Understanding the Verified Cal Grant GPA Requirements
The State of California provides financial aid to students pursuing higher education through the Cal Grant program, administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). These grants offer financial assistance that does not need to be repaid, covering expenses such as tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food, and transportation costs, depending on the specific Cal Grant awarded. To be considered for a Cal Grant, applicants must submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application, along with a verified GPA, by the March 2 deadline.
Eligibility and Application Process
Students generally apply for a Cal Grant when they submit their Financial Aid Application. In addition to the application, Cal Grant applicants must submit a GPA Verification form directly to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 3. It is important to re-qualify each year by submitting your Financial Aid Application, demonstrating financial need, and meeting family income and asset ceilings.
California law mandates that all public and charter high schools electronically upload GPAs to the CSAC for Cal Grant consideration for currently enrolled seniors who do not opt-out. If a student graduated high school in a previous year, they must submit a certified GPA from their public or private High School by the March 2nd deadline.
College of the Canyons submits most GPA verifications electronically. Check with the Financial Aid Office to verify that your GPA will be included in the submission. The UCSC Financial Aid and Scholarship Office will automatically submit GPA verifications for all current UCSC students who appear to qualify based on their GPA and current year Financial Aid Application data. Students who have completed at least 36 units at Cal Poly by the end of fall, or 24 units by the end of December, will have their GPA automatically calculated and submitted to CSAC. To meet the March 2 deadline, students who have not completed 24 units by the end of December will need to return to their high school to have their GPA re-reported.
Types of Cal Grants and Coverage
Cal Grant A & B generally covers up to 4 years of full-time attendance (typically two years at a community college). Depending on the Cal Grant you receive, the money can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food and even transportation costs to and from classes.
Read also: Emergency Block Grant Overview
Students not selected for a Cal Grant A or B Entitlement award have an opportunity to compete for Cal Grant A or B Competitive award. Student must apply by the March 2nd deadline.
Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award
Starting with the 2021-2022 academic year, students attending a California Community College could be eligible for the Cal Grant Community College Entitlement Award. However, students awarded a California Community College Entitlement award cannot transfer the award to a Private College. If a student transfers to a Private College, the award will be withdrawn, and students will be reevaluated for Cal Grant eligibility at the new institution.
GPA Verification and Submission
A GPA is required to be considered for a new Cal Grant award, as well as any minimum GPA requirements. Once you submit your completed FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and verify your GPA, you will be considered for the appropriate Cal Grant award based on GPA and financial need.
WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S)
To manage their Cal Grant, students can use the WebGrants 4 Student Login. Students will need to create an account. Through WG4S, students can view their award status, make address changes, school changes, corrections, and post leave of absence requests. It's important to note that your WG4S account does not replace your School or FAFSA accounts.
Renewal and Maintaining Eligibility
Students must re-qualify annually for CSAC to determine their renewal eligibility. This includes meeting the annual income & asset ceilings as set by CSAC.
Read also: Pell Grant Requirements Guide
Leave of Absence
Students can take a Leave of Absence (LOA) for a maximum of two years to save that award.
Additional Cal Grant Information
Besides Cal Grant A and B, there is also the Cal Grant C, designed for students pursuing vocational or career training. Other programs, such as the Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG), became effective in Fall 2018 to increase Cal Grant eligibility for youth.
Read also: College Promise Grant Requirements
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