I'm Vanessia, a TecoGuide content creator. I’ll walk you through some essential pro tips on how to pay for college—without breaking the bank.

Two Main Ways to Pay for College

When it comes to paying for college, students typically have two options:

1. Pay out of pocket, which means covering tuition and fees with your own money or family savings.

2. Apply for financial aid, which is the smart and accessible path for most students—especially if you're a low-income or first-generation college student.

Option 1: FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)

If you are a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or an eligible non-citizen, you can apply for financial aid through the FAFSA. This application is completely free and helps determine your eligibility for a variety of federal and state financial aid programs.

Completing the FAFSA could qualify you for:

- Pell Grants

- Cal Grants (for California residents)

- Promise Grants

- Other forms of need-based financial aid

These programs are designed to reduce or completely cover the cost of your college education, depending on your financial situation.

Option 2: The California Dream Act Application

If you are an undocumented student living in California, you are not eligible for FAFSA—but you can still receive financial aid. Instead of the FAFSA, you should complete the Free California Dream Act Application.

This form serves a similar purpose. It considers your:

- Income

- Family size

- Residency

Based on that information, the application determines whether you qualify for tuition assistance and state-funded grants, just like the FAFSA does.

Need-Based Financial Aid: What It Means

Both the FAFSA and the California Dream Act application are used to assess eligibility for need-based financial aid. This type of aid is specifically designed for low-income students who need help covering the cost of college. Grants offered through these applications do not need to be paid back, making them an ideal resource for first-gen and financially underserved students.

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