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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.
(
Brian Feinzimer
/
LAist
)
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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But the game has changed: Congress voted to eliminate funding for public media across the country. Here at LAist that means a loss of $1.7 million in our budget every year. We want to assure you that despite growing threats to free press and free speech, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust. Speaking frankly, the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news in our community.
We’re asking you to stand up for independent reporting that will not be silenced. With more individuals like you supporting this public service, we can continue to provide essential coverage for Southern Californians that you can’t find anywhere else. Become a monthly member today to help sustain this mission.
Thank you for your generous support and belief in the value of independent news.
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