Central California Educational Opportunity Center
Post-Secondary Educational Resources
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form that needs to be filled out to get any financial aid from the federal government to help pay for college. This application is also used to determine eligibility for financial aid from the state.*
Basic Eligibility Criteria**
- Demonstrate financial need
- Be a U.S citizen or eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid SSN (with the exception of those from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, or the Republic of Palau)
- Register for selective service if male between ages of 18-25
- Enrolled or accepted into an eligible degree or certificate program
- Enrolled in an approved insitution at least half-time (usually 6 units)
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress in college or career school
- Show you're qualified to obtain a college or career education by having a high school diploma or a recognized equivalent, such as a GED or HiSET
3 Ways to complete the FAFSA (Apply to our program to have Outreach Staff guide you through the process)
- Online
- On the MyStudentAid app through your smartphone
- Paper application
*If you do not have a valid social security number you are not eligible to apply for financial aid using the FAFSA. You may be eligible to apply for the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) (See information below).
If you recieved a social security number with your DACA status you must still apply for the CADAA as it is not valid for FAFSA.
Apply to CADAA (if you do not have a valid SSN)
** Eligibility criteria for the FAFSA is taken from studentaid.gov. More details and FAQ's on their website.
A Cal Grant is money for college you do not have to pay back. To qualify, you must apply for the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline and meet the eligibility requirements and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements.
Scholarship criteria and application deadlines vary.
In order to be considered for a Fresno State scholarship, you must be a continuing student or a new student who has applied for admissions for the upcoming academic year.
CCC Apply is the website used to apply to any California Community College.
Program staff can help walk you through the process or you can click on the button below to apply for your chosen CA Community College.
The California College Promise Grant is a state program that waives enrollment fees for qualifying students at California Community Colleges. The Promise Grant is for California Residents, eligIble AB540 students, and AB 1899 students (T Visa or U Visa Holders), as determined by the Admissions and Records office at your chosen CA Community College. Part-time and full-time students may qualify for the Promise Grant.
To receive this assistance, students must have applied for financial aid through the FAFSA or CA Dream Act and be a CA resident or eligible AB540 student. Individuals are awarded this grant automatically if they qualify when their respective college receives their FAFSA or CA Dream Act. (Dependent on college of choice you may have to do a separate application. Always check with the Financial Aid Office on your chosen campus) You must re-apply each year, this can be done when applying for FAFSA or CA Dream Act.
Individuals MUST do the following in order to be eligible for the grant the following year:
- Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher for the year.
- Complete more than 50% of your coursework for the year.
The Promise Grant does not cover:
- Non-Resident Tuition and Enrollment Fee
- Out-of-Country Non-Resident Surcharge
- Student Service Fees
- Health Service Fees
- Transportation Fees
- Additional Course Material
- Full Parking Fees
- Diploma Fees
- Books/Supplies
- Non-sufficient Funds/Stop Payment Fee
Check with your specific college to see if there is any specific fees this waiver does not cover.
There are a total of 23 California State University campuses across California.
Cal State Apply is the online application tool that students use to apply to any of the 23 CSU campuses. There is a $70 fee to apply per campus but applicants are automatically considered for a fee waiver based on the information requested in the application.
Admissions Requirements for First-Time Students
- Complete specific high school coursework
- Achieve suitable grades in specified courses and on tests
- Graduate from high school or equivalent
Admissions Requirements for Transfer Students
- Complete at least 60 semester or 90 quarter units
- Required general education before transferring
The CSU Foster Youth Tuition Waiver is available for current and former foster care youth, ages 25 or younger, who are enrolled at a CSU campus in an undergraduate program.
Students are exempt from paying the systemwide tuition fee (this covers only state-supported courses) at any CSU campus. The tuition fee waiver only applies to the systemwide mandatory tuition fee and application fee. It does not apply to campus-based mandatory fees. The waiver does not include campus fees, housing, books, transportation, or other costs of attendance. The amount of the waiver may be reduced by any state or federal aid, including scholarships or grants, received by the student for the academic year or semester/quarter.
Eligibility Criteria
Students who have been in foster care for at least 12 consecutive months after reaching 10 years of age must meet any of the following criteria:
- Is under a current foster care placement order from juvenile court.
- Was under a foster care placement order from juvenile court upon reaching 18 years of age.
- Was adopted or entered guardianship from foster care.
- Be 25 of age or younger on the first day of the academic year.
In addition to the above, a student must fulfill all of the following:
- Be a California resident.
- Maintain minimum grade point average (academic standards by campus).
- Be in academic good standing with the university.
- Enrolled in a undergraduate program (any major).
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) annually.
- Meet the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A.
The California Chafee Grant is free money for current or former California foster youth to help pay for college or career and technical training. Chafee Grants don’t have to be paid back. You may also use your grant to pay for child care, rent, and transportation while you’re in school. A Chafee Grant is a federal and state funded grant subject to yearly availability of funds.
How to Apply
To be considered for a California Chafee Grant, you must complete the following:
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA
- Submit the California Chafee Grant Application online
Our staff can help you with these applications.
CHAFEE Grant online application
There are a total of 10 UC Campuses across California but only the 9 on the map are open to first-time freshmen and transfer students.
To apply for admissions to a University of California campus you will have to satisfy certain requirements in order to apply.
Admissions Requirements for First-Time Freshmen
- Complete 15 A-G courses
- Earn a 3.0 GPA or better in these courses
Learn more about first-time freshmen requirements
Admissions Requirements for Transfer Students
- Complete at least 60 semester units
- Earn at least a 2.4 GPA
- Complete the required/recommended courses needed for your intended major
- Complete the 7 course general education classes required by the UC
UC's Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will ensure that you will not have to pay UC’s systemwide tuition and fees out of your own pocket if you are a California resident whose total family income is less than $80,000 a year and you qualify for financial aid.
You don't need to fill out a separate application to qualify for the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan. You will receive the benefits of the Blue and Gold plan automatically if you qualify.
There is not a separate application but MAKE SURE to file FAFSA or CADAA and submit the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the March 2 deadline.
Support Programs in the Valley
Bulldog Reconnect is a new path to degree completion for former Fresno State students eligible for readmission. This program helps students return to finish their previous traditional major program or return to a new major that aligns better with their current life and career goals. They also offer students the chance to complete a Bachelor's of Arts (BA) in Liberal Arts online and earn a possible minor from previous coursework.
If you are unsure if you are eligible call our office to speak with an Outreach Staff to go over your situation.
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Fresno State |
TRIO SSSP at Fresno State provides low-income and/or first-generation undergraduate students with academic support, financial aid literacy/education, and graduate school preparation support to ensure every individuals' successful retention and graduation. Services Include: academic advising/counseling, tutoring, academic success workshops, mentorship and much more. Contact them for details at 559.278.5725. |
| Clovis Community College |
TRIO SSSP at Clovis Community offers guidance, mentorship, and motivation to low-income and/or first-generation students to successfully complete a certificate, associate degree, and/or transfer to a 4-year institution. Services Include: priority registration, UC and CSU campus tours, academic advising, scholarship opportunities, and much more. Contact them for details at 559.325.5230. |
| College of the Sequoias (COS) |
TRIO SSS at COS provides low-income and/or first-generation students with academic support, financial aid literacy/education, and graduate school preparation support to ensure every individuals' successful retention and graduation. Services Include: academic advising/counseling, tutoring, academic success workshops, mentorship, and much more. Contact them for more details at 559.737.5400. |
| Fresno City College |
TRIO SSSP at Fresno City provides assistance and support to low-income and/or first-generation students as they obtain a certificate, degree and/or transfer to a 4-year institution. Services Include: priority registration, college campus tours, transfer assistance, career planning and much more. Contact them for details at 559.443.8689. |
| Madera Community College |
Madera SSS at Madera Community serves students who are first-generation and/or low-income, and/or have a disability and for whom English is a second language or who are limited in English proficiency. Services Include: priority registration, academic advising, career planning, transfer assistance, financial aid and study skills workshops, university campus tours, and much more. Contact them for more details at 559.675.4104. |
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Fresno State |
TRIO Student Support Veterans (SSSV) TRIO SSSV is a program that provides academic support services to undergraduate veterans to help them remain in college and reach their goal of graduation. Services include: individualized academic counseling, tutoring, Veteran University Community Builders, laptop loan program, textbook reference library and much more. Contact them for more details at 559.278.5725. Veterans Resource Center Fresno State's Veterans Resource Center assists veterans, reservists/guard/active duty service members and dependents to receive their educational benefits after being admitted to Fresno State. |
| Clovis Community College |
Veterans Resouce Center (VRC) Veterans Services informs and supports veterans and their families while attending Clovis Community College. Services include: assistance setting up a veteran student educational plan, assistance determining which veteran education benefit is right for you and much more. Contact them with details at 559-325-5415. |
| College of the Sequoias (COS) |
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) Veterans Services assists student veterans transitioning to college with academic, social, and physical needs while attending COS. They also assist active duty personnel and their dependents reach their educational goals. Services include: veteran student educational plan, evaluation of transferability of Military education, determination of which veteran education benefit is best for you, academic advising and much more. Contact them for more details at 559.730.3854. |
| Fresno City College |
Veterans Resource Center (VRC) Veterans Services assist veterans and dependents when applying for educational benefits. They provide support while attending Fresno City. Services include: evaluation of transferability of Military education, determination of which veteran education benefit/GI Bill is best for you, scholarships and financial aid, academic advising and much more. Contact them for details at 559.422.8224. |
| Madera Community College |
Veterans Services Center (VSC) Veterans Services provides personalized support to veterans and their families attending Madera Community College. Services include: evaluation of transferability of Military education, determination of which veteran educational benefit/GI Bill is best for you, scholarships and financial aid, academic advising and much more. Contact them for details at 559.675.4118. |
| Porterville Community College |
Veterans Services Center (VSC) Veterans Services provides personalized support to veterans and their families attending Porterville College. Services include: evaluation of transferability of Military education, determination of which veteran educational benefit/GI Bill is best for you, priority registration, academic advising, monthly camaraderie lunches and much more. Contact them for details at 559.791.2222. |
| West Hills College, Lemoore |
Veterans Services Center (VSC) Veterans Services informs and supports veterans and their families while attending West Hills, Lemoore campus. Services include: priority registration, determining which veteran education benefit is best for you, academic advising, evaluation of transferability of Military education, helpful workshops, personal counseling and much more. Contact them for details at 559.925.3215. |
| Location | Details |
|---|---|
| Fresno State |
TRIO Student Support Services - Disabilities This program helps students develop the academic skills and personal development necessary to successfully pursue and complete a college degree. Services include: guidance, support and advocacy, priority registration, academic tutoring, financial aid advising, free printing services and much more. Contact them for details at 559.278.4240. Services for Students with Disabilities (SSD) SSD provides reasonable accommodations, auxiliary aids and services to students with disabilities, as required by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and other applicable federal and state laws. SSD works collaboratively with students and the campus community to provide an inclusive and equitable educational environment for all students. |
| Clovis Community College |
Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) DSPS provides specialized services and accommodations that assist students attending Clovis Community with documented disabilities reach their maximum potential. Services include: specialized academic advising, disability management counseling, learning disability assessment and much more. Contact them for details at 559.325.5050. |
| College of the Sequoias (COS) |
Access and Ability Center (AAC) The AAC provides specialized services and accomodations that assist students attending COS with documented disabilities reach their maximum potential. Services include: alternative media, learning disability assessments and eligibility, ASL interpreters, Braille transcription, note-taking assistance, test taking accommodations, peer counseling/tutoring and much more. Contact them for details at 559.730.3805. |
| Fresno City College |
Disabled Students Programs and Services (DSPS) This program helps students with disabilities attending Fresno City College develop the academic skills and personal development necessary to successfully pursue and complete their educational goals. Services include: alternative media, learning disability assessments and eligibility, ASL interpreters, Braille transcription, note-taking assistance, test taking accommodations, peer counseling/tutoring and much more. Contact them for details at phone voice/TDD:559.442.8237. |
| Madera Community College |
Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) DSPS provides specialized services and accomadations that assist students attending Madera Community with documented disabilities reach their maximum potential. Services include: alternative media, learning disability assessments and eligibility, ASL interpreters, Braille transcription, note-taking assistance and test taking accommodations, peer counseling/tutoring and much more. Contact them for details 559.675.4864. |
| Porterville Community College |
Disability Resource Center (DRC) DRC provides specialized services and accomadations that assist students attending Porterville College with documented disabilities reach their maximum potential. Services include: alternative media, learning disability assessments and eligibility, ASL interpreters, Braille transcription, note-taking assitance, test taking accommodations, peer counseling/tutoring and much more. Contact them for details at 559.791.2215. |
| West Hills Community College |
Disabled Student Programs and Services (DSPS) DSPS provides specialized services and accomadations that assist students attending the West Hills campuses with documented disabilities reach their maximum potential. Services include: alternative media, learning disability assessments andeligibility, ASL interpreters, Braille transcription, note-taking assistance, test taking accommodations, peer counseling/tutoring and much more. Contact the Coalinga campus for details at 559.934.2000. Learn more about West Hills Coalinga DSPS Contact the Lemoore campus for deatails at 559.925.3330. |
Project Rebound is a program designed to help formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrate into society via higher education. For those wanting to further their education at Fresno State, this program can assist with filling out paperwork, mentoring, academic advising and guidance in everyday college life.
If you need help applying to Fresno State, with financial aid, or want to start with community college contact one of our Outreach staff to help you at 559.278.2280.
The Renaissance Scholars Program (RSP) is a program that is a part of the Educational Opportunity Programs that support individuals that were formally in the foster care system. They are committed to providing a system of support and experiences that will empower students to grow.
If you need help applying to Fresno State, with financial aid, or want to start with community college contact one of our Outreach staff to help you at 559.278.2280.