Financial Aid is an important piece of being able to go to college, and there are a number of different types of aid available for higher education. Here we’ll cover what types of Financial Aid are available, how to apply for them, and scholarship options. 

Types of Financial Aid

Grants - a type of Financial Aid that does not need to be repaid. Grants are usually awarded based on financial need, though some Grants do have a GPA requirement.

Scholarships - a type of Financial Aid you must apply for but do not need to pay back. Scholarships are usually awarded based on grades, test scores, major, heritage or other criteria, but not typically financial need.

Work Study - a Federal Student Aid program that helps students work part-time on-campus and receive a regular paycheck.

Student Loans - a type of Financial Aid that must be repaid. 

Financial Aid Applications 

FAFSA

FAFSA stands for Free Application for Federal Student Aid. No matter what type of education you pursue after high school, you must file a FAFSA. This application should be starting October 1st, and while we recommend completing it in October, the deadline is March 2nd. This application should be filled out by all Seniors, as students cannot receive state or federal grants or loans without submitting this application.

California DREAM ACT 

The California DREAM ACT is the Financial Aid application for students living in California who  are not US citizens. Students will submit a CA DREAM ACT instead of the FAFSA, and can qualify for state aid to help pay for college. 

Scholarships

Humboldt Area Foundation

Humboldt Area Foundation is the community foundation of and for the citizens of the Humboldt, Trinity, and Wild Rivers regions. Applications are available early in the year, and are typically due by March. This is ONE scholarship application to be considered for HUNDREDS of scholarships exclusively for students in this area. 

Northcoast Scholarship Finder

The Northcoast Scholarship Finder is brought to you by the Humboldt Area Foundation, Humboldt County Office of Education, Cal Poly Humboldt, and College of the Redwoods. It is a comprehensive search engine for local and other scholarships. 

Scholarship Junkies

A resource run by current or previous recipients of major scholarships.

College Greenlight

Connecting first generation and underrepresented students to colleges and scholarships.

FastWeb 

This comprehensive scholarship search updates its files daily. 

American Indian College Fund 

The American Indian College Fund provides scholarships and other support for the nation's tribal colleges and universities.

Learn More

Visit our online resource Shape Your Future for a more comprehensive look at Financial Aid.