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Paying & Preparing for College

Finding ways to prepare and pay for college can feel overwhelming, but the state of California is here to help. Higher education opens the door to knowledge, skills, and career opportunities that can last a lifetime, and there are programs designed to make it more affordable for you and your family.

I hold education as one of my top priorities and fully support efforts to extend opportunities to every student. Please use this page as a guide, and remember that my district office is here to help. If I can assist you with college preparation, financial aid questions, or any state government matter, do not hesitate to call my office or email my office.

Free Applications & Aid Programs
  • California Student Aid Commission - Explore a variety of state financial aid opportunities available for students attending college in California.
  • California College Promise – Waives enrollment fees for eligible California community college students.
  • Cal Grants – Need-based state financial aid program for eligible California students.
  • Middle Class Scholarship – Sliding-scale tuition support for families earning up to $150,000 who do not qualify for Cal Grants.
  • California Dream Act - Immigrant students can receive financial aid, including grants you don’t need to pay back, that help cover tuition and other costs like rent, food, and books.
Additional Resources
  • Chafee Grant – Financial support for current or former foster youth attending college or career school.
  • CalHealthCares – Loan repayment or practice support grants for eligible physicians and dentists serving Medi-Cal patients.
  • Closed School Discharge – Federal student loan discharge if your school closes while enrolled.
  • Office of Student Assistance and Relief (OSAR) – Assistance for students impacted by private college closures or unlawful activity.
  • Student Borrower Bill of Rights – Protecting the rights of the borrowers is imperative to our nation’s prosperity. The California Legislature passed the Student Bill of Rights Act that imposes new requirements on student loan providers within California.
    • Ends abusive practices by the student loan industry.
    • Creates minimum standards for student loan companies.
    • Enacts special protections for military families, teachers and other public service workers, disabled borrowers, and older Americans.
    • Creates a new Student Loan Ombudsman to advocate on behalf of borrowers.
    • Demands transparency from the student loan industry.
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