What Aid is Available

Based on exceptional need, Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students who are citizens or eligible non-citizens, and who have not earned a Bachelor’s degree. Students who file the FAFSA are automatically considered for Pell Grants. For 2017-18, full time awards start at $606 with a maximum award of $5,920.  Pell Grant is not available to CA DREAM applicants.

Federally funded awards for undergraduates who are citizens or eligible non-citizens and apply on time. SEOG is not available to CA DREAM applicants. Awards are based on financial need, and range from $100 to $4,000. Preference is given to Pell Grant and Cal Grant recipients.

The TEACH Grant program is a non-need based grant program that provides up to $4,000* per year to students who are enrolled full time. TEACH Grants are available to citizens and permanent residents only. Reduced eligibility is calculated for less than full time enrollment in an eligible program (see ‘Eligibility Criteria’ below). Students must agree to teach in a high-need field, at low-income elementary or secondary school as a highly qualified teacher for at least four years within eight years of completing the program for which TEACH Grant was awarded. The student must sign a service agreement to this effect annually, and complete all required counseling prior to receiving TEACH Grant. 3.25 GPA is required each quarter to establish and maintain eligibility.

If the student subsequently fails to meet the requirements of the service agreement, TEACH Grant will be treated as a Direct Unsubsidized Loan, and the student must repay the TEACH funds, with interest accrued from the date of disbursement.


Eligibility Criteria:  Undergraduate seniors who are enrolled in UCLA California Teach Program whose enrollment includes at least two of the following:

• Completed registration for CSET

Cal Grant A provides grant funds to help pay tuition/fees for California residents at qualifying institutions offering undergraduate academic programs. Awards are based on need and grade point average. If you qualify for a Cal Grant A and you choose to attend a California Community College first, you can reserve your award for up to two years until you transfer to a tuition/fee charging college.

Students must meet the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Income and Asset Ceilings requirements to be considered eligible for Cal Grant.

Cal Grant B provides awards for students from low-income families. The awards are to be used to help pay your tuition, fees and access costs. The Cal Grant B award during the first year is for access costs only ($1,656), including expenses for transportation, supplies and books. Beginning with the second year of the Cal Grant B benefits, the award also covers tuition and fees. Note: Cal Grant A and B Entitlement awards are for High School graduates under the age of 28 by December 31 of the award year with a minimum GPA of 3.0 for A and 2.0 for B.

Students must meet the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Income and Asset Ceilings requirements to be considered eligible for Cal Grant.

Cal Grant A and B Competitive awards are similar to the entitlement awards, except they are not guaranteed. Each year only a limited number of new awards are available to those students who did not receive an entitlement award. The awards are for students with a minimum GPA of 3.0 that are from low income and disadvantaged families. Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a teaching credential program may have their funding extended an additional year for a teaching credential program. Recipients should apply as early as possible after receiving their bachelor’s degree by completing the Request for Teaching Credential Program (G-44 form) available at www.csac.ca.gov.

Students must meet the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Income and Asset Ceilings requirements to be considered eligible for Cal Grant.

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program applies to undergraduate students who are California residents or AB540 eligible and whose family income is less than $171,000, and with assets of less then $171,000. In order to apply, students must complete a FAFSA or DREAM Application. Eligibility for MCS is determined after federal, state and university grant funds are awarded. These scholarships are not need based so students who do not demonstrate financial need and receive no other grant assistance may qualify. Read more from the California Student Aid Commission. 

The California Chafee Grant is gift aid for current or former California foster youth to help pay for college or career and technical training. Students may also use the Chaffee Grant to pay for child care, rent and transportation while they are in school. Students may qualify for up to $5,000 a year.

To qualify, students must be a current or former foster youth and not have reached their 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year. The court must have established the student dependency when they were between the ages of 16 and 18. (KinGap youth, adopted youth, guardian placement, and voluntary placement may not be eligible for the Chafee Grant, unless court dependence was established, at anytime, between the ages of 16 and 18). The California Department of Social Services will verify the student foster youth eligibility status.

For more information about the Chaffee Grant, please visit the Chaffee Homepage. 

Awarded to on-time undergraduate applicants who are citizens, permanent residents or undocumented AB540 eligible students. Students must demonstrate financial need, be residents of California, have family income below $80,000 and be in their first 4 years of undergraduate study (first two for transfer students). Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan will cover the difference between student’s tuition and service fees  and any other grants and scholarships that the student is eligible to receive.

University Grants are one-year, non-renewable grants awarded to entering freshmen and transfer students who complete their FAFSA before the priority filing deadline. These awards recognize and assist students with financial need.

USHIP Grant is awarded to applicants who filed the FAFSA/Dream Act Application by the March 2 priority deadline. This grant is used to cover USHIP (Health Insurance Fees). Awards will cover the full or partial cost of USHIP depending on the students financial need.

Needy undergraduate students who have dependent children under the age of 18 will be awarded additional grant funds to supplement their financial aid resources. This award provides $2,000 in additional grant funding for the academic year. Awarding priority is given to low income students with dependents. Financial Aid and Scholarships office will request copies of your child’s birth certificate to verify your eligibility.