Lori Meadows
The California Student Aid Commission provides state financial aid to students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training through the Cal Grant program. Cal Grants are awarded based on financial need and academic performance and are only available to California residents or students who graduated from a California high school. International students are generally ineligible for Cal Grants as they are considered non-residents and typically pay non-resident supplemental tuition. However, some undocumented students may qualify for a non-resident tuition exemption under AB 540 and receive financial aid under the California Dream Act.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Applicant Type | Current high school seniors, recent high school graduates, students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, current and former foster youth, and students pursuing an occupational or technical program |
| Eligibility Requirements | Meet financial criteria, submit FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, minimum GPA of 2.4, maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards, registration with Selective Service System (SSS) for males 18-25 years old is no longer required |
| Award Amount | Varies based on the student's financial need, with minimum financial needs for Cal Grant A ranging from $14,070 to $16,434 for cohorts from 2021-2022 to 2025-2026 |
| Residency Status | California residents are generally eligible for state, federal, and UC aid; non-resident supplemental tuition may apply for non-California residents |
| Repayment | Cal Grants do not need to be paid back |
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What You'll Learn
International students' eligibility for Cal Grants
Cal Grants are California-specific financial aid allocations that do not need to be paid back. They are administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and are available to students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training. There are three types of Cal Grants: A, B, and C. To be eligible for a Cal Grant, applicants must meet the financial criteria, submit the FAFSA or Dream Act application, and provide their verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline. Additionally, students must maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards established by their school.
Non-resident international students attending a University of California (UC) campus are generally ineligible for Cal Grants and must pay non-resident supplemental tuition. However, students from host universities affiliated with UC's Education Abroad Program (EAP) may be considered for waivers of non-resident tuition fees and other awards. Additionally, some undocumented students may qualify for a non-resident tuition exemption under AB 540 and for some forms of financial aid under the California Dream Act.
Therefore, while non-resident international students may have limited opportunities for Cal Grants, those who meet specific criteria, such as participating in the EAP or qualifying under AB 540, may still be eligible for certain forms of financial aid.
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Cal Grant application process
The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be repaid. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) is responsible for administering the Cal Grant program, which provides aid to California undergraduates, vocational training students, and those in teacher certification programs.
To apply for a Cal Grant, applicants must complete the FAFSA (an application operated by the U.S. Department of Education and the Office of Federal Student Aid) or the CA Dream Act Application (for non-citizens). The application process involves the following steps:
Step 1: Check Eligibility
Before starting the application process, it is important to determine your eligibility for the Cal Grant. Applicants must meet certain income, asset, and other financial aid standards. Additionally, there are specific requirements for high school seniors, recent high school graduates, and students transferring from a California Community College to a 4-Year University.
Step 2: Complete the Application
Applicants must submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, along with their verified Cal Grant GPA, by the specified deadline. The deadline for current high school seniors and recent high school graduates is April 2nd. For students attending a California Community College, the deadline is September 2nd.
Step 3: Submit the Application
Applicants can submit their FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application online. After submitting the application, applicants should check their email for a confirmation letter and summary. If there are no issues, the application will typically be processed within a week.
Step 4: Check Application Status and Financial Aid
Once the application has been submitted, applicants can check their state financial aid status using WebGrants 4 Students. They can create an account to view and manage their state financial aid awards. Additionally, applicants can attend free Cash for College workshops hosted by CSAC to get help with their applications and learn more about the financial aid process.
It is important to note that Cal Grant awards are limited to 13,000 students each academic year, and applicants must meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements to be considered for the award.
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Cal Grant types
The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements. Cal Grants are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training.
There are three types of Cal Grants: A, B, and C. However, applicants do not need to specify which one they are applying for. Eligibility is determined by the applicant's FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application responses, verified Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges listed on the application, and whether they are a recent high school graduate. Award amounts vary by type of college. For the 2018-2019 academic year, Cal Grants provided up to $12,570 at a University of California campus, up to $5,742 at a California State University campus, and up to $9,220 at independent colleges.
The Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award is for current high school seniors and recent high school graduates. Applicants must submit a high school GPA, FAFSA, or CADAA to the California Student Aid Commission by April 2nd.
The Cal Grant B Foster Youth award allows current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant amounts. Foster youth have until their 26th birthday to apply and may renew their awards for the equivalent of eight years of full-time attendance.
The Cal Grant C program provides funding for students pursuing an occupational or technical program. This grant provides up to $1,094 for books, tools, and equipment, and up to $2,462 for tuition and fees if the student is not attending a California Community College.
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Cal Grant renewal
Cal Grants are California-specific financial aid allocations that do not need to be paid back. They are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training.
To renew a Cal Grant, students must continue to meet the financial eligibility criteria and maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress standards. Renewal award amounts are determined by both school segment and the year in which the student entered the program. Students with a Cal Grant Renewal and remaining eligibility of less than 50% for a full semester may have their eligibility determined by their school, which will post a partial Cal Grant award.
Recipients are eligible for a maximum of four years of Cal Grant eligibility, with some exceptions. Renewal applicants must refer to the Income and Asset Ceiling information for the applicable academic year on the Commission’s website. Students who were eligible for both Cal Grant A and B in the initial award year but failed to meet the lower income and asset ceiling of Cal Grant B in the renewal year may be eligible to renew with a Cal Grant A.
Students who are current and former foster youth may renew their Cal Grant B awards for up to eight years of full-time attendance.
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Cal Grant alternatives for international students
International students cannot get a Cal Grant as it is a California-specific financial aid allocation for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training in California. However, there are alternative sources of financial aid for international students who want to study in California. Here are some options to consider:
Scholarships
There are many scholarships available specifically for international students studying in the United States. You can search through databases such as International Scholarships, which offers a free search of over 1,000 international scholarships and awards for students studying outside their home country.
Loans
International students can also apply for loans to help fund their education in the United States. There are loan programs available specifically for international students studying in the US and Canada, as well as for US citizens studying abroad.
School-Specific Aid
Some schools in California may offer financial aid packages specifically for international students. Contact the schools you are interested in attending to inquire about any financial aid opportunities they may offer.
California Community College Entitlement Award
If you are planning to attend a California Community College, you may be eligible for the California Community College Entitlement Award. This award is open to students enrolled at a California Community College who submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application, along with a verified Cal Grant GPA, by September 2.
California Foster Youth Grant
California also offers the Cal Grant B Foster Youth award, which provides increased eligibility for current and former foster youth. Foster youth students may renew their Cal Grant B awards for up to eight years of full-time attendance and have until their 26th birthday to apply.
Remember to carefully review the eligibility requirements and application processes for each financial aid opportunity, as they may vary. Additionally, it is essential to plan and start your application process early to maximize your chances of securing financial support for your studies in California.
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Frequently asked questions
No, international students are generally ineligible for student loans and are eligible for very few scholarships.
Students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training in California are eligible for the grant.
Applicants must meet the financial criteria and submit a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application, their high school GPA, and their verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline.
Applicants must have a minimum GPA of 2.4.
There are three types of Cal Grants: A, B, and C. The type of grant awarded depends on the applicant's FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application responses, verified Cal Grant GPA, and the type of California colleges listed on their application.
