FAFSA / CADAA Support

The 2026-2027 FAFSA and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are NOW OPEN! The priority submission deadline for the 2026-2027 FAFSA and CADAA is March 2, 2026.
 
You can still apply for aid for 2025-2026! The priority submission deadline for the 2025-2026 FAFSA and CADAA was April 2, 2025, but students are still encouraged to apply to maximize their financial aid eligibility.
 

FAFSA/CADAA Workshops (FA x EOP) 

Parents are welcome! Students, bring your laptop!

Have your studentaid.gov login credentials ready.

In-person, weekly labs

  • Thursday, January 29 at 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. in LA4 100
  • Monday, February 2 at 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. in HC 102
  • Thursday, February 12 at 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. in LA4 100
  • Thursday, February 18 at 10:45 a.m. - 1 p.m. in LA4 100
  • Tuesday, February 24 at 9:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m. in LAB 114

In-person, night lab

  • Wednesday, February 18 at 5 p.m. - 7:30 p.m. in COB 140
    • (Spanish Available)

In-person, weekend

  • Saturday, February 28 at 9:45 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. in COB 140
    • (Spanish Available)

View event information and RSVP.

Scholarships x Basic Needs x Dream Success Center 

Join us for free food and a writing retreat to work on your application.

For questions, email SupportingStudents@csulb.edu.

In-person, presentation and writing lab assistance

  • Tuesday, January 27 at 3 p.m. - 5 p.m. in SSC 122
  • Wednesday, February 11 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in SSC 202
  • Monday, February 17 at 11 a.m. - 1 p.m. in SSC 122

View event information and RSVP.

Scholarship and FAFSA/CADAA workshops flyer with workshop times.

To request disability-related accommodations, please contact the Bob Murphy Access Center at (562)-985-5401 or bmac@csulb.edu.

 

Video thumbnail for ocelot_fafsatutorial_gettingstarted_2526

The Getting Started with the FAFSA playlist Features:

  • Financial Aid Basics
  • FAFSA Tutorials
  • Understanding your Financial Aid Offer
  • Eligibility
  • ...and more!

Explore more videos via FAtv.

 

Explore Frequently Asked Questions:

Select a question below to view the answer. You may also use the Ask Elbee Chatbot 24/7 or view the FAtv video library. Still need support? Contact CSULB Financial Aid and Scholarships.

  • Students and parents/guardians will not be able to access the FAFSA form without an FSA ID. Be sure to create your FSA ID if you haven't already.
  • If you do not have a Social Security number (SSN), find support via the U.S. Department of Education.
  • If you or a parent/guardian do not have a SSN, and are in the progress of validating your identity within the FAFSA process, you will still be able to submit your FAFSA app.
  • Students interested in learning more about the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) may connect with CSULB's Dream Success Center for additional support.

New FSA users who request a StudentAid.gov account and cannot validate their identity using the knowledge-based questions (as generated by TransUnion), may still complete the manual process to validate their identity. 

You do not need to wait for identity (for yourself or a family member) to be validated before submitting your FAFSA or CADAA. This means students or family members who do not have an assigned SSN may still submit their FAFSA/CADAA forms.
 

Students or family members who do not have an assigned SSN may still submit their FAFSA/CADAA forms. Identity validation does not need to be fully completed before using an FSA account username and password to access and complete the 2025-2026 FAFSA.


Individuals awaiting the results of the identity validation process may use their StudentAid.gov account immediately.
 

When you submit your FAFSA, you will likely see an "in review" status. No action is needed as long as you received a confirmation email that your FAFSA was submitted.

First, view the U.S. Department of Education's Tips for Preparing to Fill out the FAFSA.

While the U.S. Department of Education is the best source to help you with your individual FAFSA, you may seek general advice and support from CSULB's Financial Aid and Scholarships team.

Students interested in support with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) may connect with CSULB's Dream Success Center.