How to Apply for Financial Aid

Application Timeline

Apply for FAFSA or California Dream Act! The application process begins every year on October 1. 

Students are encouraged to file the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the priority filing date, March 2nd, 2026 for the 2026 - 2027 academic year. Applications can be submitted after the priority filling date; however, funding may be limited. 

Applications require prior year tax information.

  • Fall 2026 - Spring 2027 applications require 2024 taxes.
  • When completing the FAFSA/CADAA use your legal name as it appears in your legal documentation.
  • If you are enrolled and have not applied for the 2025-2026 academic year you can still do so.  Fall 2024 - Spring 2025 applications require 2023 taxes.

The Department of Education has announced that FAFSA and CADAA data will not be released to universities before mid-March.  Once FAFSA and CADAA data is released to us, we are committed to sharing financial aid information as soon as possible.

Students who are auditing classes or taking classes for "no credit" are not eligible for any financial aid towards those registration fees.  For cross enrollment, these funds can only be used for the units taken at SJSU. 

Financial Aid Application Workshops

Applying for financial aid doesn't have to be stressful.  Stop by one of our workshops and fill out your FAFSA or California Dream Act application. A financial aid staff member will be present to help answer your questions. Bring your laptop.  All Workshops will be held in the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office located in the Student Services Center. To help ensure you can submit your application, be sure to know/bring:

  • Verified account username and password (FSA ID) so you can log into studentaid.gov
  • Parent or spouse contributor name, date of birth, Social Security number, and email address

Income and asset information for 2024 (if required)

Financial Aid Application Workshop dates

Various workshop dates are offered throughout the academic year.

All workshops are held in the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office Conference Room. 

2025

Wednesday - October 15th at 3p - 4p
Friday - October 17th at 10a - 11a
Thursday - October 23rd at 11a - 12p
Monday - October 27th at 2p - 3p
Thursday - November 6th at 10a - 11a
Monday - November 17th at 11a - 12p
Wednesday - November 19th at 3p - 4p
Wednesday - December 10th at 3p - 4p
Friday - December 12th at 11a - 12p

2026

Monday - January 12th at 10a - 11a
Wednesday - January 21st at 11a - 12p
Friday - January 23rd at 10a - 11a
Tuesday - January 27th at 3p - 4p
Friday - January 30th at 3p - 4p
Wednesday - February 4th at 10a - 11a
Tuesday - February 10th at 11a - 12p
Thursday - February 12th at 9a - 10a
Monday - February 16th at 2p - 3p
Wednesday - February 18th at 3p - 4p
Tuesday - February 24th at 11a - 12 p
Friday - February 27th at 10a - 11a
Monday - March 2nd at 9a - 10a
Monday - March 2nd at 2p - 3p

Additional Information

View the following links for additional information about financial aid: