Students with Dependents
FAFSA/CADAA Priority Deadline:
2026-27: Even though the 3/3/26 California priority deadline has passed, you can still apply for financial aid. Funding may be more limited, however we still strongly encourage you to apply!
Student Parents & Dependent Care Expenses
If you are a student with dependent care expenses related to attending classes, studying, internships, clinical placements, or commuting, you may request a special circumstances appeal(opens in new window) through the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.
This appeal may allow additional consideration for educationally related dependent care expenses and may increase eligibility for certain financial aid programs.
Eligible Expenses May Include:
- Childcare
- Before/after school care
- Preschool
- Babysitting services
- Adult dependent care
Expenses must be related to the student’s educational activities and occur during their enrollment period.
How to Request a Special Circumstances Appeal
For instructions on how to request an appeal, see our special circumstances appeal webpage(opens in new window).
Appeals are reviewed on a case-by-case basis in accordance with federal financial aid regulations and institutional policy.
Appeals are processed in the order they are received and it can take up to several months to review your appeal.
Important Information
Approval of your appeal does not guarantee additional financial aid. Funding eligibility is subject to federal, state, and institutional regulations and availability of funds.
Students must also meet all other eligibility and enrollment requirements(opens in new window).
Students with Dependents Access Grant
For information about the Students with Dependents Access Grant see the information at the bottom of our Cal Grant webpage(opens in new window).
Additional Chico State Resources
Learn more about how Chico State supports our parenting students by clicking this link(opens in new window). For additional resources, see Chico State's Services for Student Parents webpage(opens in new window).
Contact Information
Questions? Contact us at