Federal and State Grants

Financial Aid > Undergraduate Students > Federal and State Grants

Financial aid provided by government agencies must be coordinated with all forms of aid. Because of state and federal regulations, it is possible that aid from other sources may be reduced to avoid overawarding.

Federal Grants

  1. Federal Pell Grant: $555-$5550. Awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial aid need based upon FAFSA information.
  2. Federal Supplemental Opportunity Grants (SEOG): $500-$1000. Available to Pell Grant eligible, undergraduate students.

State Grants

The Cal Grant program changed significantly beginning with the 2001-2002 school year. The California Legislature passed legislation to split the Cal Grant program into entitlement and competitive programs. A description of the programs is given below. Students with previous Cal Grant awards will continue to be awarded under the program guidelines in place at the time of their original selection.

Application Requirements

  • FAFSA and GPA Verification Forms must be postmarked by March 2, 2012.

General Eligibility Requirements

Students must meet the following criteria in order to be considered for a Cal Grant Award:

  • California resident (see below.)
  • Pursuing an undergraduate degree (for Cal Grants A and B).
  • Maintain satisfactory academic progress.
  • Attend an eligible CA college or University in 2012-2013.
  • Not be in default on any federal or state educational loans.
  • Meet program GPA requirements.
  • Not owe any grant refunds.
  • No prior degrees (bachelor’s or higher).
  • Enrolled at least half time.
  • Meet financial criteria set by state.
  • U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

Specific Grant Programs

  • Cal Grant A Entitlement: Tuition and fee award (up to $9708 for 2010-2011) for low and middle income students based on financial aid need and GPA (or test scores in some cases). For students choosing to attend a Community College, award may be put in reserve for up to two years. A guaranteed award for students who meet above criteria and submit a high school GPA of 3.00 or better and complete high school between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012.
  • Cal Grant B Entitlement: Access award only for the first year (up to $1551). Access + tuition and fees award for subsequent years (up to $1551 access + $9708). Available to low income and disadvantaged students based upon financial aid need, GPA (or test scores in some instances), and other family circumstances. Must apply within one year of high school graduation and submit an unweighted GPA of at least a 2.0. Students who graduate between July 1, 2011 and June 30, 2012 may be considered.
  • CA Community College Transfer Entitlement: Available beginning with the 2002-2003 award year to community college transfer students under the age of 24 as of December 31 of the award year. Must meet general program eligibility requirements including financial criteria. Must submit a minimum unweighted GPA of at least 2.4.
  • Cal Grant A, B, and C Transfer Competitive: Awards offered on a competitive basis to students who did not qualify through the entitlement programs but meet the basic eligibility requirements. Selection is made through a scoring process with special consideration given to students from disadvantaged backgrounds. The number of awards offered is limited.

Award Amounts

  • Cal Grant A & B: $9708
  • Cal Grant B Access: $1551

GPA Calculation Criteria

  • If 24 or more (36 quarter) units of college level work have been completed at the time of GPA certification, college grades will be used; if not, high school grades will be used.
  • If using high school grades:
    • Grades earned prior to 10th grade cannot be included (high school sophomore).
    • PE and ROTC grades cannot be used.
    • GPA will be computed on a 4.00 grading scale (honors or advanced placement grades computed on a 5.00 scale must be adjusted).
  • GED, SAT, or ACT may be used only if one of the following is true:
    • Attended high school outside of United States and grades cannot be converted to a 4.00 scale.
    • Five years have passed since attending school.
    • School graded in a manner that cannot be converted to a 4.00 scale.
    • Participated in a home schooling program (SAT, ACT, or GED test score required).

Test scores must be submitted to CSAC no later than March 2, 2012.