Succeeding in the Financial Aid Process
Watch 2024-25 video recording
Use the chapter icon at the bottom right of the video to navigate to specific workshop topics
Planning Resources
Review how financial aid works
These calculators help you understand your overall eligibility for need-based financial aid based for the colleges that use the FAFSA or CSS Profile applications. Use the college data set to look up colleges' generosity with meeting financial need and awarding merit scholarships.
Calculate your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI)
Calculate your FAFSA Student Aid Index (SAI) – or your family’s ability to pay based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Use this to estimate your eligibility for need-based aid at FAFSA schools.
Compare colleges based on their generosity with need-based aid and merit scholarships
Download this spreadsheet that contains 450 colleges with key data points on colleges’ financial aid policies from the Common Data Set (CDS). Compare colleges by what percentage of need they meet on average and what percentage of students receive a merit scholarship with average amounts.
Plan and prepare for financial aid applications
Gather all the information and documents you’ll need to complete applications on time. The CSS Profile opens on October 1st, with deadlines for Early Decision and Early Action applications as early as November 1st. FAFSA opesn on December 1st.
Know which schools require the CSS Profile
Wondering which colleges require the CSS Profile for their 2025-26 institutional need-based aid? Here’s a list provided by the College Board. Remember to always confirm full application requirements on each college’s financial aid website.
Create Federal Student Aid (FSA) IDs for the student and parent contributors
This article and video instruct you on 1) who needs to create an FSA ID and 2) how to create one. You can create your FSA ID before the FAFSA opens on October 1st, 2024.
Gather the financial information for financial aid applications
This list includes the financial documents and information you need to complete your financial aid applications.
Understand the unique application requirements for separated or divorced families
This guide details which parents complete the financial aid applications and unique rules for both FAFSA and CSS Profile
Complete and submit FAFSA and CSS Profile
These resources guide you on how to complete your financial aid applications, ensuring you have the best opportunity to get the most need-based financial aid.
Sign in to the Fall 2025/Spring 2026 CSS Profile
Direct link to the 2025-26 CSS Profile application.
Accurately complete the CSS Profile
This 24-page eBook offers question-by-question instructions on how to complete the CSS Profile, organized by application sections. Using this resource will help you accurately and fairly submit the CSS Profile.
Accurately complete the CSS Profile
Screen-by-screen walkthrough of the 2025-26 CSS Profile | Video
This video contains chapter markers for each section of the CSS Profile for easier navigation.
Learn which investments to report on FAFSA and CSS Profile
FAFSA and CSS Profile have different rules on reporting your investments, like 529 Plans. Avoid over-reporting your assets by using this easy calculator.
Accurately complete the FAFSA
Screen-by-screen walkthrough of the 2025-26 FAFSA | Video
This video contains chapter markers for each section of the FAFSA for easier navigation.
Pro Tips to complete the FAFSA
Tips and strategies for students and parents on completing the 2025-26 FAFSA.
How to manually enter federal tax information on the FAFSA
In some cases, contributor will need to manually enter the information from their 2023 tax returns. This guide provides details on what to enter for every tax-related question on the 2025-26 FAFSA, with screen shots from the 2023 federal tax returns.
Video walkthrough to complete the FAFSA
Screen-by-screen instructions on how to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), including chapters for each section of the application.
Research and track college merit scholarships
College merit scholarships don’t always follow the same process and deadlines as the admissions applications. Take time and go to each college website to learn about every scholarship you’re eligible for.
Research application deadlines for college merit awards
College Kickstart‘s list of colleges with application deadlines to apply for merit scholarships. This is a good starting reference, but should not be considered comprehensive. It’s still important to do independent research for each college.
Keep track of scholarship application requirements and submission dates for your colleges
Download this tool built with Google Sheets to keep track of merit scholarship applications and deadlines for the colleges on your list.
Resources for Financial Aid from California
Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)
Explore 95+ Public Universities in 15 western states that offer California residents reduced tuition at 150% of the in-state tuition rate.
Cal Grant Programs
Eligibility requirements and steps to apply for the Cal Grant, including income and asset ceilings for 2025-26 Cal Grants.
Middle Class Scholarship
Eligibility requirements and steps to apply for the Cal Grant, including income and asset ceilings for 2025-26 Middle Class Scholarships.