Cal Grant A

The Cal Grant A award can be used for tuition and fees at public and private colleges as well as some private career colleges. At CSU and UC schools, this Cal Grant covers systemwide fees up to $3,354 and $7,788, respectively. In 2009-2010 school year, the Cal Grant A award amount has increased to $4,026 and $10,302.  If you are attending a private college, it pays up to $9,708 toward tuition and fees. To get this Cal Grant, you need to be working toward a two-year or four-year degree.

The 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.

To be eligible for a Cal Grant A 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 non-citizens)

·        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 (except for Cal Grant A and B extended awards for a teaching credential program)

·        Have financial need based on your college costs

·        Have family income and assets below the established ceilings

·        Meet any 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

Four chances to get a Cal Grant A Entitlement Award