SFSU’s Pain-Free Guide to Applying for Financial Aid
Important dates
- By Student Affairs and Enrollment Management
Applying for financial aid can feel overwhelming. But with our financial aid guide, you’ll navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) like a pro. Whether you’re an SFSU student or not, we’re happy to provide some tips and tricks to make your 2025 – 2026 FAFSA application smooth and easy.
Dec. 1: Applications have opened
March 3: State aid priority deadline
Guide to preparing 2025-2026 FAFSA applications
- Create a StudentAid.gov login (FSA ID): Visit studentaid.gov and select Create Account. Save your FSA ID somewhere safe — you’ll need it every year!
- Complete the 2025 – 2026 FAFSA form: Go to studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and log in with your FSA ID. Fill out the form with personal and financial information. In most cases the IRS will directly transfer all of the tax information the FAFSA needs!
- Sign and submit: Sign the FAFSA electronically, ensuring that both the student and parent (if applicable) sign before submitting.
- Wait for financial aid offers: SFSU will use your 2025 – 2026 FAFSA to create a financial aid package. You’ll receive the package via email, and it will be available on your Student Center. Offers will be available in early 2025.
Guide to preparing 2025-2026 CADAA application
- Access the 2025 – 2026 CADAA application: Visit dream.csac.ca.gov to start the application.
- Gather required documents: You’ll need federal income tax returns and/or W-2s. Select San Francisco State University as your school and use school code 001154!
- Complete the CADAA form: Fill out the application online with personal and financial information. Review instructions carefully.
- Sign and submit: Sign electronically using the provided options on the CADAA platform. If applicable parents may sign electronically as well once the application is completed!
- Wait for financial aid offers: SFSU will use your 2025 – 2026 CADAA to create a financial aid package. You’ll receive the package via email, and it will be available on your Student Center. Offers will be available in early 2025.
Not sure which application to fill out? Learn more about the 2025 – 2026 FAFSA and CADAA applications at financialaid.sfsu.edu/start.
Campus resources
The Financial Aid Outreach Team hosts Fin Aid Fridays to help with any financial aid questions you may have. Learn more about these events by visiting financialaid.sfsu.edu/fin-aid-fridays. Other questions? Reach out to the SFSU Office of Student Financial Aid at (415) 338-7000 or finaid@sfsu.edu.
Good luck, Gators!