At California Community Colleges, we’re always working and striving to remove or reduce the financial barrier to a higher education. As such, more than one million students receive some form of financial aid – totaling nearly $3 billion annually.
You might qualify, too.
Basic requirements for eligibility are:
- U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen [see the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for more detail]
- Register with Selective Service (if required)
- Working toward a degree, certificate or eligible goal (such as transfer to a four-year college or university)
- No federal grant refunds owed, or federal educational loans in default
- High school graduate, or achieved equivalent of a high school diploma – California High School Proficiency Exam (CHSPE) or General Education Diploma (GED)
- No recent drug possession or drug sales convictions (see the FAFSA for more detail)
Additional factors that determine your eligible aid amount:
- Family size
- Number of family members in college
- Family income and assets
- Your specific college costs – enrollment fees, room and board, books and supplies, transportation, and other expenses
Timeliness is also a factor. It’s critical to apply as early as possible and always respond to requests from the financial aid office quickly.
Please understand that the financial aid resources are finite. So, students who are responsive and prompt give themselves the greatest opportunity for benefits.
It’s also important to inquire about any special eligibility you might have.
And lastly, stay in contact with your financial aid office – be diligent and thorough in your communications.
Individual college financial aid offices can cover all eligibility details and answer any specific questions you may have.
Cal Grant C awards help pay for tuition and training costs for occupational, technical, or vocational programs. This $547 award is for books, tools and equipment. You may also receive up to an additional $2,462 for tuition at a school other than a California community college. To qualify, you must enroll in a vocational program that is at least four months long at a California community college, private college, or a career technical school. Funding is available for up to two years, depending on the length of your program.