2026/2027 Deadline for CalGrant is March 2, 2026
FAFSA vs CADAA— Which is the right application for me?
There are two different financial aid applications, but you only need to complete one! Remember, you will need to complete the application for each year you attend college.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is an application operated by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Federal Student Aid (FSA) that allows students to qualify for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you:
- Are a US Citizen
- Are a Permanent Resident (“Green Card” holder)
- Have a T-Visa
- Are an Eligible Non-citizen*
California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
The CADAA is California’s state financial aid application operated by CSAC that allows undocumented and other eligible students to qualify for state and institutional financial aid.
You are eligible to complete the CADAA if you:
- Are Undocumented
- Have a U-Visa or Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
- Meet the CA non-resident exemption requirements
- New: Students from Mixed-Status Families
See Making Informed Decisions, for more information.
Source: https://www.csac.ca.gov/apply
