FINANCIAL AID | State Programs
Cal Grant A Entitlement
Tuition and fee award ($9708 for 2008-2009)
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.
There is a guaranteed award for students who submit a high school GPA
of 2.0 or better and complete high school after July 1, 2006 and fall
below the income limits (Income/Asset Ceilings go to csac.ca.gov).
Cal Grant B Entitlement
Access award only for the first year ($1551). Access + tuition and fees award
for subsequent years ($1551 access + $9705). 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 un-weighted GPA of at least a 2.0.
Students who graduate after July 1, 2006 may be considered.
Cal Grant A and B Transfer Entitlement
These awards are for California Community College students who plan to
transfer to a four-year college. To qualify you must meet all of the
following requirements: have at least a 2.4 community college GPA and have
graduated from a California High School after June 30, 2000 or do not turn
28 years of age after Dec. 31, 2008. You must have completed a 2008-2009
FAFSA and GPA Verification form by March 2.
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.
Tip: Even if you think your family makes too much money, you should still apply for a Cal Grant and other financial aid. Many things can change between the time you complete your FAFSA and start school. Plus, Cal Grant income and asset ceilings are adjusted each year. I have known many students who applied one year and were not awarded, but were awarded the following year.
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 (GED, SAT or ACT) must be submitted to CSAC no later than March 2, 2007. These test scores are sent with the GPA Verification form.
CHAFEE
A student who was in Foster care or eligible to be in Foster care between
the ages of 16-18 can receive this grant. Those eligible may receive $5000.00
for the 2008-09 school year. Qualifying students will receive funds until the
age of 23. For applications please go to csac.ca.gov
(select "Commission Programs"). To learn more please contact your
case worker or ILP Coordinator or contact the financial aid office.