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Some 50% of college graduates in California leave school with student debt. That’s due in part to California’s generous Cal Grant Program that covers a good chunk of tuition and fees for residents attending qualifying in-state schools.
Yes. The state offers one scholarship to residents: the need-based Middle Class Scholarship.
| Amounts | Between 10% and 40% of tuition and fees at the University of California or California State University. |
|---|---|
| Eligibility requirements | To qualify for the Middle Class Scholarship, you must meet criteria that includes:
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The Middle Class Scholarship funds up to 40% of your tuition costs at the University of California or California State University. The award amount you qualify for depends on your financial need as well as other scholarships and grants you already received.
The most common way to fund your education is through a Cal Grant. Other options for students require meeting specific criteria.
| Amounts for Cal Grant A | Award amounts for tuition and fees depend on the school you’re attending:
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|---|---|
| Amounts for Cal Grant B | For your first year of school, you receive a $1,627 stipend to use for books and supplies. After that, your award covers tuition, fees and a stipend for books and supplies during your sophomore, junior and senior years — with amounts that vary by school:
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| General eligibility requirements | Although each Cal Grant requires its own eligibility, you must also meet basic criteria:
To learn if you qualify, contact your school’s financial aid office or the California Student Aid Commission. |
The Cal Grant Program is three separate grants that are further divided into type A and B. You don’t need to complete separate applications to be considered for these grants — you’re automatically in the running when you complete the FASFA or California Dream Act Application.
The state adds a special Cal Grant C Award for students attending an occupational or technical program.
| Eligibility requirements for Cal Grant A | On top of general eligibility requirements, you must meet the following criteria:
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|---|---|
| Eligibility requirements for Cal Grant B | On top of general eligibility requirements, you must meet the following criteria:
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While high school seniors won’t find state-funded scholarships in California, the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award gives high school students with financial need and decent grades a way to fund their education.
| Eligibility requirements for Cal Grant A | On top of general eligibility requirements, you must meet the following criteria:
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|---|---|
| Eligibility requirements for Cal Grant B | On top of general eligibility requirements, you must meet the following criteria:
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The Cal Grant Competitive Award is limited to about 26,000 students a year. Selections are based on your financial need as determined by the FASFA as well as your GPA. Only applicants who aren’t eligible for the Cal Grant Entitlement Award can qualify.
| Eligibility requirements for Cal Grant A | On top of general eligibility requirements, you must meet the following criteria:
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|---|---|
| Eligibility requirements for Cal Grant B | On top of general eligibility requirements, you must meet the following criteria:
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The Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award is designed for students who plan on transferring from a California community college to a four-year university. To qualify, you must be under 28 years old and transfer directly from your community college without a gap year.
| Amounts | Award amounts vary by the institution you’re attending:
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|---|---|
| Eligibility requirements | On top of general eligibility requirements, you must meet the following criteria:
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The Cal Grant C Award is designed for students enrolled in a technical or occupational program at a qualifying California school. Fewer than 8,000 awards are offered each year, though select fields get priority points in the selection process. Learn if your program is on the Cal Grant C Priority Occupational List at the California Student Aid Commission website.
Unlike with other Cal Grant options, you must submit a separate application after filling out the FASFA or California Dream Act Application if you’re eligible for the award.
California offers more than the Cal Grant, but you must meet strict requirements and complete a separate application for consideration.
No, with one exception. The Chafee Grant for Foster Youth allows students to attend school outside of California. But the limited number of other California grants and scholarships available must be used at an in-state institution.
Don’t qualify for a California state-funded scholarships and grants? Consider alternatives to help cover the cost of attending school.
The federal government offers grants and scholarships based on both merit and need. Your school might also have its own financial aid packages to offset the cost of attendance. For example, Stanford offers a generous University Scholarship and work-study program to students who demonstrate financial need.
Contact your school’s financial aid office to discuss your options.
If you’ve attended a California high school for three years, you’re able to to pay in-state tuition, apply for CalGrants, UC Grants and other state financial aid opportunities — even if you don’t have a Social Security number. To apply, fill out an application based on the FAFSA on the California Student Aid Commission website. The deadline for most financial aid available through this program is March 2.
Student loans can bridge the gap when scholarships and grants fall short. We recommend applying for federal loans first — they tend to come with lower interest rates and more flexible repayment plans than private financing.
Need additional funding? Compare your private student loan options, paying special attention to deferment and forbearance options each lender offers.
Explore your options by APR, minimum credit score, loan amount and loan term. Select the Get started button to start an application with a specific lender.
Choose a loan provider from the list below for more information on its services.
California might offer an abundance of scholarships and grants. But what’s there can help residents cover tuition and fees at qualifying schools.
Need help paying for books and living expenses? Learn more in our guide to college financing.
Who should use the California Dream Act Application (CDAA)?
Students who can’t file the FAFSA because they lack a Social Security number — or those with a Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) number — should complete the CADAA to qualify for state aid.
How do I know if I meet AB 540 criteria?
You must meet the following criteria to qualify for AB 540 status:
When is the deadline to apply for California grants and scholarships?
It depends on the grant or scholarship. Some are open year-round, while others rely on students completing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. Check the grant or scholarship page you’re interested in to learn when your application is due.
Does California support state-funded nursing scholarships?
No. The state no longer funds the State Nursing Assumption Program of Loans for Education for Nursing Faculty (SNAPLE NF).
Does California offer student loans to residents?
No. As of March 2019, the state does not offer education financing.
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