The predicted total of student debts in the United States in 2022 was over $1.6 trillion, owed by more than 43 million students.
Fortunately, California citizens can use the CalGrant Programs to help them decrease the burden of tuition prices.
CalGrant Programs
The California Student Aid Commission created the CalGrant Programs (CSAC). These organizations provide subsidies to high school students in California to aid with tuition costs. These grants, unlike student loans, have the advantage of not having to be repaid.
When someone submits their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application, they are automatically considered for all Cal Grants. In addition, their high school must give a validated grade point average to the CSAC.
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Basic Criteria
There are several basic requirements that every candidate must complete in order to obtain a Cal Grant, and they are as follows:
- You must be a US citizen, an eligible noncitizen, or AB 540-eligible.
- Be a California resident at the time of high school graduation and at the time you receive a Cal Grant or AB 540-eligible student
- Meet U.S. Selective Service requirements (males)
- Enroll in and attend a Cal Grant-eligible California school
- Maintain at least half-time enrollment status
- Have financial need at an eligible California school
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by the school
- Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
- Not have earned a bachelor’s degree or higher degree (e.g., master’s) or the equivalent
- Not exceed parent or student income or asset ceiling
- Not owe a refund on any state or federal educational grant or have defaulted on a student loan
- Not be incarcerated
Cal Grant comes in four varieties: Cal Grant A Entitlement Award, Cal Grant B Entitlement Award, CalGrant California Community College Transfer Entitlement Award, and Cal Grant A and B Competitive Award.
In order to receive the scholarship for the following autumn, students must apply by filing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act application and providing a verified high school grade point average by March 2 of their senior year.
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