Apply for Financial Aid Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Beginning October 1, the FAFSA opens to all domestic students. To complete the FAFSA, please visit fafsa.gov. The Federal School Code for California Institute of the Arts is 001132. The Institute’s priority deadline for completing the FAFSA is February 15. We encourage all eligible students to complete the FAFSA on/before the priority deadline in order to receive early consideration for limited federal funding, such as Federal SEOG and Federal Work-Study. However, please note that the FAFSA may be completed at any time throughout the academic year. CalArts Institutional, Endowed, and Annually Funded Scholarships Institutional Scholarships are awarded to students holistically based on both need and merit in consultation with academic deans and faculty. All scholarships are tuition-only awards, credited to your CalArts student account in equal disbursements each semester. Endowed and Annually Funded Scholarships: Many CalArts scholarships are donated by individuals, organizations, or foundations and carry the donor or organization’s name. Selection of the recipient is dependent upon the donor(s) requirements. Outside Private Scholarships Private Scholarships represent a supplemental source of funding that we encourage all students to explore. Please visit calarts.edu/outside-scholarships to view a list of options. Federal Pell Grant and Federal SEOG A Federal Pell Grant is awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. A Pell Grant does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants are prorated based upon the number of credits a student is enrolled in for the semester. A Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is awarded to students who have exceptional financial need. A Federal SEOG does not have to be repaid and is awarded based on eligibility until all available funds have been depleted. Cal Grant (State of California Residents ONLY) The Cal Grant is money for college that does not have to be repaid. To qualify, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the annual deadline (typically March 2nd), be a resident of California, and meet all financial criteria and eligibility requirements, which includes a minimum GPA requirement. Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University, or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.
There are three types of Cal Grant—A, B, and C—but you are not required to decipher which of these types to apply for. For the complete listing of all eligibility requirements, please visit csac.ca.gov/cal-grants. Federal Work-Study Federal Work-Study is a federally funded program that assists students with earning income through part-time employment on campus and community service. Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans Direct Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. The US Department of Education pays the interest on a Subsidized Loan while a student is enrolled at least half-time, for the first six months after a student leaves school (referred to as grace period), and during a period of deferment (postponement of loan payments). Direct Unsubsidized Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students regardless of financial need. The student is responsible for paying the interest on the Unsubsidized Loan during all periods. If a student chooses not to pay the interest while enrolled in school and during grace and/or deferment periods, the interest will accrue and be capitalized (added to the principal loan amount). Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan Parents of dependent students, as defined by the federal government, are eligible to apply for the Parent PLUS Loan to assist their students’ educational needs. Eligibility for this loan will be based on a credit check performed by the US Department of Education upon submission of the Parent PLUS Loan application. Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan (Graduate and Professional Level Students ONLY) Graduate students are eligible to apply for the Graduate PLUS Loan to assist with their educational needs. Eligibility for this loan will be based on a credit check performed by the US Department of Education upon submission of the Graduate PLUS Loan application. Private Educational Loan Private Educational Loans are loans that students can apply for through outside, private lenders of their choice. These loans may be at a higher interest rate than the Federal Direct Loans. Contact Us CalArts Financial Aid Office P: 661-253-7869 F: 661-287-3816 E: finaid@calarts.edu calarts.edu/financial-aid
Through our commitment to a high level of service and support at CalArts, the Financial Aid Office provides financial assistance, resources, and information to all current and prospective students. It is our mission to foster the educational goals of CalArts students by focusing on financial strategies that help promote access, affordability, and persistence toward completing their degree program as well as succeeding beyond our campus.