How To Apply for Aid - Prospective Graduates

Which application do I file?

FAFSA vs CA Dream Act Application
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)California Dream Act Application (CADAA)
  • You (the student) have a valid Social Security Number
  • You (the student) are a U.S. Citizen; Permanent Resident; or eligible non-citizen
  • You (the student) do not meet criteria to file a FAFSA
  • You (the student) meet the conditions of California AB540 status
Submit a FAFSASubmit a California Dream Act application (CADAA)
Eligible to receive funding from federal, state, and institutional aid programsEligible to receive funding from CA State and CA institutional aid programs

For the 2025-2026 academic year, submit your financial aid application by April 2, 2025. Be sure to file before the priority filing deadline (April 2) in order to be considered for the maximum types of aid. Applications submitted after April 2 will not be eligible for CA State or CSULB Institutional Grants.

Your financial aid application is used to determine your eligibility for all types of aid, and some scholarship providers may use your application information to determine whether you qualify for their awards. You must reapply for financial aid, including loans; grants; and federal work-study.

 

Both the EdD and the DPT Program begin enrollment with the Summer term, which is considered to be part of the previous academic year. Financial aid is available for the Summer – but requires completion of a separate process – which includes completing a separate FAFSA application (for the prior academic year).

Review the Information Guide for your program, which details the process, and required applications, for students applying to the EdD or DPT Programs.