"Nearly three-quarters of California public high school seniors applied for federal financial aid this year, soaring past last year's figures by 11% and giving further indication that California's efforts to get more students to apply for federal grants are paying off. This time last year about 307,000 high school seniors completed a financial aid application. This year, that number is around 340,000."
"In 2023 a slightly higher share of seniors completed aid applications about 74% to this year's 72.7%. In 2024, the figure was 64%. We must take a moment to reflect and celebrate this achievement for California's future, said Daisy Gonzales, the commission's executive director and who formerly led the state's community college system, said in a statement. With more high school seniors applying for financial aid, we can expect our higher education segments to serve more students."
"A 2021 state law required high schools to ensure their seniors complete financial aid applications. Neglecting to complete the application denies students the ability to receive $22,000 or more in state and federal financial aid in their first year of college. Last year the commission conducted market analysis to understand why parents and students do not apply for aid. Among the answers: families were skeptical that aid can actually be free."
About 340,000 California public high school seniors completed federal financial aid applications this year, compared with about 307,000 the previous year. The application rate reached 72.7% this year, versus roughly 74% in 2023 and 64% in 2024. A 2021 state law requires high schools to ensure seniors complete financial aid applications. Students who do not complete the application can miss out on $22,000 or more in state and federal aid during their first college year. Market analysis found that some families distrust that aid can be free. California plans to spend about $2.9 billion on student financial aid in 2025-26. Data show increased applications from students whose parents lack lawful immigration status.
Read at www.ocregister.com
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