Available Grant Awards

Grants are need-based awards that do not need to be repaid as long as the student remains eligible. For certain funds (Pell and Cal Grants), disbursement is also based on enrollment status. For information on disbursement rates, please refer to the chart on our Disbursement and Direct Deposit webpage. For these funds, enrollment status is determined by the number of units completed. If a student meets full-time enrollment status at the beginning of the term and falls below after the funds are disbursed, the student may be billed for any excess aid received.

Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grants are for undergraduates who have not earned a bachelor's or professional degree, and who are enrolled at least half-time. The Department of Education determines the student's eligibility for Pell Grant by reviewing their FAFSA to produce an Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is indicated on the Student Aid Report (SAR). The amount the student receives is based on that EFC, the cost of attendance, whether the student is attending full-time or part-time and whether the student attends school for a full academic year or less. For information on disbursement rates based on enrollment status, please refer to the chart on our Disbursement and Direct Deposit webpage. Students may not receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school at the same time. Please note that Federal Pell Grant awards could be reduced if Congress does not provide sufficient funding. While 2011-12 amounts appear to be secure, this could potentially change awards for the 2012-13 academic year. We will continue to keep this page updated as we monitor the status. For the most current information, please visit the NASFAA Act Now to Prevent Cuts to Pell Grants website.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
SEOG grants are for undergraduates with exceptional financial need (students with the lowest Expected Family Contribution), and gives priority to students who receive Pell Grant. Due to limited funding, not every eligible student will receive SEOG; however, if eligible, they may receive another form of grant.

Cal Grants A, B, and C
Students apply for Cal Grant when they submit the FAFSA. A copy of the FAFSA is sent to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), which determines eligibility for Cal Grants and notifies the student with a California Aid Report (CAR). First-time Cal Grant applicants are required to submit a GPA Verification form directly to CSAC as part of the application process. The student must notify the Financial Aid Office (send a copy of the letter) if they accept (or are denied) a Cal Grant award. Cal Grant disburses each quarter/summer session based on enrolled units. Please refer to the chart on our Disbursement and Direct Deposit webpage for more information. Students who receive Cal Grant awards for which they are ineligible will be required to repay the funds received.

• Cal Grant A is credited to pay Registration Fees
• Cal Grant B awards for first-year students are limited to a quarterly stipend toward living expenses. When renewed, Cal Grant B may also cover part of the registration fees and tuition.
• Cal Grant C is limited to students in the School of Medicine Nurse Practitioner program.

Cal Grant B stipend funds will be applied towards outstanding student balances unless request is made prior to disbursement to release funds directly to the student.

Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a Teaching Credential Program (TCP) may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate level courses of study. Students will need to file a G-44 form with CSAC for this program. Visit the CSAC website at calgrants.org and click on WebGrants for Students for more information, to check on the status of your application, view your payment history, or to update your address.

California Chafee Grant
The California Chafee Grant Program gives money to current or former foster youth to use for career and technical training or college courses. You don’t have to pay this money back as long as you are in school. The Chafee Grant Program, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to availability of federal funds each year. Students can obtain information and apply online at chafee.csac.ca.gov.

University Grants
University Grants (UC Grant/State University Grant/UG Entering Scholarship) are awarded to undergraduates who have grant eligibility according to the Education Finance Policy. University Grant funds are limited and awarded based on the FAFSA filing date to undergraduates who are eligible and whose financial aid and all required documents are received and complete. Awards are based on availability of funding at the time a student’s completed file is processed. University Grant funding is not available to cover out-of-state registration fees.