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California extends student financial aid application deadline
Fewer students have sought help to pay for college this year compared with years past.
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Brian Feinzimer
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LAist
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Topline:
The California Student Aid Commission has extended its deadline to apply for financial aid. Students across the state now have until April 2 to submit their applications.
Why now: So far, fewer students have sought help to pay for college than in recent years. Administrators say that’s in part because the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, better known as FAFSA, was released two months later than expected and because students who have at least one undocumented parent are worried about sharing information with the Trump administration. Earlier this month, the California Student Aid Commission urged counselors to double down on outreach to students who haven’t submitted an application.
Why it matters: FAFSA completion is one of the best predictors of whether a high school senior will go to college. Last year’s process was filled with problems, and while a revised FAFSA process worked well for some students, thousands of others experienced delays, glitches and other challenges, leading to a nationwide drop in FAFSA completion rates.
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Where to apply: FAFSA is open to students who are U.S. citizens. Some noncitizens, including permanent residents, are also eligible. Undocumented students can access state-based financial aid by submitting the California Dream Act Application. This application is also open to students in mixed-status families who are wary of completing the FAFSA.
Good to know: The deadline for community college students to apply is Sept. 2, 2025.
Need help applying? The state Student Aid Commission continues to host Cash for College workshops, in-person and online.
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