We are aware that many deserving students do not even apply for financial assistance without guidance and encouragement. Therefore, we also support students by helping them make smart financial decisions regarding their education. Our staff help students understand financial aid opportunities, including grants, scholarships, federal aid, and state aid.
We provide financial aid advising by assisting students with scholarship applications, deciphering complex federal and state financial aid forms, and explaining financial aid award letters and loan programs—all free of charge. In 2019, our scholarship recipients secured an additional $44 million in federal, state, and institutional aid with our help.
Each year, tens of thousands of people are reached through this program and our presentations and workshops, which include topics such as Making College Happen, How to Choose a Major, and How to Pick a College.
Financial aid advising appointments are available for students and their families at both of our locations, Santa Maria and Santa Barbara, with bilingual staff.