Financial Aid

Upcoming Financial Aid Deadlines:

Priority Deadline for FAFSA - March 2nd

Priority Deadline for CA Dream Act - March 2nd

FAFSA/ CA Dream Act

12th Graders applying for financial aid must complete the FAFSA

Undocumented students are eligible to apply for Financial Aid through the California Dream Application. More information about the application and the California Dream Act can be viewed here: http://www.csac.ca.gov/dream_act.asp

CAL GRANT GPA VERIFICATION

FAFSA/

TYPES OF FINANCIAL AID

FEDERAL (PELL GRANT) FAFSA/CA Dream Act

  • Does not have to be repaid

  • For undergraduates with exceptional need

  • Everyone who completes a FAFSA form will be evaluated for eligibility



STATE (CAL GRANT) - Visit the website

  • At a CCC (CA Community College)

Cal Grant A – $0: The Cal Grant A does not cover your tuition and fees while attending a community college*, however your award eligibility will be held in reserve for up to two years until you transfer to a four-year college.

Cal Grant B – $1,648*: You can use your $1,648 access award as a living allowance to help pay for books and other community college costs.

Cal Grant C – $1,094: A student must be enrolled in an occupational or technical program to qualify for the Cal Grant C. (e.g. automotive technician, court reporter, etc). The amount offered can be used for books, tools, equipment, and other community college costs.

  • At a CSU (California State University)

Cal Grant A – $5,742: This amount will be applied towards the systemwide tuition and fee cost of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost, such as the State University Grant (SUG) Program.

Cal Grant B (any other year) - $7,390:This amount includes the access award amount (described above) and an additional amount to cover the systemwide tuition and fees. ($1,648+$5,742= $7,390)

Cal Grant C: Not an available award at this type of institution. The Cal Grant C award is only for students enrolled in occupational or technical programs.

  • At a UC (University of California)

Cal Grant A – $12,570: This amount will be applied toward the systemwide tuition and fees of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost, such as the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.

Cal Grant B (any other year) - $14,218: This amount includes the access award amount (described above) and an additional amount to cover the systemwide tuition/fees. ($1,648+$12,570= $14,218)

Cal Grant C: Not an available award at this type of institution. The Cal Grant C award is only for students enrolled in occupational or technical programs.

  • At a Private Non-Profit School

Cal Grant A – $9,220: This amount will be applied toward the tuition and fees of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs. Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost.

Cal Grant B (any other year) - $10,868: This amount includes the access amount (described above) and the additional amount provided for tuition and fees. ($1,648+$9,220= $10,868)

Cal Grant C – $3,009: If you are attending a year-round private technical/vocational school ($2,462 + $547 = $3,009). The $2,462 is applied directly to your Tuition and Fees. The $547 is an amount designated for books and supplies.


Foster Youth Students

Students who are part of the foster care system may be eligible for financial aid

There are grants specifically designed to provide free money to foster youth for college or career training. The resources below can get you started down the road to aid and a successful educational journey.

Cal Grant B for Foster Youth

Cal Grant B for Foster Youth program expands aid for students who are current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility.

  • Foster youth students may renew their Cal Grant B awards for the equivalent of eight years of full-time attendance in an undergraduate program.

  • Foster youth students have until their 26th birthday to apply for the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award.

  • Foster youth students attending a California Community College can apply for a High School Entitlement award through September 2nd (rather than March 2nd).

LEARN MORE ABOUT THE CAL GRANT B FOSTER YOUTH AWARD

Questions about Cal Grant B for Foster Youth? Send an email to studentsupport@csac.ca.gov or give us a call at 1-888-224-7268, M-F 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM.


Chafee Foster Youth Grant Program

Chafee Foster Youth Grant Program is a federal and state funded grant subject to yearly availability of funds.

  • This program is administered by the Commission through an interagency agreement with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).

  • Chafee provides current or former California foster youth up to $5,000 per year for education expenses at an eligible California or out of state college.

  • Awards may be used for postsecondary education including career and technical training.

Questions about the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth? Send an email to chafee@csac.ca.gov.

VISIT THE CHAFEE WEBSITE

Chafee Grant Factsheet

Other Resources for students

Students with Dependent Children

The Students with Dependents Children Program increases the Cal Grant award beginning in the 2019-20 academic year for students attending a University of CA (UC), California State University (CSU), or California Community College (CCC).

  • Must have dependent children that are under 18 years of age, and for whom they provide more than half of their financial support for during the academic year.

  • Are eligible to receive an access award of up to $6,000 for Cal Grant A recipients, $6,024 for Cal Grant B recipients, and $4,000 for Cal Grant B recipients, in addition to the Cal Grant tuition and fee amounts.

  • SWD attending a private institution do not qualify for an increased award amount but may still qualify for the base Cal Grant award amounts.

Questions about the Students with Dependents Program? Send an email to studentsupport@csac.ca.gov or give us a call at 1-888-224-7268, M-F 8:00 AM to 4:45 PM.

LEARN MORE

John Burton Advocates for Youth improves the quality of life for youth in California who have been in foster care or homeless by advocating for better laws, training communities to strengthen local practices and conducting research to inform policy solutions.

Get more information about the following resources: Educational Resources, Housing Resources, Healthcare Resources, and Extended Foster Care, and Resources for Parenting Foster Youth.

JOHN BURTON ADVOCATES FOR YOUTH WEBSITE


Department of Social Services

The Department of Social Services provides housing support, financial assistance and other resources for California’s foster youth. In California, foster care benefits don’t end at 18. When you turn 18, you have new options for supportive housing, financial assistance, and more, up to the age of 21. Visit the department’s Youth Page for more educational and supportive resources.

Questions? Send an email to FosterCareEducation@dss.ca.gov

DEPARTMENT OF SOCIAL SERVICES WEBSITE