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Colleges and Universities will expect students and their families to contribute toward the expense of college, however, most college students utilize some form of financial aid to close the gap between what their families can afford, and the actual cost of college.

 

This page will highlight different financial aid programs for the State of California, as well as Federal programs. Familiarizing yourself with the types of aid available will make the college application process much more friendly, manageable and affordable.

CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE®   The fast, easy, convenient secure way to apply for financial aid.  The CSS Financial Aid Profile is a national, not-for-profit membership association whose mission is to connect students to college success and opportunity. Many of the member colleges, universities, graduate and professional schools, and scholarship programs use the information collected on PROFILE to help them award nonfederal student aid funds.

 

Federal Aid: Aid that comes from the U.S. government.  Usually distributed through the college. 

 

Gift Aid: Financial aid that does not need to be paid back:

 

 

Loans: Funds that must be paid back later, with interest.  Federally-guaranteed loans can be from a private lender (e.g. a bank) or form the federal government (administered by the college).  Private loans are offered by private lenders with terms set by the lender, not the government.

 

Private Aid: Financial aid from non-goverment sources.

Pell Grant:  Gift aid that is given based on financial need.  How much aid you will be eligible to receive is based on your EFC (Expected Family Contribution), which is determined when you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).

 

Cal Grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to undergraduate students with demonstrated financial need and academic achievement which is measured by GPA's and scoring criteria.  visit www.csac.ca.gov for information.

 

Federal Work-Study:  Provides part-time employment for students who have financial need.  Jobs are usually available both on or off campus.  Work study is also determined by FAFSA.

 

Perkins Loan:  Fixed low interest loan through your college.  You must demonstrate financial need.

 

Stafford Loan:  Currently a variable interest rate loan.  You can receive this loan from a private lender or your college.  They can be subsidized (no interest accrues while enrolled full-time in school) or unsubsidized (interest accrues while in school.)

 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG) are awarded to student who demonstrate exceptional financial need and are Pell Grant recipients.

 

California Community College Board of Governors Fee Waiver (BOG) waives per-unit enrollment fees for financially qualified California residents.

 

The California Chafee Grant Program gives money to current or former foster youth to use for career and technical training or college courses. 

 

Visit Chafee.csac.ca.gov for more information.

 

 

 

LendEDU's Video Series on Scholarships and Financial Aid made simple

 

For questions about federal financial aid, visit the U.S. Department of Education site for students and parents.

 

This student-focused Web site, sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission, provides information on all Cal Grants in one location

 

The California Student Aid Commission's Web site provides details on all the California state aid programs and how to apply for them.  Students can click on WebGrants for Students for fast answers about their Cal Grant application. 

 

Here you will find information on free California Cash for College workshops where students can get line-by-line help completing the FAFSA and other forms.

 

EdFund's Web site presents information on planning and paying for college, federal loans, tools for financial literacy, and much more.

 

Click here for EdFund's online financial planning tool, EdWise, which can help students borrow wisely, create a realistic spending plan and more

 

www.fastweb.com  Need Money for College?  Visit FastWeb to search for over 1.3 million scholarships!

 

There are three kinds of CAL Grants:  Cal Grant A; Cal Grant B; and CalGrant C. Cal Grants can be used at any UC, CSU, California Community College, almost all independent colleges, and many career and technical schools in California.

 

To be eligible  for a Cal Grant you must:

 

 

To find out more about the Cal Grant program please visit www.calgrants.org