Paying for college can be difficult, but California has always been a leader in providing eligible students with an affordable college education. The Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship are two great state programs to help California families afford college:
Cal Grant, a need-based state financial aid program, has been a big part of making college affordable for many California families. Qualified students can receive up to $12,192 in funding to attend almost any college in California awards vary depending on economic need, grades and the college you attend. During the 2015-16 school year, the California Student Aid Commission offered nearly a billion dollars in Cal Grants and other financial aid to approximately 320,000 eligible students.
The Middle Class Scholarship Act is a newer program for students who do not qualify for Cal Grants but are still priced out of college. It offers sliding-scale discounts of up to 40 percent for families who earn $150,000 or less and don't qualify for Cal Grants, which support lower-income students. Students must have at least a C average.
Students apply just as they would for a federal loan or a Cal Grant, by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by March 2. They must also have a C average. Don't delay! The deadline to apply is March 2.
You and your family may attend any of the Cash for College workshops, regardless of where your child attends high school. For more information and assistance with your application, please contact my Orange County office at (714) 521-6505.
For more information and assistance with your application, or to attend a Cash for College workshop, please CLICK HERE.