About CASFAA

Who We Are

The California Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (CASFAA) is a professional, volunteer-run organization dedicated to serving financial aid administrators across California. We provide professional development, training, advocacy, and networking opportunities for individuals committed to helping students access and afford higher education. CASFAA represents all sectors of higher education — public and private, undergraduate and graduate — and advocates for fair and equitable financial aid policy at both the state and national level.

Mission & Values

Mission Statement

To provide training and professional development opportunities to the financial aid community and to advocate on behalf of the financial aid profession for student educational access and choice.

Vision Statement

CASFAA will:

• Serve as a resource for all financial aid professionals in California;
• Provide members with opportunities to become actively involved in the activities of the Association;
• Prepare members to assume leadership roles in the student aid profession, the Association, and other financial aid associations;
• Serve as an authority in the State on student aid issues and be consulted regularly by Federal and State policy makers, the media, and other educational partners; and
• Be proactive with regard to positions on State and national financial aid policy issues, and in protecting the interests and rights of California students for educational access and choice.

(Adopted by the 2006 CASFAA Executive Council, on the 5th day of November, 2006 in Laguna Beach, California.)

Statement of Ideals

CASFAA believes that every student should have the opportunity to pursue quality postsecondary education. Financial aid is not just a benefit — it is a national investment in our future. The Statement of Ideals, first adopted in 1989, outlines our foundational values on access, funding equity, and student support.

"Educational funding at all levels must be a national priority of equal importance to the defense of our freedom..."

Statement of Good Practices

CASFAA members are committed to upholding the highest ethical standards in student financial aid. Based on the NASFAA Statement of Good Practices and formally adopted in 1993, this statement reflects our dedication to integrity, equity, transparency, and student-centered service.

"The Financial Aid Administrator shall at all times uphold the high ethical standards expected of those committed to this profession..."

Read the full Statement of Ideals & Good Practices

History & Legacy

CASFAA was officially formed in 1972 following a series of collaborative meetings among financial aid leaders from across California. From a small group of dedicated professionals who met to explore the need for a statewide association, CASFAA quickly grew to include 177 charter members and held its first conference later that same year. Since then, the organization has played a vital role in training, advocacy, and professional development for California’s financial aid community.

CASFAA’s legacy continues to thrive thanks to the leadership of past presidents, volunteers, and members who have shaped the direction of financial aid in California for over five decades.

Read the full history, view past presidents, and explore the CASFAA archives

Organizational Documents

All files are in PDF format unless otherwise noted.