- And much more!
This tool is designed to guide you through each step as you plan for your future after high school. Whether you're looking into scholarships, understanding financial aid, or exploring college options, this link has you covered.
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FAFSA
What is FAFSA? Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®)
Use the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form to apply for grants, scholarships, work-study funds, and loans for college, career/trade school, or graduate school.
Creating a StudentAid.gov Account
Every contributor—anyone (you, your spouse, a biological or adoptive parent, or your parent's spouse) who's required to provide information on the FAFSA form—needs a StudentAid.gov account before accessing and completing their section of the online form. We strongly recommend you and your contributor(s) before starting your FAFSA form. When you create your account, be careful to enter your name and Social Security number (SSN) exactly as they appear on your Social Security card. You and your contributors can access the StudentAid.gov account by using an FSA ID (account username and password).
Note: Contributors without an SSN can create a StudentAid.gov account too to fill out their portion of your FAFSA form online.
To start the online FAFSA form, select “Log In To Start.” You’ll be taken to the “Log In” page to enter your account username and password. After logging in, you’ll be given the option to select your applicable role to fill out the FAFSA form: “Student” or “Parent.” You (the student) should select “Student.” If a parent wants to start their dependent child’s FAFSA form, they should select the “Parent” option.
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California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The is California’s state financial aid application operated by CSAC that allows undocumented students to receive free financial aid such as: state and university grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grants, and private scholarships. Additionally, the CADAA allows students to pay in-state tuition at any public college or university in California.
In comparison, the is a federal financial aid application for U.S. citizens, permanent residents (“green card” holders), T-visa holders, and other eligible non-citizens to apply for state and federal financial aid.
So, while undocumented students are not eligible for federal financial aid or the FAFSA, they are eligible for state financial aid through the CADAA.
Who can apply?
Thousands of undocumented students in California apply for and receive financial aid every year. Any of the following students who meet the requirements for a “non-resident tuition exemption” can apply for the CADAA:
- Undocumented students
- DACA recipients (valid or expired)
- Students with a U visa
- Students with Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
U.S. citizens or “green card holders” whose parent(s) or spouse are undocumented () can also apply for the CADAA if they do not want to submit a FAFSA.
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FINANCIAL AID FOR MILITARY DEPENDENTS
Both the federal government and nonprofit organizations offer money for college to veterans, future military personnel, active-duty personnel, or those related to veterans or active-duty personnel. In addition to the and the offered by the federal government, there are additional benefits available for service members, veterans, and their families.
Department of Education Benefits
The Department of Education (ED) offers a variety of benefits for which you may be eligible. These benefits include , , , and .
Federal Pell Grants
are awarded to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. You will be eligible for the maximum Federal Pell Grant amount if apply.
Student Loan Benefits
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) offer a variety of student loan benefits and repayment options available for members of the armed forces. If you believe you qualify for the benefits below but haven’t received them, contact your .