Grants

Grants are funds made available by the federal and state governments and universities and do not need to be repaid. Some grants are based on financial need, others are based on academic achievement or merit, and some require a combination of criteria. By filing the FAFSA, you are automatically considered for grants. Grants at CSULA include, but are not limited to:

Federal Grants

• Federal Pell Grant
• Federal Pell Grant for Teaching Credential Candidates
• Federal Supplemental Education Opportunity Grant (SEOG)
• Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education Grant Program (TEACH)

California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Grants

• Cal Grant A
• Cal Grant B

State Funded Grants

• State University Grant (SUG)
• Educational Opportunity Grant (EOP)

FEDERAL GRANTS

Federal Pell Grant (Pell)

The maximum Pell Grant for 2013-2014 is $5,645

The Pell Grant is awarded to undergraduate students who have not earned a Bachelor's or professional degree. Award amounts are based on the student's level of need and enrollment status.

For 2013-2014, the EFC (Expected Family Contribution) range for Pell Grant eligibility is 0 – 5081.  Pell Grant award amounts will vary depending upon the student’s EFC.  The EFC is an estimated measure of how much the student and their family can be expected to contribute towards the educational expenses for the current academic year.  The federal processor uses the information reported on the FAFSA to calculate the EFC using a formula specified by law.

Students must be enrolled full-time (12 units) to receive the maximum disbursement of the Pell Grant for a given term.  If the student is enrolled less than full-time, the award will be prorated. As a result of any enrollment changes, your award eligibility may increase or decrease. A decrease in eligibility may result in a bill.

Federal Pell Grant for Teaching Credential Candidates

The maximum Pell Grant for 2013-2014 is $5,645

Students officially admitted into an initial post-baccalaureate teaching credential program are required to be enrolled at least half time (6 units) in required credential courses each quarter. Disbursement of the grant will occur after each quarter's add/drop period, once our office has reviewed your course work to confirm you meet all the criteria for disbursement. Students who are "conditionally" admitted to the program are NOT eligible for a Pell award.

Lifetime Limit for Pell Grants

Pursuant to federal regulations a student's eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant will be 18 quarters.  This equates to a 6-year limit to receive Federal Pell Grant funds for undergraduate and teaching credential candidates. For Teaching Credential program candidates any Pell Grant funds used as an undergraduate student "counts" against their potential grant eligibility as a Credential student.
For information on how the lifetime limits for Pell Grants are calculated for the "equivalent of six years" visit http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/PellLimit.jsp.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG):

This grant is awarded to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Funding for this grant is very limited; first priority is given to students with the lowest Expected Family Contributions (EFC) who receive a Pell Grant and who apply by March 2 (priority application filing deadline). You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units to receive the award.

California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Grants

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant A provides need-based grant funds to low-and middle-income students to offset tuition fee costs for students. Eligibility is based on grade point average and financial need. Cal Grant A recipients must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA to be considered for the grant in addition to meeting the appropriate income and asset ceilings established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

• Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units and the maximum Cal Grant A award for tuition for 2013-2014 is $5,472.

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant B provides need-based grant funds to high-potential students from low-income, disadvantaged families to help offset tuition fee and other costs. Cal Grant B recipients must have a minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA to be considered for the grant in addition to meeting the appropriate income and asset ceilings established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

• For grant recipients in their first year, Cal Grant B pays a subsistence stipend (living allowance) to assist with non-tuition costs (living expenses, books, etc.). The living allowance award for 2013-2014 is up to $1,473.
• Recipients in subsequent years of study receive the stipend as well as an award to offset tuition fees
• Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units and the maximum Cal Grant B award for tuition for 2013-2014 is $5,472.

Cal Grant Fund Disbursement Proration Rules:

In accordance with the disbursement rules established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), Cal Grant funds must be prorated for students who are enrolled less than full-time 12 units.  These proration rules apply to all programs – Cal Grant A, B, and B-Stipend.

Unit Enrollment	Eligibility Percentage
12+ units	100%
9 - 11 units	75%
6 - 8 units	50%
1 -5 units	Ineligible

For more detailed information about CSAC awards, visit the California Student Aid Commission.

STATE FUNDED GRANTS

State University Grant (SUG)

The State University Grant (SUG) is awarded to California residents for payment of state university fees and is based on the level of financial need and student tuition fees per term. This grant will be reduced or cancelled if student fees are waived or paid by another source — including Cal Grants.

Grants are based on need and annual funding with priority consideration given to eligible students who submit their FAFSA by the March 2nd deadline and have a zero ($0) Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

New! Dream Act filers must have filed the Dream Act application by the May 18th priority deadline and have a zero ($0) Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to be eligible for a State University Grant (SUG) effective in the 2013 winter quarter.

Educational Opportunity Program Grant (EOP)

Award Amount: $1,200

This grant provides assistance to economically and educationally disadvantaged undergraduates. Recipients must be California residents who are admitted to CSULA through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units to receive the award. Students with EOP admission questions may contact Student Academic Services at (323) 343-4367. Funds are limited.