Federal and State Grants
In addition to scholarships, the college awards more than $2.3 million each year from various state and federal student grant programs. Federal and state grants are for undergraduate students.
Federal Grants
To receive federal financial aid, a student must be either a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen and be officially admitted to a degree program. Students must also demonstrate the "ability to benefit" (high school diploma or GED certificate earned, or more than 60 transfer units completed) and not owe a refund of or be in default on Title IV funds. Other general requirements are detailed in the annual CCA Financial Aid Guide.
Federal Pell Grants. These grants are awarded to undergraduate students who have exceptional need. Annual value for full-time students is $400 to $4,050.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants. These are awarded to full-time undergraduate students who have exceptional need, as demonstrated by their eligibility for a Pell Grant. Annual value is $500 to $2,000.
State Grants
In 2006–7, students who enter California College of the Arts with a California State Grant will receive up to $20,000 in scholarships and grants (total amount not to exceed calculated financial need). Awards will be a combination of state, federal, and institutional grants and scholarships for students entering CCA with a Cal Grant A or B award in fall 2006.
Cal Grant A Program. This is a need-based grant program funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). The program provides tuition awards of up to $9,708. It is intended for "high-achieving" middle- and low-income California residents attending California post-secondary schools.
Under the entitlement award program, students who graduated from a California high school with a minimum cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher, meet the program's financial need requirements, and meet the March 2 application deadline for both the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the GPA Verification Form are guaranteed a Cal Grant A if they attend a California college or university.
Students who meet the financial need and basic eligibility requirements, have a minimum 2.4 GPA from a California community college, and graduated from high school are eligible for this award when transferring from a community college.
Cal Grant B Program. This program provides a living allowance and tuition and fee assistance for very low-income students.
Awards for first-year (freshmen) students provide up to $1,551 for books and supplies. Students enrolled beyond the freshman year are eligible for tuition awards of up to $9,708. Beyond the first undergraduate year, the award also helps pay for tuition and fees.
Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the Cal Grant financial and eligibility requirements, and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant B entitlement award.