To receive a Cal Grant award you must either be a recent high school graduate, a high school senior, or have just gotten a General Education Diploma (GED). You must also be a resident of California, a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen, attend no less than half-time enrollment, meet the income and asset requirements, and have completed the required forms.
To apply for a Cal Grant you must first fill out both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. It is recommended that you retain proof of the date of filing either with a postal verification form or a printout of Internet filing. The FAFSA is sent to the federal processor and the GPA form is sent to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Applications must be received between January 1 and March 2 in the year before the fall term when you want to receive the aid. There is also a secondary deadline of September 2 for community college students. Since funds are limited, it is recommended that you file as soon as possible.
The Competitive Award is broken down into two types: a Cal Grant A and a Cal Grant B Award. Although students attending community colleges can qualify for a Grant A Award, it will be held in reserve for up to a maximum of three years until the student transfers to a four-year college. Grant B Competitive Awards can be used by students attending a California community college, a public or private four-year college or other qualifying institutions. Contact the school of your choice or the CSAC to determine which award is best for you.
Entitlement Awards are for low-income students. Grant A Entitlement pays for tuition and fees; Grant B provides for a living allowance and assistance with tuition and fees. Cal Grant C helps pay for tuition and training costs at community colleges and occupational or career training schools. Contact the financial aid office of the school of your choice for more information.
California also has a program called the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth for students who are or were in the foster care system and who wish to attend college or career training programs. The application forms are the same as for the other awards. You must have financial need and not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year.