How to Apply For Financial Aid
To apply for aid, you'll first want to start by completing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. Please do not complete them both -- this can cause delays in processing your account. If you aren't sure which application to complete, the California Dream Act Application has some initial questions that will help you determine which application is best for your situation!
The FAFSA or California Dream Act Application are not your final steps -- We always encourage students to apply for all scholarships that they may be eligible for!
Every October 1st, the new Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) will be available for the upcoming school year. It is important to know that you will need to complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application each year to receive federal aid. Only complete one financial aid application – Completing both the FAFSA and the California Dream Act Application can cause significant delays in receiving any financial aid. If you aren’t sure which application to complete, the initial questions on the California Dream Act will let you know which application is best for your situation.
To make sure that we receive your FAFSA, make sure you add our school code: 001147
While you can complete the FAFSA throughout the academic year, our priority deadline is March 2nd before the fall semester.
The FAFSA is based off income and federal tax information from two years prior. You’ll need other personal and income information as well – For a full list of what you may need, click here.
For example:
The 2018-2019 FAFSA is for the Fall 2018, Spring 2019, and Summer 2019 semesters. Your (and your parents’) 2016 income and federal tax information is needed
The 2019-2020 FAFSA is for the Fall 2019, Spring 2020, and Summer 2020 semesters. Your (and your parents’) 2017 income and federal tax information is needed
The FAFSA can be completed in one of three ways:
- Online at FAFSA.ed.gov
- On your iOS or Android device, by downloading the myStudentAid app
- By completing the paper application; found here (under Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Information) and mailing it in to the U.S. Department of Education.
NOTE:The fastest, and most recommended way to complete your FAFSA is by completing it online or through the app on your phone. Mailing the paper FAFSA can cause significant delays in processing.
Every October 1st, the new California Dream Act Application will be available for the upcoming school year. It is important to know that you will need to complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application each year to receive federal aid. Only complete one financial aid application – Completing both the FAFSA and the California Dream Act Application can cause significant delays in receiving any financial aid. If you aren’t sure which application to complete, the initial questions on the California Dream Act will let you know which application is best for your situation.
The California Dream Act Application has a deadline of March 2nd for the upcoming year. If you miss this deadline, you can still apply, but your eligibility may be limited.
You are eligible to complete the California Dream Act Application if you are undocumented, have a valid or expired DACA, are a U Visa holder, have Temporary Protected Status (TPS), and meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540.
The California Dream Act Application can be completed online (this is recommended for faster processing!) or through the paper application.
Check out the California Student Aid Commission’s (CSAC) FAQ on the California Dream Act Application!
You’ll want to check with your high school counselor to ensure that your GPA was uploaded to CSAC by the March 2nd deadline!
Completing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application isn’t the only way to get financial aid. Scholarships are a great option because you don’t have to pay them back! They do, however, require a little effort on your part in researching, finding, and applying for them. Here are a few tips to get you started:
- Check out our Scholarships Page to complete the Fresno State Scholarship Application – It opens the October 1st prior to the upcoming fall semester and closes that following March 2nd. This application gives you the opportunity to apply for a ton of Fresno State Scholarships in just one application!
Keep in mind, a lot of scholarships also require the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to be completed, so you’ll want to make sure you complete the application that your eligible for!

FSA ID
First time completing the FAFSA? Create your FSA ID here!

FAFSA
Ready to complete your FAFSA? Click here!

CA Dream Act
Ready to complete your California Dream Act Application? Click here!
Tips for completing the FAFSA:
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After Completing your FAFSA…
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