Skip to main content

Hilmar High School

Student Focused

Financial Aid

Financial Aid

Financial aid can help make college more affordable. Seniors and their families should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) as early as possible to be considered for federal, state, and college-based financial aid.

Hilmar High School submits eligible seniors’ GPA information to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for Cal Grant consideration. The Counseling Office also offers FAFSA/CADAA workshops during the fall semester to help families complete the financial aid process.

  • Cal Grant

    The Cal Grant is state financial aid that can help eligible California students pay for college. Depending on the type of Cal Grant and the student’s college, it may help cover tuition and other educational costs at a California community college, CSU, UC, or qualifying private college.

    Important: Students must complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and meet eligibility requirements. Cal Grant eligibility can depend on factors such as GPA, family income, assets, and the type of college a student attends.

    Parent Tip: Completing the financial aid application is an important first step—even if you aren't sure your student will qualify.

  • California College Promise Grant

    The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) helps eligible California residents attending a California community college by waiving the enrollment fee. It is commonly referred to as “free community college,” but it does not necessarily cover books, supplies, transportation, housing, or other expenses.

  • California Dream Act (CADAA)

    The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) allows certain students who meet California eligibility requirements to apply for state financial aid, including programs such as the Cal Grant and California College Promise Grant.

    The CADAA is different from the FAFSA. Students who are not eligible to submit the FAFSA but meet the requirements for the California Dream Act may use the CADAA to apply for California state financial aid.

    Parent Tip: The CADAA is confidential and is used to determine eligibility for California financial aid. Completing the appropriate application is an important step toward accessing available aid.

Cal-SOAP (California Student Aid Commission)

A statewide initiative called Cal-SOAP aims to boost the number of students who pursue higher education. We are dedicated to giving students and their families access to financial and academic information and support to ensure their success in school, especially those who have been identified as coming from low-income families, being first-generation college students, or coming from communities or institutions with low rates of college eligibility or participation. To do this we partner with a Cal-SOAP representative and provide these services:

  • Financial Aid Application Assistance 

  • Provide Financial Aid Information

  • College Application Assistance

  • College Awareness & Planning 

  • College Guidance & Advisement 

  • Career Exploration 

 

Cal-SOAP representative hours:

Monday & Wednesday - 8 am-10 am

Friday - 8:00 am - 2 pm

Contact: calsoap@hilmar.k12.ca.us

Scholarships

Scholarships are a great way to help pay for college, and unlike loans, scholarships generally do not have to be paid back! Scholarships are awarded for many different reasons, including academic achievement, extracurricular activities, community involvement, career interests, and more.  Below you will find a list of national scholarships that students may be eligible to apply for. We encourage all students to explore their options and apply for as many scholarships as possible!

In addition to the community, state, and national scholarships listed here, Hilmar High School hosts and facilitates a "Local Scholarship Program" every year which includes scholarships that are funded by the local community specifically for the graduating class at Hilmar High School.  These include scholarships funded by the Lyon's Club, Hilmar Cheese Company, Hilmar Grange, Hilmar Chamber of Commerce, the Yecny Family, and many more.  The "Local Scholarship Application" becomes available every spring and any graduating senior is eligible to apply. These scholarships are awarded and presented at the annual "Senior Award Night" in May.

Scholarships by due date below: