Cal Grant FAQ

Hello Wave Makers,

You may be receiving messages from your college or from CSAC ( California Student Aid Commission) about your Cal Grant. This is because in the state of California you are eligible to receive California Grants for attending college next year. The Grants are automatically packaged with your financial aid at the college you plan to attend, however there are a few steps you may need to take.

Below are FAQs in terms of Cal Grants. If you still have questions, feel free to reach out to Mr. Mendoza or Mr. Molina

Please click the drop down below for CAL GRANT FAQs

Do I have to apply to Cal Grant?

You do not need to submit a *separate* application to receive the Cal Grant. If you submitted a FAFSA or CA Dream Act, you have AUTOMATICALLY applied for the Cal Grant. If you are eligible for Cal Grant, it will be listed on each financial aid award letter for each college and in the Cal Grant account online.

Do I have to send my GPA to my college to get Cal Grant?

No—Mr. Siapno has already sent your GPA to your colleges and the CA Student Aid Commission (the organization that runs the Cal Grant). You may have found a form online that you can send to colleges to send them your GPAs—you do not need to fill this out!

What is the Open Cal Grant task on the CAP portal?

This task gives you instructions of how to *open* your Cal Grant account to double check all the right information is there and to determine if you are eligible for Cal Grant. Take a screenshot of the main page and upload that to the CAP portal.

What does it mean if my Cal Grant account says “Pending” or “Not Awarded” online?

If your Cal Grant account says “Pending” this means you qualify for Cal Grant, but it has not been sent to your school yet. If it says “Not Awarded” then you are not eligible for the Cal Grant (based on family income and/or GPA). You do not need to do anything else, just log in!

Do I need to update the school listed on the Cal Grant account?

Not yet! You will have to update the school listed on the Cal Grant account once you choose which college you are attending in late April. You do not need to change this now! Just leave it as is.

What are the requirements to receive a Cal Grant?

Cal Grant A

For low to middle income students
3.00 high school GPA minimum
May be used for a program that is at least two academic years in length resulting in an associate or baccalaureate degree of 48 semester units or the equivalent
Can only be used for tuition and fees
If awarded at a California Community College, will be held in reserve up to two academic years until student transfers to a tuition charging institution

Cal Grant B

For low income students
2.00 high school GPA minimum
May be used for a program that is at least one academic year in length resulting in an associate, baccalaureate degree or certificate of at least 24 semester units or the equivalent
Includes an additional annual Access Award amount (living expenses)
Sophomore through Senior years the student will receive tuition and fees plus Access Award at tuition charging institution

What if I want to do a Trade or Career Program?

The Cal Grant C program provides FREE MONEY to students pursuing an occupational or technical program. Students must apply for FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application to apply. No GPA requirement.

Are you interested in pursuing an occupational or technical program that could bring you closer to your dream job? The California Student Aid Commission provides State financial aid for those who meet certain income, asset, and other financial aid standards to attend college. The Cal Grant C program provides FREE MONEY to students pursuing an occupational or technical program.

How to apply

Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the CA Dream Act Application by the March 2 deadline.
If the Commission determines you eligible for a Cal Grant C, complete the online Cal Grant C Supplement Form through your WebGrants for Students account by the requested deadline.
Use up to $2,462 for tuition and fees and $547 for books, tools, and equipment at any Cal Grant eligible private for profit or private nonprofit institution.
Use up to $1,094 at any California Community College.

Cal Grant C: (7,761 awards offered after the March 2nd deadline)

For low to middle income students
No GPA requirement
For Occupational or Technical training programs of least 4 months in length
Offers an award amount to assist with tuition and fees, also includes an additional annual book and supplies amount

Click here to learn more:

If I have questions about Cal Grant who should I reach out to?

Mr. Mendoza! Mr. Mendoza is always your go to person when it comes to all things related to financial aid, including Cal Grant.

To schedule a meeting with Mr. Mendoza, please click here !

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