2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) Workshop

Current CSUN students are welcome to visit the USU computer lab, log into a computer, and fill out an online application.  Financial Aid & Scholarships Department staff will be there to assist with questions or help guide students through the application process.

What to bring:

• FSA ID or CADAA login information.
• Dependent students: if you are filling out a FAFSA, you will need to know your parents’ email address in order to invite them to contribute their information on your application.
• Your 2024 W-2* if you earned income but did not file taxes.

*A W-2 is not required, but it is helpful.

For sign language interpreting needs, contact Kathryn Vanegas at kathryn.vanegas@csun.edu no fewer than 5 business days prior to the workshop you are planning to attend.

Frequently Asked Questions for the 2026-2027 Aid Application

Q: What is CSUN’s federal school code?
A: The CSUN school code is 001153

Q: I filled out an application for the current school year. Do I need to fill out another one for next year?
A: You must fill out an aid application each year. For example, the new 2026-2027 FAFSA/CADAA application applies to Fall 2026, Spring 2027, and Summer 2027 at CSUN.

Q: For FAFSA or CADAA, should I select renew or start a new application?
A: Either option is fine. Renewing allows certain demographic information to transfer over; starting a new one will require you to answer every question again.

Q: What will I need to fill out my application?
A: You will need: your Social Security Number or your Alien Registration Number (for FAFSA), W-2 information only if you earned income and did not file taxes, and your FSA ID or CADAA login.

Q: Will I need my parents’ information?
A: Yes, only if you are considered a Dependent student.  If you are filling out a FAFSA, you will need your parents’ email address. Students are required to invite their parents to submit their personal information on the application. Students cannot fill out the parent information section. Make sure to have your parents’ email address ready and enter it when prompted to invite your parents.

Q: What if my parents claimed me as a dependent on their 2024 taxes, but now, I am not with my parents and I am independent?
A: Your dependency status for financial aid purposes is not determined by whether you are claimed on your parents’ taxes. You will need to answer the dependency questions on your aid application. If it is determined that you are a dependent student, you will be asked to provide your parents’ information.

Q: What if my income or my parents’ income has changed since 2024? I no longer earn the same income. What information do I use?
A: Your 2024 income information will be imported by the IRS, and if your information or your parents’ information has changed in 2025, you will have an opportunity to submit an Income Appeal in August or September of 2026. You need to submit your application using 2024 information first, and then we can consider you for an income appeal.

Q: Will I still be eligible to receive FAFSA or CADAA if I start working?
A: Yes, you will be considered and should apply every year to determine what you are eligible to receive.

Q: What if I didn’t work in 2024?
A: FAFSA/CADAA requires your 2024 income.  If you didn’t work, you report as a non-filer with $0 earnings for 2024.

Q: What do I do if the application keeps saying error when I submit?
A: The application usually tells you what the error is and what you need to enter to resolve it. If you keep having issues with your application, please call 800-433-3243 for FAFSA issues or 888-894-0148 for CADAA issues.

Q: I’m a graduate student. On the dependency status, it says that I’m considered an independent student, but I’m still dependent on my parents. Do I still provide my parents’ information?
A: Students who are pursuing a Master’s degree are considered independent even if they are still dependent on their parents. Because of this, you do NOT need to provide your parents’ information.

Q: I receive disability benefits. When the application asks for my working wages, do I just enter the amount I get from SSI?
A: No. SSI is not reportable income. You would enter zero for wages if you do not work.

Q: I worked during the year of 2025 only. Does this change anything?
A: No, the 2026-2027 application year requires 2024 tax and income information. If you did not work in 2024, you may indicate that you are a non-filer for this tax period.

Q: Is it possible to get one-on-one help filling out the application?
A: For assistance with individual questions on the application, you may reach out to 800-433-3243 for FAFSA assistance or 888-894-0148 for CADAA assistance. You may also contact the Financial Aid Office at 818-677-4085 if you have a specific question.