Undergraduate Grant Programs
Grants are awarded on the basis of financial need and do not need to be repaid. You must be enrolled full-time and you must meet all criteria for the specific award. Except for veteran-related grant programs, you are automatically considered for all grants.
| Program | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) | Beginning with the 2011-12 academic year, the federal government no longer funds the Academic Competitiveness Grant. | No longer available because of federal cutbacks. |
| Cal Grant A | State grant providing from $100 to $12,192. | Offered to California residents who are citizens or eligible non-citizens. Income and assets must be below a maximum set by the state, and a minimum GPA is required (for a new award, not a renewal). |
| Cal Grant B | State grant providing from $100 to $1,551 in the first year, then an additional $12,192 in the following three years. | Offered to California residents who are citizens or eligible non-citizens. Income and assets must be below a maximum set by the state, and a minimum GPA is required (for a new award, not a renewal). |
| Cal Vet Fee Waiver | Covers education, SIR, and registration fees for eligible dependants of California veterans. | Contact the Department of Veteran Affairs office in the county where you reside for eligibility criteria and a certification letter. |
| California Chafee Grant | Federal and state grant providing up to $5,000 per academic year, not to exceed the cost of attendance. | Offered to current or former foster youth who have financial need. See the California Chafee Grant web page for specific criteria and application information. |
| California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP) | State grant covering fees up to the amount of the current Cal Grant A award. | Must be an active member of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve, or the Naval Militia. |
| Federal education benefits for veterans, spouses of veterans, and eligible dependants (Chapters 30-35) | Federal education awards for veterans and eligible benefactors. | Varies by program; contact the Department of Veteran Affairs in the county where you reside for eligibility criteria and a certification letter. |
| National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant | Beginning with the 2011-12 academic year, the federal government no longer funds the National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant. | No longer available because of federal cutbacks. |
| Parent Grant | $8,000 per academic year. | Offered to citizens or eligible non-citizens who have financial need and are student parents of a dependent child less than 18 years old. |
| Pell Grant | Federal grant providing from $200 to $5,550. | Offered to citizens or eligible non-citizens with financial need. |
| Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship Program | Program ended June 30, 2011 because of federal cutbacks. Beginning with the 2011-12 academic year, no new California recipients will be selected; reduced awards for current California Byrd scholars may be available until federal program funds are exhausted. Students from other states should check with the department in their home state that manages their award. | No longer available to California recipients because of federal cutbacks. Students from other states should check with the department in their home state that manages their award. |
| Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) | Federal grant providing up to $500. | Offered to citizens or eligible non-citizens with financial need. |
| University Grant | University grant providing from $20 to maximum in grant eligibility. | Offered to citizens or eligible non-citizens with financial need. |
Updated 10/6/11