Common Types of Grants
and fee waivers


FEDERAL PELL GRANT

CAL GRANT

CHAFEE GRANT

MIDDLE CLASS SCHOLARSHIP (MCS)

CALIFORNIA COLLEGE PROMISE GRANT (FORMERLY BOG)

STUDENT SUCCESS COMPLETION GRANT (SSCG)

FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY (FSEOG)

HOW MUCH?*

Up to $7,395 per academic year plus an additlonal $3,447 if enrolled during the summer, depending on financial need and other factors

Up to full tuition at a UC or CSU or $9,220 at a private institution. Foster youth in care after 13 or students with dependents can get an additional $6,000 per year for non-tuition costs like rent and books,

Up to $5,000 per year for up to five years, which do not have to be consecutive years

Award amounts will vary by student and by school. Students with a remaining unmet need that is over $7,898 will be offered the award. Students may receive a MCS in addition to a Cal Grant

Waives the enrollment fees for classes at California community colleges

For non-foster youth attending a CCC, $1,298 per semester if enrolled in 12-14 units and $4,000 per semester if enrolled in 15 units. For eligible foster youth, $5,250 per semester if enrolled in 12 or more units.

Ranges from S 100 to $4,000 per year depending on financial need and funding availability.

WHERE CAN I USE IT?

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

Any UC, CSU, California Community College or qualified private school in California

Public or private colleges, universities or qualified career and technical schools in California or out of state

Any University of California (UC) or Cal State University (CSU) campus

California community colleges

California Community Colleges

Public or private 2- and 4-year colleges and universities in California or out of state.

WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

Students with financial need

  • U.S. Citizens or eligible non-citizens
  • Generally, must have a high school diploma or Equivalent (i.e. GED)
  • Must be an undergraduate student

Students with financial need

  • California residents or CA Dream Act eligible students**
  • Must have a high school diploma or Equivalent (i.e. GED) AND at least a 2.0 high school GPA unless enrolled in a qualified CTE program
  • Must be enrolled at least half-time in college

Current or former foster youth who were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, at least one day between the ages 16 and 18***

  • Must be enrolled at least half-time in college
  • Have not reached their 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year
  • Must have financial need
  • Includes CA Dream Act eligible students

Income and asset limits apply that range between $108,000 and $226,000. Low-income students ass well as “middle class” students can qualify. Must be an undergraduate student or student pursuing a teaching credential. Must be a California resident and a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or be CA Dream Act eligible

Students with financial need

  • California residents or CA Dream Act eligible students**
  • Foster youth can maintain this waiver regardless of academic performance once in college

  • Students must be enrolled in 12 ore more units, receive the Cal Grant B or C, and be California residents or CA Dream Act eligible
  • To reveive additional foster youth funding must be in foster care at least one day after age 13

Students with exceptional financial need

  • U.S Citizens or eligible non-citizens
  • Must have a high school diploma or equivalent (I.E., GED)
  • Must be an undergraduate student

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

Common Types of Grants and fee waivers (cont.)



FEDERAL PELL GRANT


CAL GRANT


CHAFEE GRANT

Middle Class Scholarship (mcs)


CALIFORNIA COLLEGE PROMISE GRANT (FORMERLY BOG)


STUDENT SUCCESS COMPLETION GRANT (SSCG)


FEDERAL SUPPLEMENTAL EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITY (FSEOG)

HOW DO I APPLY?

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

FAFSA (studentaid.gov) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) (dream.csac.ca.gov) and Cal Grant high school GPA verification (usually provided directly by the student’s high school)

FAFSA (studentaid.gov) or CADAA (dream.csac.ca.gov) and the Chafee application (for first-time applications only) (Chafee.csac.ca.gov)

FAFSA (studentaid.gov) or CADAA (dream.csac.ca.gov)

FAFSA (studentaid.gov) or CADAA dream.csac.ca.gov or most California Community Colleges offer separate online applications through cccapply.org

FAFSA (studentaid.gov) or CADAA (dream.csac.ca.gov)

FAFSA at studentaid.gov

WHEN DO I APPLY?

Apply as soon as possible between October 1 of the year before starting college and the last day of classes of the academic year. Students can apply even after starting college classes

Apply between December – April 2

  • if attending a 4-year university or by Sept. 2 if attending community college
  • Most students attending a 4-year university must apply within one year of high school graduation, but foster youth can apply up to age 26

Apply between December – April 2

  • Students can apply after April 2, but may be less likely to receive this money

Apply between October 1 – March 2

Apply at any time

Apply between December – April 2

Apply between December – April 2

  • Students can apply after April 2, but may be less likely to receive this money

*Amounts listed are for the 2023/2024 academic year and are subject to change in future years.

**CA Dream Act eligibility see dream.csac.ca.gov or the “Where, When, and What is Needed to Apply for Financial Aid”

***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 out-of-home foster care placement at least one day, l’letween the ages of 16-18 OR placed in out-of-home care by a tribe or tribal organization between the ages of 16-18.

While the FAFSA and CADAA forms are typically released October 1st each year, the 2024-25 application release is delayed until December. Students should check the application websites regularly for updates. The Cal Grant priority deadline is typically March 2, but it has been extended due to April 2 to the delay.


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