Scholarships & Financial Aid

Federal Aid: Aid that comes from the U.S. government. Usually distributed through the college.

Gift Aid: Financial aid that does not need to be paid back:

Grants - Typically based on financial need
Scholarships - Typically based on achievement or talent.

Loans: Funds that must be paid back later, with interest. Federally-guaranteed loans can be from a private lender (e.g. a bank) or form the federal government (administered by the college). Private loans are offered by private lenders with terms set by the lender, not the government.

Private Aid: Financial aid from non-goverment sources.

FAFSA Information

FAFSA

The FAFSA will be available for applicants to fill out beginning on Oct. 1st of the student's senior year.
The FAFSA will request information from tax returns.

The FSA ID: Your electronic passport to federal student aid online.

An FSA ID is a username and password that you must use to log in to certain U.S. Department of Education (ED) websites. Your FSA ID identifies you as someone who has the right to access your own personal information on ED websites such as the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®). To create your FSA ID and find out additional information visit: FAFSA and FSA ID Information.

Cal Grant Information

There are three kinds of CAL Grants: Cal Grant A; Cal Grant B; and Cal Grant C. Cal Grants can be used at any UC, CSU, California Community College, almost all independent colleges, and many career and technical schools in California.

To be eligible for a Cal Grant you must:

Submit a FAFSA application.
Meet minimum GPA requirements (Your GPA will automatically be submitted to the California Student Aid Commission by MVHS per Assembly Bill 2160)
Be a US Citizen
Be a California Resident
Have a Social Security Number
Attend a qualifying CALIFORNIA college
Have financial need based on your college costs and your EFC (Expected Family Contribution)
Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
Be enrolled at least half time

To find out more about the Cal Grant program please visit the Cal Grants Website.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE^®

Some private schools will require you to fill out the PROFILE in addition to the FAFSA. This is used to find financial info that is not provided on the FAFSA. The PROFILE has different due dates depending on the college so check your college/university financial aid websites to determine if this is required and when it is due. The PROFILE can be found at the following website: