» Federal and State Grants

Federal and state grants are free money to help pay for college. Grants are need-based and require you to fill out the FAFSA form every year in order to stay eligible. Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. To remain eligible, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

Toggle Section

A Federal Pell Grant is an award for undergraduate students who display an exceptional amount of need. To apply, a student must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The amount of a Pell Grant will be dependent on:

Your expected family contribution (EFC)
Your status as a full time or part time student
Your plans to attend for a full academic year or less

More information about the Federal Pell Grant is available from the Department of Education.

Summer Pell Grant

If you are eligible for a Pell grant in the fall and spring semesters, you may be eligible to receive an additional Pell Grant in the summer. You must maintain enrollment in at least six credits during summer.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) is a federal, need-based grant. The FSEOG funds are awarded to the lowest income applicants who are enrolled in at least 6 credits. Funds are extremely limited; many eligible students cannot be awarded. Federal law permits these grants to range in size from $100 to $4,000. Your eligibility may affect institutional aid to ensure compliance with federal and university policies.

More information about the FSEOG is available from the Department of Education.

A Cal Grant is money administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to eligible California students.

Eligibility Requirements:

Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California DREAM Act Application (CADAA) by March 2nd
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria
Be a California resident for 1 year
Have family income and assets below the ceilings determined by CSAC
Be enrolled in at least six credits
Maintain a GPA of 3.0 for Cal Grant A or 2.0 for Cal Grant B
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

You can check the status of your Cal Grant application by logging onto WebGrants for Students. Your eligibility may affect institutional aid to ensure compliance with state and university policies.

CAL GRANT CHANGES FOR 2021-22

Cal Grant A increased from $9,084 to $9,220.
Cal Grant B increased from $9,084 to $9,220.
Cal Grant B Access decreased from $1,656 to $1,648.

A Chafee Grant is a California grant for foster youth.

Eligibility Requirements:

Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18
Apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California DREAM Act Application (CADAA) by March 2nd
Submit the Chafee Grant Application (for first time applicants only)
Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year
Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive)
Be enrolled in at least six credits
Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress

You can check the status of your Chafee Grant by logging onto WebGrants for Students.