A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid. Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree.

Amounts can change yearly. For the 2024-25 award year, the maximum award is $7,395. The amount you get, though, will depend on

• your financial need,
• your cost of attendance,
• your status as a full-time or part-time student, and
• your plans to attend school for a full academic year or less. 

You may not receive Federal Pell Grant funds from more than one school at a time.

Effective on July 1, 2012, you can receive the Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent (roughly six years) up to a bachelor's degree. You’ll receive a notice if you’re getting close to your limit. If you have any questions, contact your financial aid office. 

To get an FSEOG, you must fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) so your college can determine how much financial need you have.  Students who will receive Federal Pell Grants and have the most financial need will receive FSEOGs first. The FSEOG does not need to be repaid.

The FSEOG program is administered directly by the financial aid office at each participating school and is therefore called “campus-based” aid. Not all schools participate.  Check with your school's financial aid office to find out if the school offers the FSEOG.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) determines Cal Grant recipients. To apply for the Cal Grant Program, you must submit the FAFSA and a Cal Grant GPA Verification form by March 2. If you do not meet the March 2 priority filing deadline, you may have a second chance to compete for a Cal Grant by filing the FAFSA and GPA Verification form by September 2.

There are two types of Cal Grant B awards: Entitlement and Competitive

* Cal Grant B Entitlement Award

Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the financial and academic requirements, and files the FAFSA and GPA Verification form by the March 2nd deadline will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award.

* Cal Grant B Competitive Award

Other eligible students who have at least a 2.0 GPA may apply for a Cal Grant B Competitive award. Selection is based on a composite score that takes into consideration your family’s income, assets,  parents’ educational level, GPA, and other factors.

Cal Grant C

Cal Grant C is is a competitive grant award available to eligible students who are pursuing a vocational degree program.  Cal Grant C recipients are selected by the California Student Aid Commission.

Full-Time Student Success Grant

On top of the $1,672 annual Cal Grant B award paid at community college, the Full-Time Student Success Grant pays full-time Cal Grant B recipients an additional $1,000 annually.

Login to the WebGrants for Students portal for more information regarding your Cal Grant eligibility status from the CA Student Aid Commission. 

The California CHAFEE Grant Program awards up to $5,000 annually to eligible foster youth and former foster youth to use for college courses or vocational school training. The Financial Aid Office certifies the student’s need and enrollment status on the CHAFEE website and disburses CHAFEE grants in accordance with the regulatory statutes of this program. Click here for more information on this grant and opportunities for foster youth.