FAFSA vs DREAM Act
Well Suited College and Career Planning
"We're planning ahead for a brighter future"
The cost of college tuition can be overwhelming; many High School students often struggle with anxiety, due to uncertainties over how they will be able to pay for college.
Students are unaware of the financial aid programs available to them, some of the common ones are:
These are both great options that help many achieve their educational dreams. Let’s delve into the differences between the two.
What is FAFSA?
According to Federal Student Aid, the requirements to be eligible for FAFSA include financial necessity, U.S. citizenship, or eligible noncitizen status, and a student needs to be enrolled at least half-time in an eligible degree or certificate program at a college/university.?
A student’s eligibility criteria for federal student aid also considers the Expected Family Contribution or EFC. An EFC is calculated by your family’s taxed/untaxed income and assets, it is the monetary sum your family can contribute towards your education. This will impact the amount of financial aid that a student may receive.
In order to be eligible for FAFSA, students must complete their application here. Application deadlines vary by state, check with your school’s financial aid office to get a definitive date.
What is DREAM Act?
According to American Immigration Council, the Dream Act was first introduced in 2001 that helped “Dreamers” or young undocumented Americans pursue their post-secondary goals. The bill has provided not only a path to citizenship for many of these children but has provided a way for these students to be eligible to receive federal aid.?
There are many different types of aid that the Dream Act has provided, which include:
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Scholarships are also provided, such as Middle-Class Scholarships and university-specific scholarships.
The application process requires that prospective undocumented students meet the eligibility requirements to apply for and receive any one of these California state financial aid.?
The deadline to apply for these applications is March 2nd.?
There are many difficulties that come with applying for financial aid. Well Suited College and Career Planning have provided many financial aid workshops where students are able to ask questions regarding any financial aid application information. Students are also provided with one-on-one mentorship, where they will be given college and career advice that will help them with their future careers.
Written by Sharlon Daereen Bolos, Well Suited's PR Coordinator
Sources:
“California Student Aid Commission.” CSAC. (1 Feb. 2018), California Student Aid Commission, https://www.csac.ca.gov/
"Financial Aid Eligibility." Federal Student Aid, studentaid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility.
"The Dream Act: An Overview." American Immigration Council, 16 Mar. 2021, www.americanimmigrationcouncil.org/research/dream-act-overview.