Cal Grants are Free Money!

Cal Grants are Free Money!

 

You can receive up to $9,700 for college or up to $3,000 for career or technical training each year from the state of California.  Your Cal Grant follows you to whichever California school you choose.  A Cal Grant can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, most independent colleges, and many career and technical schools in California.  You can even use it to transfer from a community college to a four-year college or university.

 

And you don’t have to pay it back.

 

 

The Cal Grant Guarantee

Don’t miss out!

 

You’re guaranteed to receive a Cal Grant award if you:

o   Are a high school senior;

o   Meet all the requirements;

o   Have financial need*;

o   Apply by March 2; and

o   Graduate from a California high school

 

*financial need is determined by whether your family falls under established income and asset ceilings. 

 

 

When can you apply?

 

o   In your senior year

o   Within one year after graduating from high school or receiving your GED

o   As a California Community College transfer student, if you meet the requirements

 

 

Are You Eligible?

 

To qualify for a Cal Grant, you must:

o   Submit the FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline

o   Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen (your parents don’t need to be)

o   Be a California resident

o   Meet any minimum GPA requirements

o   Have a Social Security number

o   Attend a qualifying California college

o   Not have a bachelor’s or professional degree (except for the Cal Grant extended awards for a teaching credential program)

o   Have financial need based on your college costs and your EFC

o   Have family income and assets below the established maximum levels

o   Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate

o   Be enrolled at least half time

o   Have registered with U.S. Selective Service (males age 18-25)

o   Not owe a refund on a state or federal grant, or be in default on a student loan

 

 

For Your Information

 

o   There are three kinds of Cal Grants—A, B and C—but you don’t have to figure out which one to apply for.  Your FAFSA responses, your Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges you list on your FAFSA and whether you’re a recent high school graduate will help determine your eligibility.

o   Cal Grant award amounts are based on full-time attendance, so if you attend less than full time, your award may be reduced.  To receive your Cal Grant, you must be enrolled at least half time—at least six semester units or the equivalent.  However, an exception may be made in your final term of your four-year program if you only need a few units to graduate.

 

 

 

* Taken from Fund Your Future Workbook: California 2009-10.  By the California Student Aid Commission & EdFund.