Financial Aid
Californiacolleges.edu
Californiacolleges.edu
All students should begin their FAFSA or CADAA application from CaliforniaColleges.edu. This allows UMHS counselors to track submissions and help students complete their applications before the deadline every year. Not sure which application to fill out? Check out the "FAFSA vs. CADAA" handout linked on the left.
- Sign in to CaliforniaColleges.edu with your UMHS email, then click "Financial Aid" at the top of the screen.
- From the drop down menu, select "FAFSA or CADAA".
- Click the yellow "Launch FAFSA/CADAA".
- Select either the FAFSA or CADAA , then click the blue "Launch" button at the bottom right of the screen.
- Begin your selected application for the school year you intend to begin college/trade school (example: If you want to attend college/trade school beginning in the Fall of 2027, you will fill out the 2027-2028 application).
FAFSA (Free application for federal student Aid)
FAFSA (Free application for federal student Aid)
Completing a FAFSA application can qualify you for FREE MONEY from the federal government, the state of California, loans, and other financial programs (such as Federal Work Study, the California Promise Program for California Community Colleges), and consideration for institutional (from the school you attend) need-based or merit-based aid.
You need to fill out the FAFSA (or CADAA) if you plan to attend a:
- 4-year college
- Community college (2-year college)
- Trade school
Applications typically open October 1st and are due by March 2nd each year (please check with Ms. Coartney in the College & Career Center for exact dates your senior year). You will fill out the FAFSA or CADAA once a year for every year that you attend college, community college, or trade school.
CADAA (California Dream act application)
CADAA (California Dream act application)
The CADAA is California's state financial aid application that allows undocumented students to apply for FREE financial aid such as state and university grants, community college fee waivers, Cal Grant, and private scholarships. Additionally, the CADAA allows students to pay in-state tuition any any public college or university in California.
You will need to fill out the CADAA (or FAFSA) if you plan to attend a:
- 4-year college
- Community college (2-year college)
- Trade school
Applications typically open October 1st and are due by March 2nd each year (please check with Ms. Coartney in the College & Career Center for exact dates your senior year). You will fill out the FAFSA or CADAA once a year for every year that you attend college, community college, or trade school.
AB540
Under California Law, AB540 allows qualifying undocumented students to pay in-state tuition rates at California colleges, community colleges, and trade schools. Within the CADAA application, students will submit an AB540 affifavit indicating that they have met certain requirements. Click here to learn more about AB540 eligibility.
Additional resources
Additional resources
FAFSA/CADAA Night @ UMHS
Every Fall (usually early October), the UMHS College and Career Center hosts a FAFSA/CADAA Night to help students and their families fill out their financial aid applications. Be on the look out for registration information in late August/early September!
WebGrants4Students.org (WG4S)
WG4S is a free online portal created by the California Student Aid Commision (CSAC) to help students track and manage their state-based financial aid. Create your account approximately 1 week after completing your FAFSA/CADAA application. You can check you check your awards status for Cal Grants A, B, and C, the Middle Class Scholarship (MCS), provide verification for eligibility for the Chafee Grant (grant for foster youth), and perform other account manintence.