Apply for Financial Aid

There are federal and state student aid programs that can assist you in paying college expenses. If you think your family has too much money to qualify, we recommend that you still apply for financial aid. You may not receive need-based aid, but you may qualify for the California Middle Class Scholarship or low interest rate student loans. View Types of Aid for more information. Whatever your situation, you apply for most financial aid by completing the FAFSA (Free Application for Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act application).

Complete the FAFSA or CADAA Each Year You Need Aid

For each academic year you will need financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA or CADAA. There is no cost to apply for financial aid using the FAFSA or CADAA, and it is the starting point for both federal and state aid. 2024-2025 FAFSA and CADAA applications will open in December 2023. Submit your application by March 2 to be considered for state grant aid. 

Students should only complete one of the applications (not both), according to the citizenship requirements below:

You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you are a:

• U.S. Citizen
• Permanent Resident
• Eligible non-citizen
• T Visa holder

You are eligible to complete the CADAA if you are:

• Undocumented
• U Visa holders
• Have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
• Meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540

Our school code is: 001146. Be sure to list Chico State when completing the FAFSA or CADAA.

Visit our FAFSA video web page or our California Programs video web page for more videos.

New and Transfer Students:

March 2 is also the GPA verification deadline for new Cal Grant applicants. If you are new to Chico State, and/or have fewer than 24 college units, contact your previous school (high school or former college) to have your GPA verification sent to CSAC (see below).

GPA verifications will be sent automatically for Chico State continuing students with 24 or more units.

For additional information, visit our Cal Grants page.

Financial Aid Information for Parents: