A guide to your options
Education & student aid
College aid depends on more than completing a form. Your school, enrollment, family circumstances, and the type of award can change the next step. Follow the application through the award decision and what happens afterward.
Find your next step
8 guidesFAFSA Without Parent Contact: Requesting a Review
Learn the FAFSA route when contacting a parent is unsafe or impossible, how the school reviews unusual circumstances, and why parent refusal is different.
Federal Work-Study: From an Aid Offer to a Paid Job
Turn a Federal Work-Study offer into a job search, understand how wages are paid, and check award limits, class schedules, and continued eligibility.
Income Changed? How to Request a Financial Aid Review
Ask your college to review financial aid after job loss or another income change, prepare relevant evidence, and separate an aid review from a FAFSA correction.
SAP Appeal: How to Request Financial Aid Reinstatement
Read a satisfactory academic progress notice, prepare a focused SAP appeal, and understand how probation and an academic plan affect financial aid.
Student Loan Disability Discharge: How to Apply
Compare VA, Social Security, and medical-certification routes for student loan disability discharge and prepare an application through StudentAid.gov.
One Big Beautiful Bill Pell Grant Changes for 2026-27
How the One Big Beautiful Bill Act changes Pell Grant eligibility for 2026-27: the new SAI cutoff, the full-scholarship rule, and Workforce Pell.
Pell Grant Eligibility 2026: Who Qualifies, How to Apply
No income cutoff: Pell Grant eligibility for 2026-27 runs on your SAI. The $14,790 line, the $740-$7,395 range, new rules, and each step in order.
Cal Grant 2026-27: Eligibility, Deadlines & Award Status
The 2026-27 Cal Grant deadlines have passed. Check your award, missing GPA, eligibility, and remaining options with CSAC and your financial aid office.