California state programs

Basic Cal Grant eligibility requirements:

• Be a California resident
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Meet the U.S. Selective Service requirements
• Attend a qualifying California post-secondary school
• Be enrolled at least half-time
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined at the school of attendance
• Have family income and assets below the established ceilings
• Not be in default on any student loan
• Not owe any federal or state grant refund

All continuing BFA 1, 2, & 3 and Certificate 1, 2, & 3 aid applicants who are California residents and have no prior undergraduate degree are urged to apply for Cal Grant A and B.

Cal Grant A Entitlement Awards

Cal Grant A entitlement awards are made by the State of California to eligible entering undergraduate students who have a minimum 3.0 grade point average and have graduated from high school on or after June 30, 2006. Awards are based on family income and assets, parents' educational level, parent marital status and family household size. This award provides tuition support.

Cal Grant B Entitlement Awards

Cal Grant B entitlement awards are made by the State of California to eligible entering undergraduate students who have a minimum 2.0 grade point average and have graduated from high school on or after June 30, 2000. Awards are based on family income and assets, parents' educational level, parent marital status, family household size and whether the student has attended a disadvantaged high school or a high school with low college-going rates. This award provides a stipend for books and living expenses for the first year. Beginning with the second year this award also helps pay for tuition and fees in addition to books and living expenses.

Cal Grant A and B Competitive Awards

Cal Grant A & B Competitive Awards are similar to the Entitlement Awards, except they are for those students who graduated prior to the 2003/04 year. Cal Grant A Awards are intended for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA and are from low and middle-income families. Cal Grant B Awards are intended for students with a minimum 2.0 GPA and are from disadvantaged and low-income families.

Cal Grant A and B Community College Transfer Entitlement Awards

Students who meet financial and basic eligibility requirements, have a minimum 2.4 GPA from a California Community College, and graduate from high school after June 30, 2000 are eligible for this award when transferring from a community college to a four-year institution. Awards are based on grade point average (SAT/GED scores if you are currently attending a non-graded school), family income and assets and established financial need. The amount of your grant may vary depending on financial need and the institution you attend.

All of the above grants require you to complete the FAFSA [1] application and your prior school must submit a GPA Verification. (Current students should obtain a GPA Verification from the Financial Aid Office and request the GPA from the Registrar's Office.) Both the Entitlement Awards and the Competitive Awards have a deadline of March 2. The Community College Transfer Entitlement Award deadline is September 1. Your grant may be renewed for up to three additional years.

California Student Aid Commission website [2]