Cal Grant B Entitlement Awards

   

2008 - 2009 Award Description: Provide grant funds for access costs for low-income students in an amount not to exceed $1,551.  This grant is to be used for living expenses and expenses related to transportation, supplies and books.  Beginning with the second year of Cal Grant B benefits, Cal Grant B also helps pay for tuition/fees for California residents attending qualifying institutions offering baccalaureate degree programs. Awards are guaranteed for those who meet the program eligibility criteria. General Cal Grant Eligibility Requirements: 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 Who can apply: To be eligible for a 2008-09 Cal Grant B Entitlement Award, applicants must: Meet the Cal Grant Program general eligibility requirements Graduate from high school between July 1, 2007 and June 30, 2008. Achieve a minimum high school grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale Submit a completed application and verified grade point average (GPA) by March 2, 2008. Demonstrate financial need of at least $700 Enroll in an undergraduate academic program of not less than one academic year at a qualifying post secondary institution How to apply: All Applicants Must File a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) DEADLINE: MARCH 2, 2008 The FAFSA is the same application that is used nationwide for federal aid and other state and campus-based aid.  The application has both a paper and electronic version and can be filed beginning January 1, 2008.  The deadline for filing a FAFSA application for these awards is March 2, 2008. For the purpose of applying to the Cal Grant Program, we would encourage all applicants to file an electronic application through FAFSA on the Web at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov. Paper versions of the FAFSA are available at high schools, career centers, libraries, and college financial aid offices.  Copies can also be obtained from the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 1-800-433-3243. All Applicants Must File a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form Applicants may obtain a 2008-09 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form from high schools, and college financial aid offices.  Applicants may also obtain this form by calling the California Student Aid Commission at (888) 224-7268.  Forms are generally made available by late Fall. All GPA Verification Forms must be filed by the March 2, 2008 deadline. When Will I Be Told Whether I Have Received an Award? Applicants who filed a completed FAFSA and GPA Verification Form will be informed of their award status beginning in April of 2008.