In a critical effort to support student access to financial aid, Ethnic Media Services, in partnership with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), recently hosted a Statewide Ethnic Media Briefing. The event underscored California’s commitment to ensuring that all students—especially those from underrepresented communities—have equitable opportunities to secure financial aid and pursue higher education.
With financial aid applications down by 25% this year, the briefing was a call to action, emphasizing the importance of financial aid accessibility, the extension of priority deadlines, and the role of ethnic media in reaching vulnerable student populations.
Extending Hope: The Importance of Financial Aid
Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of CSAC, set the tone for the discussion, stressing that financial aid is more than just financial support—it is about belonging in higher education. She announced the extension of California’s financial aid priority deadline to April 2, 2025, giving students and families an extra month to apply.
Dr. Gonzales also highlighted how financial aid applications serve as an early indicator of college enrollment rates, workforce readiness, and economic stability. A decline in applications signals potential long-term challenges, such as increased poverty, homelessness, and unmet workforce demands.
Why Fewer Students Are Applying for Financial Aid
Several factors have contributed to the decline in financial aid applications, including:
- Delayed FAFSA Rollout: Changes in the Better FAFSA system resulted in the application opening 60 days later than usual, giving students less time to apply.
- Mixed Messages on Higher Education Value: Rising tuition costs and debates over the return on investment in higher education have made students hesitant to apply.
- Fear and Misinformation: National policies on immigration enforcement and federal education funding have created anxiety among mixed-status families and undocumented students, leading some to question whether it is safe to apply for aid.
California’s Commitment to Inclusion
The briefing emphasized that all students, regardless of immigration status, have options for financial aid. California offers two key applications:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) – For U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens, providing access to federal, state, and institutional aid.
- California Dream Act Application (CADA) – Specifically for undocumented students and students from mixed-status families, ensuring state-based aid without federal oversight.
Dr. Gonzales reassured families that CADA applications are kept within California and used solely for determining financial aid eligibility, addressing concerns about privacy and potential federal action.
Making a Difference: The Role of Community & Ethnic Media
CSAC and its partners are calling on community leaders, educators, and ethnic media to spread the word about the deadline extension and available resources. Cash for College workshops—both online and in-person—are available to assist students in completing their applications.
Catalina Cifuentes, Chair of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), underscored the urgent need to provide students, particularly first-generation and low-income students, with better access to financial aid and college-readiness resources.
Drawing from her role as Executive Director of College and Career Readiness at the Riverside County Office of Education, Cifuentes painted a sobering picture of the challenges students face when navigating the college application and financial aid process.
First-Generation Students Need More Support, Not Just More Information
With Riverside County serving over 420,000 K-12 students and 30,000 high school seniors annually, Cifuentes emphasized that many students, particularly first-generation college applicants, are heavily reliant on their schools and institutions for guidance. These students often lack familial support in navigating college applications and financial aid due to limited experience with higher education in their households.
While technological advancements such as AI-powered chat features and online resources have become more available, Cifuentes stressed that they cannot replace human connection. Many first-generation students need personalized guidance from school counselors, teachers, and administrators to make informed decisions about their futures.
“Students are being bombarded with information on social media, in the news, and from their peers,” she said. “But what they really need is a trusted adult to walk them through their options.”
Misinformation and Fear: The Biggest Threats to College Enrollment
Cifuentes highlighted an alarming trend: current financial aid application rates are even lower than during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.
During the pandemic, many students postponed college due to uncertainty about virtual learning and economic challenges. However, the current decline in applications is being driven by misinformation, fear, and a lack of outreach to families.
Many students and families are receiving mixed messages about:
- The value of higher education – Concerns over student debt and return on investment make students hesitant to apply.
- Eligibility for financial aid – Many mixed-status families fear that applying for aid could negatively impact their immigration status, despite assurances that California Dream Act applications remain private and separate from federal agencies.
- The complexity of the process – Some students mistakenly believe that applying for aid is too complicated or time-consuming and opt out without realizing how much they could receive.
“This is worse than what we saw during the global pandemic,” Cifuentes warned. “By the time some students realize they should have applied, it will be too late. They’ll have taken full-time jobs, started families, and missed out on life-changing financial aid opportunities.”
A Call for Action: Schools Must Prioritize In-School Support for Families
One of the most pressing issues, Cifuentes noted, is that financial aid awareness and application events often take place outside of school hours. While evening and weekend workshops are valuable, many students and families cannot attend due to work schedules, transportation issues, or lack of awareness.
To increase financial aid participation, she urged schools to integrate financial aid education into the school day, ensuring that:
- Students have dedicated time in class to learn about and complete financial aid applications.
- Families are directly contacted by counselors and school staff to encourage participation.
- College and career readiness programs include practical financial literacy education to help students understand the long-term benefits of higher education.
Beyond the Four-Year Degree: Expanding Pathways to Success
Another common misconception, Cifuentes noted, is that financial aid is only for students pursuing a traditional four-year college degree. However, California offers financial aid for a variety of post-secondary pathways, including:
- Community college programs
- Career technical education and vocational training
- Certification programs in high-demand fields like cybersecurity and healthcare
“Our goal is to help students understand that education beyond high school is essential, whether it’s a four-year degree, a two-year program, or industry certification,” she said.
The Urgency to Act: Every Student Deserves a Future
Cifuentes closed her remarks with a powerful reminder: Access to financial aid should not be left to chance.
She recounted her own experience as the daughter of undocumented immigrants, sharing how a chance connection—her mother cleaning the home of an assistant superintendent—led to guidance that helped her attend college and build a successful career.
“But we cannot rely on luck,” she emphasized. “We need systems in place to ensure that every student, regardless of their background, has access to the information and resources they need to succeed.”
Kerry Saravia, a commissioner of the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and a junior at California State University, Northridge (CSUN), provided a powerful student perspective on the vital role of financial aid in making higher education accessible.
Saravia, a first-generation college student and Cal Grant recipient, spoke candidly about how financial aid not only allowed her to attend college but also shaped her future aspirations. Her experience reflects the broader struggles of many students from immigrant backgrounds who face financial uncertainty and misinformation about their eligibility.
Financial Aid: A Gateway to Higher Education
As the daughter of Salvadoran immigrants, Saravia grew up in Los Angeles and, like many first-generation students, faced difficult choices about whether college was even an option. With two younger sisters to consider and financial constraints at home, she questioned whether pursuing higher education was the right decision.
However, receiving the Cal Grant changed everything.
“Without financial aid, I don’t know if I would even be in the position I am right now,” Saravia shared. “Because of the support I’ve received, I can focus on my studies, put some money aside for law school, and even help my family with minor expenses.”
Despite the financial support, she emphasized that many students, including herself, still struggle with the high cost of living and additional school-related expenses. As a commuter student traveling daily from Hollywood to Northridge, she relies on two part-time jobs—one representing students and another at a hardware store—to make ends meet.
The Role of Misinformation in Declining Financial Aid Applications
Saravia highlighted misinformation and fear as key barriers preventing students from applying for financial aid. Even among CSUN students who have previously submitted FAFSA applications, many remain uncertain about their eligibility and the safety of their personal information.
For undocumented students and those from mixed-status families, fear about how their information will be used by federal agencies deters them from seeking financial aid.
“This has not only discouraged many students from reapplying but has also made high school seniors question whether they should apply at all,” she said.
Saravia urged students to remember that CSAC is committed to protecting their information and ensuring they receive the aid they are entitled to.
Persistence Pays Off: Keep Applying for Aid
One of the most critical messages Saravia shared was that students should not give up after one application.
“It’s easy to assume you’re not eligible, especially if you’ve been denied financial aid before,” she explained. “But many of my friends who kept applying—even after being rejected due to their family’s income—eventually received grants, like the Middle-Class Scholarship.”
She emphasized that students should continue applying every year, as financial situations change and new funding opportunities become available.
A Personal Mission to Give Back
Saravia’s passion for advocacy and leadership stems from her own journey.
“The main reason I became a commissioner was that I wanted to give back to the organization that helped me—and will help my sisters and future students just like me,” she said.
She underscored that for many students, higher education was never part of their envisioned path. Without CSAC and financial aid programs like the Cal Grant, many students would not have the opportunity to pursue college at all.
“As a commissioner, I want to advocate for students like myself, share my personal story, and inspire others to seek out these opportunities,” she stated. “CSAC and the state of California are here to help students succeed.”
The Reality of Higher Education Without Financial Aid
When asked whether she would have considered law school without financial aid, Saravia’s response was clear:
“Honestly, no.”
As the oldest sibling, her priority is ensuring that her younger sisters have a pathway to higher education. Without financial aid, she would have been forced to prioritize work over school to support her family.
“In high school, I didn’t even know FAFSA or the Cal Grant existed. I was seriously considering skipping college or going to community college—something my parents didn’t want me to do,” she admitted. “Without financial aid, I would have taken a job instead of pursuing law school because I would have been more focused on making sure my sisters could afford college.”
A Call to Action: Apply, Advocate, and Support Students
Saravia’s story is a powerful testament to the importance of financial aid in transforming lives. She urged students, parents, and educators to spread awareness about financial aid opportunities and encourage students to apply—even if they are unsure about their eligibility.
“There’s always going to be a resource out there for students who are committed to their education,” she said. “CSAC is one of those resources, and it has continuously championed students through and through.”
Sean Brick, Associate Vice Provost for Student Financial Support at the University of California (UC) Office of the President, highlighted UC’s ongoing efforts to ensure affordable and equitable access to higher education.
Brick emphasized three key points:
- UC’s alignment with the state’s extended financial aid deadline
- UC’s unwavering commitment to inclusiveness, belonging, and affordability
- Encouraging students to explore California’s diverse higher education opportunities
Extending the Financial Aid Deadline to Support Students
To ensure students maximize their financial aid eligibility, the University of California has extended its financial aid priority filing deadline to match the state’s April 2, 2025 deadline.
Brick urged students to apply as soon as possible, as UC will begin admitting new students in March, and the sooner students file, the sooner they will receive a full financial aid package.
“We encourage students not to wait until the last minute,” he said. “The earlier you file, the sooner we can inform you of the financial aid you’re eligible for.”
UC’s Commitment to Inclusion, Affordability, and Student Success
Brick reaffirmed UC’s core values of inclusion and belonging, quoting UC President Michael Drake, who has stressed the importance of ensuring that UC campuses “benefit from the talents and aspirations of all Californians.”
Despite growing national concerns about rising tuition and student debt, he reassured families that UC remains one of the most affordable options for California students.
- Nearly two-thirds of UC undergraduates graduate debt-free
- Tuition remains locked for six years after a student enrolls, providing financial stability for families
- UC offers over $1 billion annually in grants and scholarships, ensuring that low- and middle-income students can afford higher education
“The reality is that nearly two-thirds of California undergraduates at UC graduate without any student debt,” Brick noted. “That’s possible because California has the largest state financial aid program in the country.”
More Than Just Tuition: Comprehensive Financial Support
Brick emphasized that financial aid covers far more than tuition—it also helps students afford the full cost of college, including:
- Housing and food
- Transportation
- Books and supplies
These additional forms of aid ease financial stress and allow students to focus on their studies.
California’s Higher Education System: A Wealth of Opportunities
Brick concluded by encouraging students and families to explore the diverse higher education options available across California, which includes:
- 116 community colleges
- Over 20 California State University (CSU) campuses
- 9 undergraduate UC campuses
- Numerous nonprofit private institutions
“We want students to use this extra time from the deadline extension to explore all their options, understand the return on investment of higher education, and file their FAFSA or California Dream Act Application,” he said.
Final Call to Action
With the financial aid priority deadline extended to April 2, 2025, UC and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) urge all students to take advantage of the state’s unparalleled financial aid opportunities.
For more information and resources, visit www.csac.ca.gov.
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