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Cal Grant & Chafee Grant
What is a Cal Grant?
Are there different types of Cal Grant?
How do I know if I qualify for Cal Grant?
How do I apply for Cal Grant?
Who must complete GPA verification Form?
What if I didn't graduate or I was home schooled?
What if I have completed some classes at Butte College?
How do I renew my Cal Grant?
How Do I know if my GPA was received by CSAC?
What is a Chafee Grant?
How do I qualify for Chafee Grant?
How do I apply for Chafee Grant?
What is a Cal Grant?
Cal Grant awards are state funded monetary grants given to students to help pay for college expenses. The awards do not have to be paid back.
Are there different types of Cal Grant?
Cal Grant A is a state funded grant program that helps low- and middle- income students with tuition costs at a four-year California college. Although this grant can only be used at a four-year college, students are encouraged to apply while attending Butte College because awards can be held on reserve until the student transfers. Eligibility is determined in part by submitting the FAFSA.
Cal Grant B is a state funded grant, which provides assistance for educational expenses to students from disadvantaged and low-income families. There are also a limited number of Community College Transfer Cal Grant B awards given to community college students transferring to a four-year college. Awards range from $100 - $1551 and do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined in part by submitting the FAFSA.
Cal Grant C is a state funded grant, which provides tuition and training allowance for students enrolled in a vocational program. Cal Grant C awards are a maximum of $576 and do not need to be repaid. Eligibility is determined in part by submitting the FAFSA.
How do I know if I qualify for Cal Grant?
All Cal Grant applicants must:
- Be California residents
- Be U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens
- Meet U.S. Selective Service requirements
- Attend an eligible California qualifying post secondary institution
- Be enrolled at least half-time
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined at school of attendance
- Have family income and assets below the established ceilings
- Not be in default on any student loan
- Not owe any federal or state grant refund
How do I apply for Cal Grant?
Step One:
- Fill out and submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- The FAFSA form is a federal form that must be filed by any student who wants to be considered for college financial aid. For a Cal Grant, the FAFSA must be completed and filed with the federal processor by March 2nd of each year.
- A paper form can also be used. If you use a paper form, remember to make a copy before you mail it and obtain a 90 cent certificate of mailing from the post office so that you can verify the date you mailed the form.
Step Two:
- File a verified grade point average (GPA) with the California Student Aid Commission by no later than March 2nd.
- Some high schools and colleges automatically file their students' verified GPAs with the Commission. Some do not. You must confirm whether your school will file your GPA for you, or obtain a GPA Verification Form, get it certified by a school official and mail it yourself.
Who must complete GPA verification Form?
To be considered for a Cal Grant you must have your GPA verified by the appropriate college or high school office. The following information explains where to submit your GPA Verification form based on your current high school or college status.
Graduating high school students and college students with fewer than 24 college units earned: to qualify for a Cal Grant, your high school must verify your GPA and submit it to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Your GPA verification form must be postmarked by March 2 for the following academic year .Complete the GPA Verification form and submit it to your high school at least three weeks before the March 2 deadline to ensure sufficient time for processing. The GPA Verification form is available from most high school counseling centers and college financial aid departments.
What if I didn't graduate or I was home schooled?
Some students don't have a GPA, so certain test scores can be used instead. Please submit your test score along with the GPA Verification Form.
- If you have a GED, submit your GED score directly to the California Student Aid Commission.
- If you graduated from a school that doesn't provide grades, is not accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges or another regional accrediting agency, or doesn't have a course list approved by the University of California you must provide your ACT, SAT or GED score.
- If you were home-schooled or attended a charter school you must submit your ACT, SAT or GED score.
- If you graduated from high school more than five years ago you may provide your SAT or ACT score, or use a re-established GPA.
What if I have completed some classes at Butte College?
The Office of Financial Aid will automatically send your GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) if you meet the following conditions:
- You have earned at least 24 units at Butte College.
- Your GPA is calculated on all completed college work, excluding nontransferable units and courses not counted in computation for admission to a California public institution of higher education that grants a baccalaureate degree.
How do I renew my Cal Grant?
Cal Grants may be renewed for up to four years of full-time enrollment. If you are currently receiving a Cal Grant and wish to renew your grant for the next academic year, we recommend you complete your FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1st of each year. CSAC will automatically notify us if you are eligible to renew your Cal Grant. We will confirm your eligibility by reviewing financial need and enrollment.
How Do I know if my GPA was received by CSAC?
Wondering if you're GPA has been received by the Commission? If you have filed a current Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), you can go on-line and check the status of your Cal Grant application by logging on to WebGrants for Students. This secure site will let you view the status of your Cal Grant application, your Chafee application, check your award status, update your address, view payment history or make a school change. This website is available at your convenience, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
What is a Chafee Grant?
The California Chafee Grant Program gives free money to current or former foster youth to use for career and technical training or college courses. You don't have to pay this money back and you can use it for things like child care, transportation and rent. The Chafee Grant Program, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to availability of federal funds each year.
How do I qualify for Chafee Grant?
To qualify, you must:
- Be eligible, or have been eligible, for foster care between your 16th and 18th birthday
- Not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1, or the award year
How do I apply for Chafee Grant?
File two forms:
- Free Application for Federal Student Aid, or FAFSA. File online at www.fafsa.ed.gov or get a paper form from your school. (Undocumented students may contact the Commission for further instructions.)
- California Chafee Grant Program Application. Submit a paper copy or an online application to the Commission.
For more information please visit www.chafee.csac.ca.gov
