Dear County and District Superintendents and Charter School Administrators:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) Deadline Extended to May 2, 2024

We are fully dedicated to supporting the education of students, our future pioneers, leaders, and community leaders. Financial aid serves as a cornerstone in enabling countless individuals across our state to pursue higher education and realize their professional ambitions. Ensuring equitable access to these opportunities is paramount.

One vital step in accessing financial aid is the submission of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), which opens doors to federal, state, and institutional assistance. Recognizing the significance of this process, California recently took swift action by extending the application deadline for state financial aid programs. The deadline, originally set for April 2, has been extended to May 2, 2024, affording students an additional month to submit their FAFSA by the state’s priority cutoff.

This adjustment aims to provide much-needed support to students navigating challenges stemming from recent changes in the federal FAFSA rollout.

To complement these efforts, the California Department of Education and the California Student Aid Commission have joined forces with local partners across the state. Together, they are offering a range of resources, including financial aid workshops tailored for students, counselors, and community members. These initiatives underscore our commitment to comprehensive outreach and training.

Please encourage your students to submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid on the California Student Aid Commission’s website at https://www.csac.ca.gov/ by May 2, 2024.

Sincerely,

Tony Thurmond
State Superintendent of Public Instruction