Cal Grants

Cal Grants for Professional Students

Each year, the state of California invests millions of dollars in helping the state’s residents achieve their higher education goals. Of the programs offered, the most common are the Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B, Cal Grant Dream Act, and Chafee Grant. These funds are not guaranteed; the state reserves the right to change, reduce, or eliminate any of the Cal Grant programs based on state law and budget limitations.

For students pursuing an undergraduate degree, general eligibility requirements are:

  • FAFSA or CADAA application and a verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline
  • be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria
  • be a California resident for 1 year
  • attend a qualifying California college
  • not already have a bachelor’s or professional degree
  • have financial need (as determined by the FAFSA)
  • have family income and assets below the minimum levels
  • be enrolled at least half time
  • have registered with the U.S. Selective Service, if required to do so
  • not owe a refund on any federal grant or be in default on a student loan
  • not be incarcerated
  • maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards

Please note: The deadline for submitting your FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA verification information is March 2 prior to the beginning of the award year. APU recommends that you complete your FAFSA as soon as possible. You can follow up on your Cal Grant status and requirements through your WebGrants 4 Students account.

Cal Grants for Graduate Students

Students who received Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B as undergraduate students have 15 months to enroll in a teaching credential program to renew this funding for an additional year. A Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be filed and a Cal Grant Teaching Credential Application (G-44) (PDF) sent to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to continue receipt of these funds. These funds are not guaranteed; the state reserves the right to change, reduce, or eliminate any of the Cal Grant programs based on state law and budget limitations.

Students enrolled in a teacher education program and who meet all requirements below may apply for Cal Grant-Teaching Credential Program benefits:

  • Received at least one payment in the Cal Grant A or B program as an undergraduate.
  • Earned a bachelor’s degree, or completed all required coursework for a bachelor’s degree.
  • Enrolled in a professional teacher preparation program at a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing-approved institution within 15 months of the end of the term for which the recipient last received a Cal Grant payment.
  • Anyone who has not earned, or submitted an application for, an initial teaching credential, such as a preliminary or clear credential.
  • Anyone who maintains financial need for a Cal Grant renewal.

Cal Grant Disclosures

A Cal Grant award is limited to four academic years, except as provided in subdivision (c) of the California Education Code Section 69433.6. For traditional undergraduate programs, a student needs to take 15 units per term, or 30 units per academic year, in order to graduate within four years.

Professional undergraduate students and graduate students who receive the Cal Grant B may also receive a Cal Grant B Access award that is designated for costs including living expenses, transportation, supplies, and books. Azusa Pacific University policy is to transfer your eligible Access Grant award to your student account and apply it toward your outstanding balance. You have the right to request, in writing, that your Access Grant be refunded to you, excluding it from paying the outstanding balance on your student account. If your award has transferred prior to your written request, APU will no longer apply the Access Grant to your outstanding balance for future disbursements. Please note that an outstanding balance on your student account will prevent you from registering for future classes.

For additional information regarding the Cal Grant programs and other aid offered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), visit the CSAC website.

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