FEDERAL GRANTS
Federal Pell Grant
The maximum Pell Grant for the 2020-21 award year is $6,345 and maximum Pell Grant award for each term is $3,173 Fall / $3,172 Spring. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) range for 2020-21 Pell Grant eligibility is 0 – 5,711.
The maximum Pell Grant for the 2019-20 award year is $6,195 and maximum Pell Grant award for each term is $3,098 Fall/$3,097 Spring. The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) range for 2019-20 Pell Grant eligibility is 0 – 5,576.
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 financial need and enrollment status for each term.
Pell Grant award amounts will vary depending upon the student’s EFC. The EFC is an estimated measure of how much the student and his/her family are able 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 or more) to receive a full-time disbursement of the Pell Grant for a given term. If the student is enrolled less than full-time, the disbursement will be prorated at the time of disbursement. As a result of any enrollment changes, your Pell grant disbursement may increase or decrease. A decrease in eligibility may result in a bill.
| Unit Enrollment | Eligibility Percentage |
|---|---|
| 12+ units | 100% |
| 9 - 11 units | 75% |
| 6 - 8 units | 50% |
| 1 - 5 units | 25% |
Federal Pell Grant for Teaching Credential Candidates
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 semester. Disbursement of the grant will occur after each semester'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 (Pell LEU)
Pursuant to federal regulations a student's eligibility to receive a Federal Pell Grant will be 12 semesters. 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 the Federal Student Aid website.
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 grant income and asset ceilings established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units. The maximum Cal Grant A award for tuition for the 2020-2021 award year is $5,742.
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 grant income and asset ceilings established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
For grant recipients in their first year, Cal Grant B pays an Access Award to assist with non-tuition costs (living expenses). The Access Award for the 2020-21 award year is up to $1,656.
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 the 2020-21 award year is $5,742.
Cal Grant Access Awards for Students with Dependent Children
Cal Grant students with dependent children may be eligible for an access award of up to $6,000 for qualifying Cal Grant A recipients and $6,008 for qualifying Cal Grant B recipients.
Dependent children must be under 18 years of age and receive more than 50 percent of their support from the student. CSAC will be implementing a self-certification process for students on the WebGrants portal https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/.
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. The proration rules for all Cal Grant programs are as follows:
| 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 website.
STATE FUNDED GRANTS
State University Grant (SUG)
The State University Grant (SUG) is awarded to California residents for payment of state tuition fees, and is based on the level of financial need and the assessed State Tuition Fee each term. This grant will be reduced or cancelled if tuition fees are waived or paid by another source — including Cal Grants. The maximum SUG awards for full-time enrollment are listed below:
- Undergraduate students - $5,742
- Post baccalaureate Credential students – $6,660
- Graduate/Master’s students - $7,176
State University Grants (SUG) are based on financial 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).
Dream Act filers must have filed the Dream Act application by the March 2nd priority deadline, have a zero ($0) Expected Family Contribution (EFC), and have an approved AB-540 non-resident tuition waiver on file with the University.
Effective Fall 2013 quarter, the following criteria are in effect for SUG eligibility determination.
Second Degree/Unclassified Status
The CSU provides SUG funding only for the completion of a student’s initial degree/credential at any educational level. Students who are pursuing a second degree (i.e., second Bachelor’s, second Master's, second Credential, or a second Ph. D.) or are admitted as an unclassified post-baccalaureate student are NOT eligible to receive SUG funding.
Minimum Enrollment Requirement
Students must be enrolled at least half-time each term to be eligible for a disbursement. Final enrollment for each quarter is determined at University Census.
- For Undergraduate students, enrollment in 6 or more units is required.
- For Credential Students, enrollment in 6 or more units is required
- For Graduate students, enrollment in 4 or more units is required (5000-6000)
Total Earned Units
The total earned units listed below will be used to determine your eligibility for a SUG disbursement. If your total earned units exceed the limits below for your academic career, you will no longer be eligible for the SUG grant and your award will be cancelled.
Undergraduate Students*
Semester System (effective 2016-17):
150 or greater total earned units (Non-transfer students)
75 or greater total earned units at Cal State LA (transfer students)
Credential Students**
Semester System (effective 2016-17):
30 or greater total earned units (include all prior credential programs and graduate transfer units)
Master’s and Doctorate students***
125% of the published requirement for degree (include all prior Master’s degree units, units earned through Extended Education, and graduate transfer units). To calculate your degree units, multiply the total units required by 1.25.
| SEMESTER SYSTEM (Effective 2016-17) | |
| Degree Units Required | 125% of Required Units |
| 30 units required | 37.50 units |
| 32 units required | 40 units |
| 34 units required | 42.50 units |
The Financial Aid Office is required to verify enrollment requirements, second degree completion, and total earned units at each payment period or at the time of disbursement.
*The following types of units are not considered against the undergraduate total earned units:
- Pre-Baccalaureate or Remedial Coursework that does not carry baccalaureate credit
- Test Credit (AP, IB, etc.) and Military Credit
**The maximum does not include any units completed in a non-credential post-baccalaureate degree program.
***This maximum includes all earned units from the term of admission to a graduate degree program and any applicable transfer units. The maximum does not include units earned while classified as a Credential or Second-baccalaureate student.
Educational Opportunity Program Grant (EOP)
2019-20 and 2020-21 Maximum Award Amount: $1,000
This grant provides assistance to economically and educationally disadvantaged undergraduates. Recipients must be California residents who are admitted to Cal State LA 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.
