• Paying for College

     

  • CalKIDS - First Steps Toward College

    The State of California proudly announced their launch of the California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CALKIDS).

    CalKIDS gives children in CA a jump start on saving for college or career training.

     

    Who is eligible for Cal KIDS?

    CA public school students identified as low-income, as defined by the Local Control Funding Formula, enrolled in 1st-12th grade during the 2021-2022 academic year and, beginning in Fall 2022, all incoming low-income public school first graders will be automatically enrolled in Cal KIDS.

    Eligible low-income public school students in grades 1-12 in CA

    • $500 additional deposit for eligible students identified as foster youth
    • $500 additional deposit for eligible students identified as homeless
    • $500 automatic deposit in CalKIDS account for eligible low-income public school students 

    Newborns: 

    Cal KIDS receives information on newborns approximately 90days after birth is registered with California Department of Public Health.

    You can check online to see if your child is eligible:

    •  Eligible newborns born on or after July 2022 get a $25 seed deposit

    • $50 additional deposit when you link a new or your existing Scholar Share 529 college account.

      With a 529 Scholar share account; family and friends can contribute to your child's education at : birthdays, graduations, holidays etc.

      $25 additional deposit in your Cal KIDS account when you register on the Program online portal

    Over time, funds in a CalKIDS account can grow tax-free and be used for future higher education expenses, such as tuition, books, computers, and room and board. When the student is ready to use their savings to pay for any qualified higher education expense, they can easily redeem their funds, including any earnings, from their CalKIDS account.

     

    What you need to register your student: Go to CALKIDS.ORG

    • Registration Code: Statewide Student Identifier This is NOT typically the Student ID number at school - This is a 10-digit number that you get from the school.
      • Sometimes it is available on your Parent Portal.
    • Student’s date of birth.
    • Name of the County where the student was enrolled on Fall Academic Census Day - October 6, 2021.

     

  • Other ways to pay for college.

  • FAFSA-Free Application For Federal Student Aid

    • Must apply each year by submitting the FAFSA.
    • Aid awarded primarily on the basis of need.
    • Must apply each year.
    • Available in English and Spanish
    • Collects demographic and financial information about student and family.

  • LOANS

    • Money borrowed by students or parents to pay college costs
    • Repayment usually begins after education is finished
    • Look at loans as an investment in the future. ONLY BORROW WHAT IS REALLY NEEDED!!

  • GRANTS

    Money that is gifted and does not have to be paid back.

    Merit and need based award.

  •  Work-Study

    Allows students to earn money to pay educational costs.

    • Receive a paycheck
    • Non-monetary compensation, such as room and board
    • Part-time jobs, often on campus to help pay for college costs.