State Aid
There are grants and scholarships available from the state of California to its residents which include Cal Grant, Byrd, and Douglas programs. The California Student Aid Commission may be contacted at www.csac.ca.gov.
CAL GRANTS
Cal Grants may be used at any California Community Colleges, UCS, CSUS, Private and most Career/Technical Schools.
Who can get a Cal Grant?
If you are a high school senior, a recent high school graduate, or you just got your GED, and you meet all the financial requirements and you apply by March 2, you are guaranteed to receive a Cal Grant Entitlement award.
There are Cal Grant competitive awards also for students who are not eligible for Entitlement awards.
To be eligible for a Cal Grant you must:
Submit the FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen (your parents don’t need to be citizens or eligible noncitizens)
Be a California resident when you graduated from high school
Have a Social Security number
Attend a qualifying California college
Not have a bachelor’s or professional degree
Have financial need based on your college costs
Have family income and assets below the established ceilings
Meet minimum GPA requirements
Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
Be enrolled at least half time
Have registered with U.S. Selective Service (most males)
Not owe a refund on a state or federal grant, or be in default on a student loan
You can apply for a Cal Grant Entitlement Award in one of four ways:
Within one year after you graduate. So even if you decide to backpack through Europe or go straight to work before going to college, you don't have to miss out on a Cal Grant.
As a community college transfer student, as long as you are under the age of 28.
As a high school senior.
Within one year of getting your GED.
GOT A GED? DON'T HAVE A GPA? YOU CAN GET A CAL GRANT
Some students don't have a GPA, so certain test scores can be used instead. Please submit your test score along with the GPA Verification Form.
If you have a GED, submit your GED score directly to the California Student Aid Commission.
If you graduated from a school that doesn't provide grades, is not accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or another regional accrediting agency, or doesn't have a course list approved by the University of California you must provide your ACT, SAT or GED score.
If you were home-schooled or attended a charter school you must submit your ACT, SAT or GED score.
If you graduated from high school more than five years ago you may provide your SAT or ACT score, or use a re-established GPA from your grades at a California Community College.
How do I apply for a Cal Grant?
Complete the FAFSA and GPA Verification form by the March 2nd deadline. When you send in the GPA Verification form, be sure to send it in with a “mailing confirmation” from the post office. Current Cal Grant recipients need not file the GPA verification form but must file the FAFSA form by the March 2nd deadline.
In addition, the student must complete a “Determination of California Residency Form” and submit it to the financial aid office of the college.
What type of Cal Grant is available at CCC?
A student is eligible for a Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B at Community Christian College.
Cal Grant A Entitlement awards can be used for tuition and fees. It pays up to $9708 toward tuition and fees. To get this Cal grant you need to be working toward a two or four year degree. You must have a 3.0 GPA and meet the income and asset ceiling requirements.
Cal Grant B Entitlement awards provide low-income students with a living allowance and assistance with tuition and fees. Most first-year students receive an allowance of up to $1551 for books and living expenses. After the freshman year, Cal Grant B also helps pay tuition and fees in the same amount as a Cal Grant A. For a Cal Grant B, your coursework must be for at least one academic year. You must have a 2.0 GPA and meet the income and asset ceiling requirements.
Cal Grant A & B Competitive Awards are for students who aren’t eligible for the Entitlement awards The main difference is that these awards are not guaranteed.
Cal Grant A Competitive Awards are for students with a minimum 3.0 GPA who are from low and middle income families. These awards help pay tuition and fees at qualifying schools with academic programs that are at least two years in length.
Cal Grant B Competitive Awards are for students with a minimum 2.0 GPA who are from disadvantaged and low-income families. These awards can be used for tuition, fees, and access cost at qualifying schools whose programs are last one year in length. If you receive a Cal Grant B Competitive award, it can only be used for access costs in the first year. These costs include living expenses, transportation, books, and supplies. Beginning with the second year, you can use your Cal Grant B Competitive Award to help pay tuition and fees.
How can I check to see if I received a Cal Grant or keep updated of my grant status?
Cal Grant has a new on-line feature that allows you to access your Cal Grant information. Visit www.csac.ca.gov and click the link Webgrants for Students for more information.
The California Student Aid Commission may also be reached by phone at (888) 224-7268.
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.
To qualify you must:
be eligible, or have been eligible for foster care between your 16th and 18th birthday;
not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year
To apply you must:
Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) on line.
Complete the California Chafee Grant Program Application on line
Note: these forms are year specific. Be sure to complete the applications that correspond with the academic year you will be attending.