Grants and Fee Waivers

Federal Pell Grant

How much?*

Up to $6,195 per academic year plus an additional $3,097 if enrolled during the summer, depending on financial need and other factors

Where can I use it?

Public or private two- and four-year colleges and universities in CA or out of state including career and technical education programs at community colleges

Who is eligible?

Students with financial need

U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens
Must have a high school diploma or GED

How do I apply?

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at fafsa.ed.gov.

When do I apply?

Apply as soon as possible between October 1 of the year before you start college and the last day of classes of the academic year that you are applying for. This means that you can apply even after you have started your college classes.

* Amounts listed are for the 2019/2020 academic year and are subject to change in future years.

** CA Dream Act eligible students

*** Foster youth who were/are in kin-gap, non-related legal guardianship or were adopted, are eligible for a Chafee grant only if the youth was a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, between the ages of 16-18. Includes DREAMers who meet other eligibility requirements.

Special thanks to John Burton Advocates for Youth for allowing the use of this content.