STATE OF CALIFORNIA FINANCIAL AID PROGRAMS

For more detailed information on state financial aid programs contact:

California Student Aid Commission
Customer Service Branch
P.O. Box 419027
Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9027

www.csac.ca.gov

Student/Parent use:
Telephone (888) CA GRANT (224-7268)
Fax: (916) 526-8002

The following are financial aid programs available to students who are residents of the state of California.

The California Chafee Grant Program gives money to foster youth, and former foster youth to use for career and technical training or college courses. The Chafee Grant can be used at a California school and at schools in other states.

To qualify you must be eligible or have been eligible for Independent Living Program (ILP) Services, between your 16th and 18th birthday. You must not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year.

You can apply online at csac.ca.gov or send a paper application form to the commission.

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant A assists with tuition and fees at public and independent colleges, and some occupational and career colleges. At the University of California and the California State University, the award covers up to full system-wide fees. Your coursework must be for at least two academic years.

There are two Cal Grant A awards: Entitlement and Competitive. There is also a Cal Grant A award for students transferring from a California Community College to a four-year college.

Cal Grant A Entitlement Award
Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 3.0 GPA, meets the financial and academic requirements and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant A Entitlement award.

Cal Grant A Competitive Award
Other eligible students who have at least a 3.0 GPA may apply for a Cal Grant A Competitive award. Selection is based on a composite score that takes into consideration your family’s income, parents’ educational level, GPA, time out of high school and other factors, such as whether you come from a single-parent household or are a former foster youth.

Community College Reserve Grant
If you receive a Cal Grant A but attend a California Community College first, your award will be reserved for up to three years until you transfer to a four-year college, if you continue to qualify. If you list a California Community College before a four-year California college on your FAFSA, it will be assumed the community college is your first choice. If you receive a Cal Grant A, it will be placed in reserve for your first year unless you transfer to a tuition or fee-charging college and activate your award. When you transfer, be sure to let your school know you have a reserve grant.

California Community College Transfer Entitlement Cal Grant
High school students who graduated July 1, 2000 or after, and go to a California Community College may receive a Cal Grant A award to attend a four-year college. You’re guaranteed an award if you have at least a 2.4 community college GPA, meet the admissions requirements for the qualifying four-year college, meet the Cal Grant eligibility and financial requirements, apply by March 2 of the award year and are under age 24 as of December 31 of the award year. Students who received a Cal Grant within a year of graduating from high school aren’t eligible.

To learn more, contact your school’s transfer center or financial aid office.

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant B provides a living allowance and tuition and fee assistance for low-income students. Awards for most first-year students are limited to an allowance for books and living expenses. When renewed or awarded beyond the freshman year, the award also helps pay for tuition and fees. The awards for tuition and fees are the same as those for Cal Grant A. For Cal Grant B, your coursework must be for at least one academic year.

There are two types of Cal Grant B awards: Entitlement and Competitive. There is also a Cal Grant B award for students transferring from a California Community College to a four-year college.

Cal Grant B Entitlement Award
Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the financial and eligibility requirements and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award.

Cal Grant B Competitive Award
Other eligible students who have at least a 2.0 GPA may apply for a Cal Grant B Competitive award. Selection is based on a composite score that takes into consideration your family’s income, parents’ educational level, GPA, time out of high school and other factors, such as whether you come from a single-parent household or are a former foster youth.

California Community College Transfer Entitlement Cal Grant
High school students who graduated July 1, 2000 or after, and go to a California Community College may receive a Cal Grant B award to attend a four-year college. You’re guaranteed an award if you have at least a 2.4 community college GPA, meet the admissions requirements for the qualifying four-year college, meet the Cal Grant eligibility and financial requirements, apply by March 2 of the award year and are under age 24 as of December 31 of the award year. Students who received a Cal Grant within a year of graduating from high school aren’t eligible.

To learn more, contact your school’s transfer center or financial aid office.

Cal Grant C

Cal Grant C awards assist with tuition and training costs at occupational or vocational programs. The award includes an amount for books, tools and equipment. If you’re planning to attend a school other than a California Community College, you also may receive a tuition award. Funding is available for up to two years, depending on the length of the program.

To qualify, you must enroll in a vocational program at a California community or independent college or vocational school that is at least four months long. If eligible for the award, you’ll receive a Cal Grant C Supplement application in mid-April, which must be completed and returned by May 15. Supplements are scored based on your work experience, educational history and vocational aptitude.

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)

Grant awards match the amount of a Cal Grant award and range from $100 to $11,259 for up to four years.

Applications are accepted throughout the academic year.

For further information, please contact the Specialized Program Unit at the address below:

  California Student Aid Commission
  Specialized Programs
  P.O. Box 419029
  Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9029
  (888) 224-7268 Option #3
  FAX (916) 526-7977

Child Development Grant Program

The Child Development Grant Program (Program) is a need-based grant designed to encourage students to enter the field of child care and development in a licensed children’s center. Students who plan to enroll at least half-time in coursework leading to a Child Development Permit as teacher, master teacher, site supervisor or program director, are eligible to apply through the institution they plan to attend. To receive funding, students must sign a Service Commitment Agreement stating they will provide one year of full-time service in a licensed children’s center for each year they receive the grant.

State Financial Aid Information

Find state financial aid information for the specific state that you live in. Find contact information for your local federal aid office, and get details about specific federal aid programs in your area.