Applying for Aid
Getting financial aid is the first step toward paying for college. The 2025-2026 and the 2026-2027 FAFSA and California Dream Act Applications are available now!
Southwestern College School Code: 001294
Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
The FAFSA is the form you use to apply for federal financial aid. You must complete a new application every year. Apply as early as you can — some aid is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Application Period
• 2025-26 California Dream Act Application: June 30, 2026 is the last day to
submit for the 2025-2026 school year
• 2026-27 California Dream Act Application: Available now
• Priority Deadline for Dreamer Cal Grant Eligibility: March 2, 2026
California Dream Act Application
The California Dream Act Application is for students who do not qualify for the FAFSA. This includes AB540 students who are not US citizens. Apply as early as you can — some aid is limited and given on a first-come, first-served basis.
Important: If you are an AB540 student AND you are a US citizen or have legal residency granted by USCIS (not DACA), you must complete the FAFSA instead of the Dream Act Application.
Who Can Apply
To qualify as an AB540 student and apply for the California Dream Act, you must:
• Have attended a California high school for at least three years
• Have graduated from a California high school, passed the California High School Proficiency Exam, or earned a GED
• Be enrolled at an accredited California college
• If you do not have legal immigration status, file an affidavit saying you will apply to legalize your status as soon as you can
To get a Cal Grant, you must also meet all other Cal Grant eligibility requirements.
Application Period
• 2025-26 California Dream Act Application: June 30, 2026 is the last day to
submit for the 2025-2026 school year
• 2026-27 California Dream Act Application: Available now (Priority Deadline for Dreamer Cal Grant Eligibility: March 2, 2026)
CA College Promise Grant (formerly BOG Fee Waiver)
The California College Promise Grant helps pay for enrollment fees at community college. The CCPG waives the current Enrollment Fee of $46 per unit. Student Health fees, Student Center fees and parking fees may also be reduced or waived. There are no minimum or maximum credit requirements for the program. It is available to California residents who meet income eligibility requirements. California residency is determined by the Registrar.
To apply for the California College Promise Grant, you MUST complete either:
• The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), OR
• The California Dream Act Application
Important: Do NOT use the CCCApply website. CCCApply is NOT the application for the California College Promise Grant. You MUST use FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application.
For more information about CCPG, see the California College Promise Grant page.
Resources for Applying for Aid
Get In Touch
Contact us if you need help or have questions.
