The Cal Grant Program is funded by the State of California. It is a grant program to assist California residents in paying for a college education at a California school. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is the state agency responsible for determining student eligibility and the type of grant the students will receive.
If you submitted your 2010-2011 FAFSA and your GPA by the March 2, 2010, Cal Grant deadline, then go to http://www.webgrants4students.org and create an account. That is the California Student Aid Commission’s website for students. Go there to check your 2010-2011 Cal Grant status.
If you missed the March 2, 2010 deadline but will attend a California community college in Fall, 2010, you have another chance to apply for a Cal Grant. Read the 2010-2011Cal Grant Instructions for details. Cal Grant money is limited, so not everyone who is eligible will be lucky enough to be selected. Also, Cal Grant funds must be approved and included in the new California State Budget.
There are several types of Cal Grants:
Cal Grant A (Entitlement) – At California State Universities and University of California campuses, this Cal Grant covers systemwide fees up to $3,354 and $7,788, respectively. At a private college, it pays up to $9,708 toward tuition and fees. This Cal Grant can also be used at some private career colleges.
Cal Grant A (Competitive) – Competitive Cal Grants are for students who are not eligible for an entitlement Cal Grant (see above). Money for these grants is limited. This grant is for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are from low and middle-income families.
Cal Grant A (Community College Reserve) – This Cal Grant is given to eligible students attending California community colleges. Students must activate the award when they transfer to a school offering a bachelor’s degree. It cannot be used at a community college.
Cal Grant B (Entitlement) – Students who are high school seniors, recent high school graduates, or students who just received a GED might be eligible for this Cal Grant if they meet the requirements. Eligible 1st-year students will receive $776 for Fall and $775 for Spring (annual total - $1551) if enrolled in 12 or more units. The amount is prorated for students enrolled in less than 12 units.
After the freshman year, students attending a California State University, a University of California campus, or a private college may qualify for additional funds to help pay tuition and fees. After the freshman year, students who continue to attend a California community college, will only be eligible for a maximum of $1551.
Cal Grant B (Competitive) - Competitive Cal Grants are for students who are not eligible for a Cal Grant B (Entitlement) - see above. Competitive awards are for students with a minimum 2.0 GPA who are from disadvantaged and low-income families. Money for these grants is limited, so not everyone who is eligible will receive the grant.
Cal Grant C – To qualify, students must enroll in a vocational program that is at least four months long at a California community college or an eligible private or career technical college. Funding is available for a maximum of two years. Eligible students enrolled in 12 or more units at a California community college can receive $288 for Fall and $288 for Spring (annual total - $576). The amount is prorated for students enrolled in less than 12 units. At an eligible school other than a California community college, the students may receive an additional $2,592 for tuition. Money for these grants is limited, so not everyone who is eligible will receive the grant.