California High School Seniors Seek Increased College Financial Aid in Record Numbers This Year

This year, approximately 75% of California public high school seniors submitted applications for federal financial aid, marking an impressive increase of 11% compared to last year. This surge underscores the effectiveness of California’s initiatives aimed at encouraging students to seek federal grants.Last year, around 307,000 seniors completed financial aid applications, but this year, the figure has risen to about 340,000, according to the California Student Aid Commission. In terms of percentage, the number of applicants increased from 72.7% to 74% this year, compared to 64% in 2023.Daisy Gonzales, the commission’s executive director, celebrated this progress, highlighting its importance for California’s educational landscape. A 2021 state law mandates that high schools ensure seniors complete financial aid applications, as failing to do so can deny students access to over $22,000 in aid for their first college year. Interestingly, more students from mixed-status families applied for federal aid compared to last year, contradicting fears related to immigration policy changes. The commission is actively addressing barriers and has conducted extensive workshops, training numerous professionals to assist in the application process.