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California College Promise Grant: What It Is and How to Apply
By
Cece Gilmore
Cece Gilmore is a Content Writer at Scholarships360. Cece earned her undergraduate degree in Journalism and Mass Communications from Arizona State University. While at ASU, she was the education editor as well as a published staff reporter at Downtown Devil. Cece was also the co-host of her own radio show on Blaze Radio ASU.
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Maria Geiger is Director of Content at Scholarships360. She is a former online educational technology instructor and adjunct writing instructor. In addition to education reform, Maria’s interests include viewpoint diversity, blended/flipped learning, digital communication, and integrating media/web tools into the curriculum to better facilitate student engagement. Maria earned both a B.A. and an M.A. in English Literature from Monmouth University, an M. Ed. in Education from Monmouth University, and a Virtual Online Teaching Certificate (VOLT) from the University of Pennsylvania.
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California can be an expensive state for students in terms of cost of living and tuition. However, if you are a California resident you could be eligible for the California College Promise Grant that allows you to attend community college in California for free! Keep reading to learn more about the California College Promise Grant!
What is the California College Promise Grant?
The California College Promise Grant allows eligible California residents to have community college enrollment fees waived including tuition. However, you will still have to pay for textbooks and the cost of fees such as parking fees and health fees.
Also see: Top California scholarships
Who is eligible for the California College Promise Grant?
In order to be eligible for the California College Promise Grant you will need to meet the following criteria:
- Lived in California for at least one year as a resident or AB 540 eligible student
- Demonstrate financial need on the FAFSA
- Meet academic standards by maintaining a GPA of 2.0 or higher and completing more than 50% of your courseworkÂ
What schools qualify for the California College Promise Grant?
Most California community colleges! Be sure to double check with your community college’s particular rules for enrollment in order to ensure they offer the program and that you qualify for the California College Promise Grant.
Related: Top reasons to attend a community college
How do I apply for the California College Promise Grant?
In order to apply for the California College Promise Grant you must complete the following steps:
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA
- Submit your community college application at CCCApply.org
It is important to note that the application opens during the summer semester of each academic year and must be completed every year.
The application itself is quite simple (especially in comparison to the FAFSA application!). It is a two-page application in which you provide information about yourself and your parents if you are a dependent student.
What about the remaining fees I need to pay?
The California College Promise Grant only covers tuition and certain fees. Therefore, you may be wondering about how to pay for the other expenses such as books or room and board. Luckily, a lot of community colleges in the California area offer their own promise grants in addition which can cover those types of expenses. For example, some colleges will offer book vouchers, counseling services and priority class registration in addition to free tuition.
The application process for the school-specific promise grants varies based on the specific school. Therefore, be sure to research schools you are interested in to find out eligibility criteria as well as how to enroll in these programs.Â
Also see: Which states offer tuition-free community college?
Frequently asked questions about the California College Promise Grant
Do I have to pay back the California College Promise Grant?
Do I only need to apply once?
How long can I receive the California College Promise Grant?
