What Is a Grant?
A grant is money given to you by the federal or state government that you don't usually have to pay back.
Types of Grants for Community College Students
Learn more about the types of grants available to community college students, eligibility, and how and when to apply.
Cal Grant B is a need-based program and provides free money to low-income students who are:
- Enrolled in a program of study resulting in an associate, baccalaureate degree, or certificate of at least 24 semester units in length
- Enrolled and attending at least six eligible units per semester
How to Apply
- Complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2.
- Submit a Verified Cal Grant GPA (high school GPA or community college GPA) to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 2. Please note:
- California community colleges have a second deadline – September 2 – for some types of Cal Grant.
- American River College submits electronically-eligible GPAs.
- Create an account at Web Grants for Students after you submit your FAFSA or CADAA to review your award status.
After you submit your completed FAFSA/CADAA and high school GPA, then you will be considered (by CSAC) for the appropriate Cal Grant award based on GPA, financial need, and college of attendance.
Eligibility and Grant Amounts
See CSAC Cal Grant eligibility requirements.
Dependent students or independent students without dependent children receive up to $1,648 annually; students with dependent children younger than 18 years of age (Students With Dependents annual certification required*) receive up to $6,000 annually. Awards are pro-rated according to eligible enrollment as per the following semester-based chart:
| Student Type | Full-Time Amount | ¾-Time Amount | ½-Time Amount | Less than ½-Time Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent Students or Independent without Dependent Children | $824 | $618 | $412 | $0 |
| Students with Dependent Children* | $3,000 | $2,250 | $1,500 | $0 |
*See CSAC students with dependents information.
Cal Grant Recalculation Dates (CRD) apply – see financial aid deadlines.
In addition, awarded Cal Grant B students enrolled in 12 or more eligible units per semester might become eligible to receive the additional Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG). Students enrolled in 12 to 14.99 financial aid eligible units will receive $1,298 SSCG for that semester. Students enrolled in 15 or more financial aid eligible units will receive $4,000 for that semester.
Cal Grant C is a need-based program and provides free money to low-income students who are:
- Pursuing an occupational or technical program of least four months in length
- Enrolled and attending at least six eligible units per semester
How to Apply
- Complete the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2.
- Create an account at Web Grants for Students after you submit your FAFSA or CADAA to review your award status.
If the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) determines you eligible for a Cal Grant C, then they will contact you to complete the Cal Grant C Supplement Form and return to the CSAC by the requested deadline.
Eligibility and Grant Amounts
See CSAC Cal Grant eligibility requirements.
Dependent students or independent students without dependent children receive up to $1,094 annually; students with dependent children younger than 18 years of age (Students With Dependents annual certification required*) receive up to $4,000 annually. Awards are pro-rated according to eligible enrollment as per the following semester-based chart:
| Student Type | Full-Time Amount | ¾-Time Amount | ½-Time Amount | Less than ½-Time Amount |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dependent Students or Independent without Dependent Children | $547 | $410 | $274 | $0 |
| Students with Dependent Children* | $2,000 | $1,500 | $1,000 | $0 |
* See CSAC students with dependents information.
Cal Grant Recalculation Dates (CRD) apply – see financial aid deadlines.
In addition, awarded Cal Grant C students enrolled in 12 or more eligible units per semester might become eligible to receive the additional Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG). Students enrolled in 12 to 14.99 financial aid eligible units will receive $1,298 SSCG for that semester. Students enrolled in 15 or more financial aid eligible units will receive $4,000 for that semester.
The California College Promise Grant is just for California community college students and does not have to be repaid.
What It Covers
The California College Promise Grant waives enrollment fees for eligible students. It does not cover the cost of books or other expenses.
Eligibility
You may qualify for the California College Promise Grant if you are a California resident or are exempt from nonresident fees under AB 540 and you meet the criteria of Type A, Type B, or Type C described below.
Type A
You are receiving Temporary Aid For Needy Families (TANF), Supplemental Security Income (SSI/SSP), or General Assistance.
Type B
You meet the income standards listed below. Please note:
- Family size means the number of people in your household, including yourself
- Total family income means adjusted gross income and/or untaxed income for the year listed
| Family Size | 2021 Total Family Income (for 2023-2024 school year) |
2022 Total Family Income (for 2024-2025 school year) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | $20,385 | $21,870 |
| 2 | $27,465 | $29,580 |
| 3 | $34,545 | $37,290 |
| 4 | $41,625 | $45,000 |
| 5 | $48,705 | $52,710 |
| 6 | $55,785 | $60,420 |
| 7 | $62,865 | $68,130 |
| 8 | $69,945 | $75,840 |
| Note | For each additional family member, add $7,080 | For each additional family member, add $7,710 |
Type C
You submitted the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act application (for AB 540 students who are not US citizens or eligible non-citizens) and it shows you have unmet financial need.
How to Apply
To apply, fill out the California College Promise Grant application online. Alternatively, you can fill out the application below and return the completed application to American River College's Financial Aid Office.
- 2023-2024 California College Promise Grant Application – English (For Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024)
- 2023-2024 California College Promise Grant Application – Spanish (For Summer 2023, Fall 2023, Spring 2024)
- 2024-2025 California College Promise Grant Application – English (For Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
- 2024-2025 California College Promise Grant Application – Spanish (For Summer 2024, Fall 2024, Spring 2025)
Maintaining the California College Promise Grant
If you qualify for the California College Promise Grant, then make sure you continue to meet the following academic and progress standards to keep receiving the grant funds.
- Academic: Maintain a grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher. If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive primary terms (fall/spring semesters), then you may lose your grant eligibility.
- Progress: Complete more than 50% of your coursework. If the cumulative number of units you complete is not more than 50% in two consecutive primary terms (fall/spring semesters, or fall/winter/spring quarters), then you may lose your grant eligibility.
- Combination of academic and progress standards: Any combination of two consecutive terms of cumulative GPA below 2.0 and/or cumulative unit completion of not more than 50% may result in loss of grant eligibility.
Regaining the California College Promise Grant
If you lose your California College Promise Grant due to not meeting the academic and progress standards, then you may appeal the loss by following the process for Loss of Priority Registration.
Admissions and Records will notify you once the form has been processed. If approved, then your California College Promise Grant will be reinstated.
Chafee Grants are awarded by the State of California to current or former foster youth. Chafee Grants do not have to be repaid.
What it Covers
A Chafee Grant can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, living expenses, and child care.
Eligibility
To qualify for a Chafee Grant, you must meet the following criteria:
- You are a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18
- If you are or were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are only eligible if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18
- You have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1 of the award year
- You have not participated in the program for more than five years (consecutive or otherwise)
How to Apply
To apply for a Chafee Grant, you must submit the following each year you are eligible:
- FAFSA or the California Dream Act application (if you do not have a social security number)
- The Chafee Grant application
Federal Pell Grant are awarded by the federal government and do not have to be repaid.
What it Covers
Federal Pell Grant can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, living expenses, and child care.
Eligibility
Federal Pell Grant is based on financial need, cost of attendance, the number of financial aid eligible units enrolled, and how long you plan to attend college. Eligible students can receive the Federal Pell Grant for up to six years (12 full-time semester or the equivalent), or 600%.
Pell Grant are usually only given to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's degree or higher. In some cases, a student enrolled in a post-baccalaureate teacher certification program can receive a Federal Pell Grant. You are not eligible to receive a Pell Grant if you are incarcerated or are subject to an involuntary civil commitment upon completion of a period of incarceration for a forcible or non-forcible sex offense.
DACA and undocumented AB 540 students are not eligible to receive Federal Pell Grant.
How to Apply
Submit the FAFSA every year to see if you qualify for a Federal Pell Grant. The amount of other student aid you qualify for does not affect the amount of your Federal Pell Grant.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded by the federal government and do not have to be repaid.
What it Covers
A FSEOG can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, living expenses, and child care. You can receive $100 to $600 per year.
Eligibility
FSEOGs are awarded based on financial need, how early you apply, number of financial aid eligible units enrolled, and total amount of Financial Aid.
FSEOGs are only given to undergraduate students who have not earned a bachelor's or a professional degree.
DACA and AB 540 students are not eligible to receive FSEOGs.
How to Apply
Submit the FAFSA each year to see if you qualify for a FSEOG. American River College has a limited amount of FSEOG funds, so make sure you submit your FAFSA as early as possible.
What it Covers
The Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG) provides up to $8,000 per year to pay for educational costs.
Eligibility
To qualify for a SSCG, you must be:
- Cal Grant B or C recipients
- Enrolled in at least 12 financial aid eligible units each semester
Students enrolled in 12 to 14.99 financial aid eligible units will receive $1,298 for that semester. Students enrolled in 15 or more financial aid eligible units will receive $4,000 for that semester.
Cal Grant Recalculation Date will be applied to determine course enrollment eligibility.
How to Apply
Students who qualify will be notified. No additional application is necessary for eligibility for the SSCG.