How to Apply for Financial Aid

Application Timeline

Apply for FAFSA or California Dream Act! The application process begins every year on October 1. For 2025-2026 FAFSA/CADAA the application is available as of December 1, 2024.

Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the priority filing date, May 3, 2025 for the 2025-2026 academic year. Applications can be submitted after the priority filling date; however, funding may be limited. 

Applications require prior year tax information.

  • Fall 2025 - Spring 2026 applications require 2023 taxes.
  • When completing the FAFSA/CADAA use your legal name as it appears in your legal documentation.
  • If you are enrolled and have not applied for the 2024-2025 academic year you can still do so.  Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 applications require 2022 taxes.

The Department of Education has announced that FAFSA and CADAA data will not be released to universities before mid-March.  Once FAFSA and CADAA data is released to us, we are committed to sharing financial aid information as soon as possible.

Students who are auditing classes or taking classes for "no credit" are not eligible for any financial aid towards those registration fees.  For cross enrollment, these funds can only be used for the units taken at SJSU. 

Financial Aid Application Workshops

Applying for financial aid doesn't have to be stressful.  Stop by one of our workshops and fill out your FAFSA or California Dream Act application. A financial aid staff member will be present to help answer your questions. Bring your laptop.  All Workshops will be held in the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office located in the Student Services Center. To help ensure you can submit your application, be sure to know/bring:

  • Verified account username and password (FSA ID) so you can log into studentaid.gov
  • Parent or spouse contributor name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address

Income and asset information for 2022 or 2023 (if required)

 Financial Aid Application Workshop dates

Various workshop dates are offered throughout this spring semester.

Want to attend a workshop? Times and dates are available when you RSVP!

Additional Information

View the following links for additional information about financial aid: