Long Beach City College

Cal Grants are awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). There are three different Cal Grants.

Cal Grant A is awarded to students who are attending one of the 4-year colleges or universities in California based on financial need and GPA. Should student win a Cal Grant A while attending LBCC, that award will be held on reserve until the student transfers.

The Cal Grant B Program is intended to help students from low-income families. At LBCC, Cal Grant B awards are up to $1,551 per academic year.

The Cal Grant C Program is for vocational students and may not be used to pursue a four-year degree. The Cal Grant C is $576 at a community college.

Each of the Cal Grants may be renewed each year for up to four years.

To apply for a Cal Grant, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and turn in any additional documentation needed to complete the file. In addition, students must submit a Grade Point Average Verification form, as follows:

Students who have completed at least 16 units (through summer) at LBCC and who have attended no other colleges, need do nothing. LBCC Admissions will send the GPA's of all such students to CSAC.
Students who have completed at least 16 total units (through summer) but who have attended other colleges must take the GPA Verification form (available in the Financial Aid Office) to Admissions and Records. Be sure to plan ahead. Transcripts must be on file and it takes some time to calculate the GPA and certify the form.
Students who have not yet completed 16 units of college coursework, must have the GPA Verification form filled out by their high school. In this case, too, the student is advised to plan ahead.

Both the FAFSA and the GPA Verification form must be mailed by March 2nd, to meet the Cal Grant deadline. If you miss that deadline, there is still a chance (although much less of one) to qualify for a Cal Grant provided that both forms are submitted by September 2nd.