Pell Grant in California – Pell grant is an educational grant awarded by the US government to students from low-income families to help them obtain a bachelor’s degree.
The main objective of introducing the Pell grant is to help students who don’t have money complete their education.
It was introduced way back in 1972, and since then, it has helped many students achieve their educational goals.
Remember that a Pell grant is for students who belong to low-income families and don’t have a bachelor’s degree. This grant can help them get a bachelor’s degree from their own choice of an educational institution.
A Pell grant is the most extensive federal grant program the US government offers.
The grant amount will be released based on the student’s financial needs. You need to fill out the FAFSA form to get among the applicants.
Pell Grants in California
Pell Grant in California – Who is Eligible for it?
As discussed earlier, a Pell grant is exclusively for students belonging to low-income families or economically weaker sections of society.
The United States Department of Education funds this grant.
People belonging to low-income families have limited or no source of income. A Pell grant is a boon for them as it helps them educate their children to improve their financial condition.
The money you get under a Pell grant is free, and you don’t have to return it, which is why most students apply for it; however, if you leave your degree for any reason, you have to pay back the money.
Pell Grant is for you if you:
- Have completed a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
- Are you working toward obtaining your first undergraduate degree
- Enrolled in an eligible post-secondary school
- Are you a US citizen, or an eligible noncitizen
- Have a valid Social Security Number
- Have passed a high school diploma or General Education Development (GED) certificate
- Ensure that the funds will be used for educational purposes
- Are you registered with the Selective Service (if you are male)
You can fill out the application for Pell Grant at studentaid.gov.
Before applying for a Pell grant, it is essential to get information on the cost of attendance at the institution of your choice.
The cost of attendance is originally the annual cost advertised by the institution. Once you have the cost of attendance, it becomes easier to know how much money you need.
How much money can a student get under Federal Pell Grant?
The amount you receive under a Federal Pell grant changes every year; for 2022-23, the maximum amount you can get is $6,895.
However, your Pell grant amount depends on:
- Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
- Your educational status as a full-time or part-time student
- The cost of attendance
- Your plans to attend the institution for a complete year or less
Pell Grant is available for a maximum of six years, and if your need is beyond this period, you have to look for some other grant.
If you received the grant for the first year, it does not mean you will get it automatically in the second year. You have to apply again to get the Pell grant funding for the second year.
Other Educational Grants
Cal Grant
Cal Grant is a state grant available only to California residents. This grant is available for students who want to pursue an undergraduate degree or get vocational or career training.
The Cal Grant comprises three types – A, B, and C. Let’s discuss the Cal Grant types in detail.
1. Cal Grant A
The Cal Grant A provides need-based funds to low and middle-income students to pay for tuition fee costs. You must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to get Cal Grant A.
You must also meet appropriate grant income and asset ceilings established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Applicant must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units. For 2022-23, the maximum amount one can get under Cal Grant A is $5,742.
2. Cal Grant B
The Cal Grant B is also a need-based grant, but it is for high-potential students belonging to low-income or disadvantaged families. You can use the grant amount for paying tuition fees or other educational needs.
You must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA and an appropriate grant income and asset ceiling established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Cal Grant B pays an Access Award to help students pay for non-tuition expenses. The Access Award amount for 2022-23 is $1,648. You can get this amount in addition to a Cal Grant A.
3. Cal Grant C
The Cal Grant C is available for students pursuing an occupational or technical program. The good thing about Cal Grant C is that there is no GPA requirement.
A student can receive $1,094 for buying books, tools, and equipment for your technical education program.
You don’t have to apply separately for these Cal Grant types.
Filled the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). You will get a particular Cal Grant type based on your application and GPA.
For more information, visit www.csac.ca.gov.
Conclusion:
A Pell Grant can be useful to students who don’t have money to complete a bachelor’s degree. You will find complete information about a Federal Pell Grant in this post.
Additionally, you will get information on other educational grants that can be utilized to fund your education.
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