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College & Careers
Topic

Financial Aid

Financial aid can make the difference between whether or not a student is able to go to college. In this section, you’ll find stories about barriers that keep students from accessing aid and the efforts to reform the system to better support the wide range of student needs.

Financial Aid
March 15, 2023

Expansion of college financial aid in California may be at risk

Lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed last year to make major changes to Cal Grants, contingent on available revenue. But now the state faces a bleak budget forecast.

Michael Burke
College & Careers
February 28, 2023

Biden’s plan to forgive student loans may be in jeopardy after Supreme Court arguments

Conservative majority on U.S. Supreme Court expressed doubts about canceling $400 billion in student loan debt.

Michael Burke
California State University
February 3, 2023

CSU’s housing grants aim to prevent rent crises among students

CSU students now have access to housing grants if they're struggling to pay rent, thanks to a $10 million systemwide increase in state funding for basic needs.

Betty Márquez Rosales
Student voices
January 24, 2023

First-generation college students: Don't be afraid to ask for help

Finishing is college is hard, especially for those who are the first in their families to seek a higher education. So take guilt-free advantage of available resources.

Randy Flores
Commentary
January 17, 2023

Reactions to the governor's higher education budget proposals

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s 2023-24 January budget proposal for California's public college and university systems.

EdSource staff
Student voices
September 26, 2022

The struggles of attending college while caring for a dying parent

As her mother was dying, the bond they shared fuels her caregiving daughter's determination to get through Cal State Dominguez Hills.

Annais Garcia
College & Careers
August 24, 2022

Californians see debt cancellation as a first step; some say more is needed to make an impact

Biden's loan forgiveness plan helps, but some say they still have lots of student debt.

Ashley A. Smith
Commentary
August 16, 2022

It’s time to end scholarship displacement

A little-known but common practice where one form of a student’s financial aid, like a university grant, is reduced or canceled when the student receives an outside scholarship affects thousands of students across California and the United States.

Nadja Jepsen and Sbeydeh Viveros-Walton
Commentary
June 7, 2022

We must reform Cal Grants to better support community college students

The current Cal Grant program creates artificial barriers for community college students to qualify for financial aid, which in turn affects both student access and success.

Marisa Perez and Byron D. Clift Breland
Financial Aid
May 12, 2022

Advocates of major changes to Cal Grant look to Newsom

After California Gov. Gavin Newsom last fall vetoed an overhaul of the state's main financial aid program, advocates for change are hopeful he will support their proposals this year.

Michael Burke
Financial Aid
January 26, 2022

Covid blamed as fewer California high school students file FAFSA applications

Financial aid applications from California high school seniors lagging with about a month before priority deadline.

Ashley A. Smith
Commentary
January 13, 2022

The right priorities? Reactions to Gov. Newsom's 2022-23 higher ed budget

Leaders representing all segments of California’s education system share their reactions to the governor’s 2022-23 January budget proposal.

EdSource staff
College & Careers
January 11, 2022

Newsom offers new money if California college systems meet equity goals

Gov. Gavin Newsom proposed $39.6 billion for California's three public higher education segments and the California Student Aid Commission.

Michael Burke And Ashley A. Smith
Q&A
January 3, 2022

California's Assembly Higher Education Committee chairman reflects on last term

California Assemblyman Jose Medina sat down with EdSource to reflect on his years as Higher Education Committee chairman and outline his priorities for his last year in office.

Ashley A. Smith
Financial Aid
November 30, 2021

Challenges remain for undocumented students to tap financial aid in California

Colleges interpret the laws differently and have different requirements for undocumented students to receive financial aid.

Zaidee Stavely