What are grants?

Grants, unlike loans, do not have to be repaid. Eligibility is based on an array of measurements, including family’s expected contribution, number of dependent family members, your student status, and any continuing academic requirements.

Federal Pell Grants

Pell Grants are awarded usually only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor’s or a professional degree. The maximum Pell Grant award for the 2010-11 award year (July 1, 2010 to June 30, 2011) is $5,550. The amount you get, though, will depend not only on your financial need, but also on your costs to attend school, your status as a full-time or part-time student, and your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) program is for undergraduates with exceptional financial need. Pell Grant recipients with the lowest expected family contributions (EFCs) will be considered first for a FSEOG. Maximum award amount is $500/year.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) (click here)

The Academic Competitiveness Grant provides up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. Eligible student must have completed a rigorous secondary school program of study (after January 1, 2006, if a first-year student, and after January 1, 2005, if a second-year student).

California State Grant Program (Cal Grant)

Cal Grants offers financial aid and grants for any qualifying California college, university or technical school in California. California residents must meet academic, financial and eligibility requirements as defined by the California Student Aid Commission. For more information and application, visit calgrants.org.