Federal Pell Grant (PELL)
Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students to pay for their education. In some cases, students may receive a Pell Grant if they are attending a post-baccalaureate teacher credential program. A Pell Grant is available for some students enrolled in a program which does not lead to a graduate degree but is required to obtain a 1st Teaching Credential. If a student is in a credential program, have their bachelor’s degree, do not have a preliminary credential, and are not seeking an advanced credential, then the student may qualify.
Students are deemed eligible for the Federal Pell Grant by meeting the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) thresholds and program requirements will be awarded. Pell Grant amounts can change yearly. The amount a student can receive will depend on the following factors:
Student’s financial need
Student’s cost of attendance,
Student’s status as a full-time or part-time student, and
Student’s plans to attend school for a full academic year or less.
Students may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to eligible students. Enacted by the Legislature in 2013, the Middle-Class Scholarship makes college more affordable for California's middle-class families, who are mostly not being served by other programs.
What are the qualifications for MCS?
The annual household income amount cannot exceed $201,000.00
The annual asset amount cannot exceed $201,000.00
Must be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or meets AB540 eligibility
If required, must be registered with Selective Service
You are not in default on any student loan
Complete Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application
Maintains satisfactory academic progress in the manner that is consistent with the Cal Grant Program
Students who are receiving a fee waiver, such as a Cal Vet fee waiver, or other sources to help assist with paying tuition fees will not be eligible for the MCS. The Middle-Class Scholarship is not applicable for students enrolled in an external Degree program. For more information Click HERE to go to CSAC's MCS information website.
Other Scholarships
It truly does pay to search and apply for scholarships! There are tons of scholarship search sites on the internet. If you Scroll to the bottom of the page under “Resources” there are additional Scholarship links available for you..Remember, you should never pay to apply for a scholarship!
Educational Opportunity Program Grant (EOPG)
This program provides funding to a limited number of full-time undergraduate students who are admitted through CSU’s Educational Opportunity Program. Grants range from $500 to $800 per academic year. For more information regarding the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) please visit the EOP page for each college you plan on applying to.
Students that have an Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) between 0 and 4000 and have filed their FAFSA by March 2nd are eligible to receive funding from the EOP Grant. Funds are limited. Students will be funded until all available awards have been funded. Students must apply and be a part of the Educational Opportunity Program on the campus they will be attending. Students must be in at least 6 units to receive the grant. Students who are receiving a fee waiver, or other sources to help assist with paying tuition fees will not be eligible for the EOPG. The Educational Opportunity Program Grant is not applicable for students enrolled in an external Degree program.