NEW: 2019-2020 Cal Grant | Student with Dependents
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) sent an email to students on December
10, 2019, providing instruction to certify that the student currently have a dependent
under the age of 18 by July 1 of the award year and for whom they will provide more
than half of their support between July 1 and June 30 of the award year. If you received
that email, please follow the instructions on the email or below.
- Please log into your WG4S or Create an account - https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/
- Go to the Cal Grant Main Menu and select "Confirmation of Eligibility" award, and
make sure the first school listed is the school you plan to attend.
- Answer the question on the WG4S screen regarding your dependent children, check the appropriate
box for the Student Certification and submit.
Failure to complete the self-certification in a timely manner could delay the disbursement
of your Cal Grant award for for any Aid Year (Student With Dependents).
Make sure you periodically visit WG4S, located at https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/ where you will find important Cal Grant and contact information.
The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offers California residents three types
of grant programs to assist students in paying college expenses. Cal Grant award amounts
vary based on financial need, enrollment status, and the availability of state funds.
Cal Grant award selections are based on data obtained from your FAFSA (Free Application
for Federal Student Aid) and submitted GPA (Grade Point Average) Verification form.
The FAFSA and GPA Verification forms are available in the Financial Aid Office. Students
must be in a minimum of 6 units, at the time of disbursement in order to receive a
Cal Grant award. If you are on a Financial Aid Contract, only units from the courses
on your contract will count toward your eligibility.
Each year, the deadline for applying for a new Entitlement or Competitive Cal Grant
is March 2 (round one). AB 540 students must meet the March 2 deadline. Students who
will be attending a community college have another opportunity to try for a new Competitive
Cal Grant award by meeting the September 2 deadline (round two).
Entitlement Cal Grants are available to all graduating high school seniors or last
year’s graduates who meet the GPA and family income and asset requirements and file
their FAFSA or CADAA and verified high school GPA or test scores (or their high school
submits their GPA information electronically) by the March 2nd deadline. Students
who file a FAFSA and a GPA Verification form (or their school submits their GPA information
electronically) by the March 2 deadline will be considered in the first round of the
Competitive Cal Grant awarding process.
Students who file a FAFSA and GPA Verification form by the March 2 and/or September
2 deadline and are enrolled in a community college for the Fall semester will be considered
in the second round of the Competitive Cal Grant awarding process. GPAs for GCC students
who have completed at least 16 degree applicable units at GCC will be sent electronically
to the California Student Aid Commission. All other students may need to have a GPA
Verification form completed by their Academic Counselor and submitted by the deadline.
The three types of grants available are:
Cal Grant A (Entitlement Award)
Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 3.0 GPA, meets the family income
and asset requirements, and applies before March 2nd may receive a Cal Grant A Entitlement
award. Note: to be considered for an Entitlement award, the CA Student Aid Commission
must receive your GPA Verification from your high school.
Cal Grant A (Competitive Award)
Other students who have at least a 3.0 high school GPA or 2.4 college GPA will be
considered for a Cal Grant A Competitive award. Selection is based on a composite
score that considers your family's income, parents' educational level, GPA, time out
of high school, and other factors, such as whether you come from a single-parent household
or are a former foster youth. Awards are for assistance with tuition and fees at a
UC, CSU, or private college, and can be used for up to 8 full-time semesters or the
equivalent. Important: A Cal Grant A cannot be used while attending a community college,
but will be held on reserve until you transfer to a university.
Cal Grant B (Entitlement Award)
Every graduating high school senior or last year’s graduate who meets the March 2
deadline, has at least a 2.0 GPA, and meets the family income and asset requirements,
will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award. Important: For California Dream Act
student eligibility, see below 'Financial Aid for AB540 Students'
Cal Grant B (Competitive Award)
Other students who have at least a 2.0 GPA will be considered for a Cal Grant B Competitive
award. Selection is based on a composite score that considers your family's income,
parents' educational level, GPA, time out of high school, and other factors, such
as whether you come from a single-parent household or are a former foster youth. In
addition to providing assistance with tuition and fees at a UC, CSU, or private college,
this award consists of a subsistence payment for books and supplies that you can receive
while attending a community college. If you are a Cal Grant B recipient please create
an account at WEBGRANTS 4 STUDENT to check award amount. A Cal Grant B can be used for up to 8 full-time semesters
or the equivalent depending on college grade level.
Cal Grant C
To qualify for a Cal Grant C, you must be enrolled in an eligible occupational or
technical degree or certificate program. Potential Cal Grant C applicants must complete a Cal Grant C Supplement form for further
consideration. All students who are not awarded either a Cal Grant A or B and indicate on their
FAFSA or CADAA that they will be enrolled in an occupational or technical program
will be sent this form. Eligible applicants receive a subsistence award for books
and supplies. If you are a Cal Grant C recipient please create an account at WEBGRANTS 4 STUDENT to check award amount and to completed the Supplement form on the website. A Cal
Grant C can be used for up to 4 full-time semesters or the equivalent. Important:
Funding for this award is contingent on the California State budget constraints.