Since the State of California wanted to help the citizens obtain a college degree, they have developed several financial aid programs. One way to have a federal financial aid grant is to apply for it through FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
California FAFSA application must be given the earliest time possible because it is granted first come first serve, provided that you are qualified.
There are several types of California financial aid that could be given to you when you apply for FAFSA. The most prominent is the California Pell Grant. This is a grant given to those who scored lower in EFC. This is usually in the form of cash. However, California welfare assistance can also be given in some rare cases.
California Financial Aid for Undocumented Students
Since the primary criteria of being qualified to receive a financial aid grant is to be a citizen of California, it does not mean that an undocumented individual can no longer have the right to receive such rewards.
An undocumented individual means that a person is neither a legal permanent resident nor a US citizen. This means that the person does not possess any legal documentation, visa, or even green card. An undocumented student though can apply for a legal residency if he wants to and can even go to college. That person is then eligible to receive any financial aid program supported by the State Universities, grants, and even waivers. If you are an undocumented student, you can visit maldef.org to look for scholarships that do not require you to be a citizen of the United States or a legal resident.
California Financial Aid for Single Mothers
It is truly hard for single mothers to go back to school easily without any financial assistance considering their current situation. The State of California noticed this need that is why they have made financial aid grants available for single mothers. Financial aid can either be in many forms. Loans are one, but single moms might find it hard to pay it still. Other options are then made available. Some of the aid includes cash assistance, food, healthcare, education and housing.
California Financial Aid for Graduate Students
The state of California wanted to help every individual who wants to go to college and this includes those graduate students. A financial aid can only be given to a graduate student provided that:
- He is enrolled and admitted into a degree program.
- A US citizen or an eligible noncitizen
- Has a valid social security number
- Has a good academic standing and progress
- No pending loans or owe any grant money to an institution
- Enrolled in at least 6 units per quarter
California just wanted to help their citizens have a better future. These financial aid programs just prove how the State cares for their people. The financial aid programs are very flexible and there are plenty of grants available. You just have to show sincerity and dedication to have the grant if you truly wanted to finish college.
2012-13 College Expenses
|
Community Colleges
|
State Colleges
|
California Colleges
|
Private Colleges
|
|
|
Tuition
|
$1,002
|
$ 5,014
|
$ 11,285
|
$38,700
|
|
Textbooks
|
$ 750
|
$ 1,704
|
$ 1,564
|
$ 1,485
|
|
Room & Board
|
$ 800
|
$ 16,758
|
$14,336
|
$15,200
|
|
Total
|
$ 2,552
|
$23,476
|
$27,185
|
$55,385
|
How to Pay for College
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Part-time work
- Student Loans
Sources of Financial Aid
- Federal government
- State government
- Colleges and Universities
- Private organizations,
foundations, church groups, employers
Where to Find Scholarships
- Scholarships
- Grants
- Part-time work
- Student Loans
Sources of Financial Aid
- Colleges and Universities
- Private organizations, church
groups, employers
Tips on Private Scholarships
- It never hurts to try!
- Look for local
scholarships. The applicant pool may be
smaller and the chance of getting it higher. - Start early and pay close attention
to deadlines. - Many organizations prefer continuing
students so don’t get discouraged.
Federal Government Grants
- PELL Grant (up to $5550)
www.studentaid.ed.gov - Supplemental Educational Opportunity
Grant (up to $4000)
www.studentaid.ed.gov - Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship
($1500)
www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=125 - Academic Competitiveness Grant
- National SMART Grant (up to $4000)
- Teach Grant Program
(up to $4000) - California Chafee Grants (up to $5000)
- Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents
Grants (up to $11,259)
Cal Grant Programs (How to be eligible?).
To be eligible, student must be:
- U.S. citizen or
eligible non-resident - California resident
- attend a California college or
university in 2012 -13 - Grade Point Average (GPA) of
3.0 or more - Family income and assets below the state
ceilings - Students from disadvantaged or low
income families, with family income and
assets below the state ceilings
How to Apply State Financial Aid
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal
Student Aid) by March 2, 2013 - Cal Grant GPA Verification Form
- Contact your high school college
counselor for details
Other Grants
- UC Grants
- CSU Grants
- Independent College Grants
- Board of Governors Enrollment Fee Waiver
(BOG Waiver) Waives California Community Colleges’
enrollment fees for financially need California
residents