Community College Students Urged Not to Miss the Sept. 3rd FAFSA Deadline

Hundreds of millions of dollars in debt-free financial aid goes unclaimed every year — but this year, fewer students than ever are applying for funds, meaning that many will miss out on aid they may not even realize they are eligible to receive.

The California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office and the California Student Aid Commission are asking students to submit their financial aid application by the Sept 3 deadline so that they can receive the most aid available for the 2024-2025 academic year.

As of Aug. 27, at least 40,000 fewer students had submitted a financial aid application than in the same period last year, according to the Commission.

“Financial aid is transformative — it allows students to access high-quality upskilling and higher education opportunities,” said California Student Aid Commission executive director Daisy Gonzales.

“The Commission is here to provide students and families with the support and resources they need to complete their financial aid application. We believe in your dreams. Apply.”

Students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid or a California Dream Act Application in order to be considered for all types of financial aid.

The FAFSA and CADAA are gateways for students to receive a variety of aid opportunities to support their higher education, including federal and state aid, scholarships, on-campus paid student positions, loans, and more.

Community colleges can bring life-changing opportunities for students, particularly those from low-income or immigrant backgrounds. However, any incoming or current student can file an application for financial aid, regardless of their college or university.

Students who have not yet filed their FAFSA or CADAA can still attend a Cash for College webinar co-sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission and the California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office to get help navigating the process.