California has extended its college financial aid deadline to April 2

Ian Hanigan March 12, 2025

College-bound students have an extra month to apply for state financial aid after the California Student Aid Commission extended the priority deadline from March 3 to April 2.

Officials said the extension is meant to give students more time to complete applications following delays in the Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA, process.

The 2025-26 college financial aid application cycle opened on Dec. 1, 2024, two months later than usual due to changes in the FAFSA system. As of Feb. 9, California had seen a 25 percent drop in completed college financial aid applications compared to previous years.

“Ensuring our students can access the aid they need is our highest priority, and we hope that this additional time allows every student to complete a financial aid application,” said CSAC Executive Director Daisy Gonzales.

Who should apply by April 2

The extended April 2 deadline applies to college students seeking aid through the Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship and other state financial aid programs. Students planning to attend a four-year college or university in California should submit their financial aid applications by this date.

For those enrolling in a California Community College, the deadline to apply for a Cal Grant is Sept. 2, 2025.

Federal college aid timeline

For federal college aid, including Pell Grants, applications can be submitted up through June 30, 2026. That’s because federal rules allow students to apply for financial aid even after the academic year has started.

However, applying early is still recommended to maximize financial aid opportunities. Some state and institutional grants are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis, so students who apply sooner may receive more aid.