The California Student Aid Commission has extended its priority state aid deadline for students within the LA and Ventura counties to April 2.
This followed Gov. Gavin Newsom’s declaration of emergency on Tuesday, Jan. 7 due to the wildfires that continue to affect the region.
Chico State Financial Aid Assistant Director of Advising Maria Olson said high school students looking to attend a four-year university and current Chico State students from the area automatically get the extension if they miss the priority deadline.
The 2025-2026 California State priority deadline for everyone else remains the same, March 3, and must be completed in order to be considered for state-funded aid such as Cal Grants or the middle class scholarship. In addition, Chico State has a priority deadline of March 15, which if completed on time, may offer students with specific institutional aid.
Olson also said the financial aid and scholarship office has an “open door policy,” where students can come if they need help.
“We always want to encourage them,”Olson said. “They shouldn’t just assume, they should just come in and talk to us even if they missed a deadline.”
The financial aid office is offering 2025-2026 FAFSA and CADAA renewal workshops for Chico State students starting on Monday, Feb. 10, from 1-3 p.m. Their office is located at Student Services Center 250.
According to Assembly Bill 2500, which was signed into law September 2024, gives CSAC the authorization to extend financial aid applications for a “qualified event.” The following reasons include:
- Natural disasters
- A state of emergency declared by the governor or president of the U.S.
- A labor action
CSAC is also providing students and families with other resources such as Cash for College webinars and in-person cash for college workshops.
If a CSU diploma was lost or damaged in the recent wildfires, students and alumni can look up their campus’ diploma replacement services. Chico State’s services can be accessed here.
*This article was updated on on Feb. 2 to inform how students can access diploma replacement services.
Milca Elvira Chacon can be reached at orionmanagingeditor@gmail.com