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Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Four green pigs with red noses, one holding a gold coin, are gathered together in a playful scene.

Want free money for college? Apply for Financial Aid!

Remember to also apply for Scholarships. Check out our Scholarships Listt.

Applying for the FAFSA / DREAM ACT, Cal-Grant, Chafee Grant if you are a foster youth, and for the Palomar Promise can get you free money for college. The applications are available every year beginning October 1st. The deadline for all is March 2nd of every year.

FAFSA

You can apply for FAFSA beginning October 1st of every year at Click here.. Be sure to apply by March 2nd

FAFSA logo featuring the text "Federal Student Aid" in a clear, professional design.

CAL-GRANT

By applying for FAFSA or DREAM ACT by March 2nd, you will automatically be applying for the Cal-Grant because Foothills will be sending your GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (if you are a senior). We encourage you to confirm with your high school's registrar that your GPA was sent to the CSAC before March 2nd.

What you need to do: A few days after submitting your FAFSA or DREAM ACT application, create an account with the California Student Aid Commission to follow up on your Cal-Grant status. Go to Webgrants 4 Students.

California Student Aid Commission logo featuring a stylized depiction of a graduation cap and the state outline.

DREAM ACT

If you are DACAmented/undocumented, you can apply for the DREAM ACT instead of the Fafsa. Whether you are receiving DACA or not, you can apply for the Dream Act. The deadline is March 2nd.

What you need to do: After submitting the Dream Act application, be sure to print out the signature page for your parent if you were considered "dependent" and mail it in right away after your parent signs it. Your application will only be processed after the signature page is received.

Dream Act logo displayed on a white background, symbolizing support for immigrant youth and their educational opportunities.

PALOMAR PROMISE

Have you heard about Palomar Promise? By meeting some requirements you can get 1-2 years of FREE tuition at Palomar College, plus textbook assistance. See if you qualify.....

Go to Palomar College's website or SMUSD's "The San Marcos Promise" webpage for more information on the Palomar Promise. The Palomar Promise provides qualifying students with 1 year of FREE tuition at Palomar College, while the Palomar Promise PLUS provides 2 years of FREE tuition at Palomar College.

Click here. to see the eligibility requirements for each promise.

Palmar Promise logo featuring a stylized palm tree and text, symbolizing commitment to sustainability and community support.

SCHOLARSHIPS

 

Remember to apply for as many scholarships as possible. Every year, generous people and organizations look for deserving students to help them reach their academic and occupational dreams by awarding them scholarships. Check out our Scholarships Page.

CHAFEE GRANT

Are you a current or former FOSTER YOUTH? You may qualify for the CHAFEE GRANT. Check out their website to find out: CHAFEE GRANT. To check your Chafee Grant status after you've applied, go to Webgrants 4 Students.

A green frog sitting next to a bag of money, symbolizing wealth and prosperity.