Financial Aid & Scholarship Information
Check this file for local and national scholarships available to Westmont High School students: WHS Local and National Scholarships 2025-2026
With financial aid, many students who can't afford the full cost of college are still able to earn their degrees. In fact, most full-time college students receive some type of financial aid!
Financial Aid Defined:
Financial aid is money that the government and other organizations give you, or lend you, so you can pay for college and other related expenses. To qualify for financial aid, you HAVE to apply. Sources of Financial Aid - Financial aid comes from these sources:
- The federal government (largest source)
- State governments
- Colleges and universities
- Private organizations, such as companies, clubs, and religious organizations
- Banks and lending companies
How to Apply for Federal Financial Aid
Complete the FREE Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be considered for financial aid from the federal government and state governments (California) and many colleges. You may fill out the FAFSA beginning OCTOBER 1ST! Apply here: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa
You can also apply for financial aid directly from the colleges you're applying to and from private organizations. Some of these (mostly private universities) may require you to submit the CSS/ Financial Aid Profile: https://cssprofile.collegeboard.org/
Apply for Financial Aid starting in OCTOBER!
- Complete the FAFSA during your senior year. The FAFSA & CA DREAM ACT open October 1st. College, state, and private financial aid deadlines vary. Remember that financial aid dollars are limited and in many cases are awarded on a first-come first-served basis. Apply early!
- The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are available starting October 1, 2025 for the 2025-2026 school year. Students and families use 2024 income information to apply. The California Priority Deadline continues to be March 2
- Students applying for financial aid using the FAFSA online should obtain an FSA-ID. The FSA-ID:
- • Gives access to Federal Student Aid online systems
- • Serves as legal signature
- • Parents and students will need one to sign the FAFSA
- • At this time, the FSA-ID is not needed to apply for financial aid using the CADAA.
- Use the IRS Data Retrieval tool for students applying for financial aid using the FAFSA. The IRS Data Retrieval Tool transfers income and tax information directly from the IRS to the FAFSA to facilitate completion of the FAFSA with fewer errors. At this time, the IRS Data Retrieval Tool is not available on the CADAA.
Don't Rule Out "Expensive" Colleges
- Think out-of-state schools are too expensive? Check this out WUE: https://www.wiche.edu/tuition-savings/wue/
- Keep in mind that a college that charges a lot for tuition might offer you generous financial aid. It might even be more affordable than colleges that charge lower tuition. Don't be afraid to apply to colleges you think you can't afford...
- Once you hear from the colleges you've applied to, compare your financial aid offers to see which options are best for you.
- Also keep in mind the cost of living varies based on where the college is located.