FINANCIAL AID
Launch Virtual Academy
Why should you apply for FINANCIAL AID?
- to qualify for government student loans
- to qualify for CAL Grants
- to qualify for Promise programs at the community colleges (ie., Southwestern College Promise)
- to ensure Financial Aid eligibility just in case finances change
What are GRANTS?
Grants are monies for students who attend college or career school that students generally do not have to pay back.
Examples of grants: CAL Grants, Pell Grant, Chaffee Grant
CAL GRANTS are specifically for California students attending college/universities in California.
Cal Grant A
Will help pay for tuition and fees at four-year colleges award amounts vary by type of college. It has a GPA requirement. If you’re applying using your high school GPA, you must have at least a 3.0 GPA; if applying using your college GPA, you must have at least a 2.4 GPA
It requires that your course of study leads directly to an associate or bachelor’s degree, or qualifies you for transfer from a community college to a bachelor’s degree program
Cal Grant B
Provides a living allowance of up to $1,672, in addition to tuition and fee assistance after the first year, at a two- or four-year college
It pays most first-year students a living allowance only, which may be used to pay living expenses, books, supplies and transportation, as well as tuition and fees
When renewed or awarded beyond your first year, you’ll receive the living allowance as well as a tuition and fee award (up to $12,570 at a UC campus, up to $5,742 at a CSU campus and up to $9,084 at independent colleges for 2018-2019)
It requires at least a 2.0 GPA
Cal Grant C
Assists with the costs of a technical or career education
It provides up to $1,094 for books, tools and equipment—and up to $2,462 more for tuition and fees if you’ll be attending a school other than a California Community College (community colleges don’t charge tuition and your fees will be waived as a Cal Grant recipient)
It is available for up to two years
If you qualify, you’ll receive an email or letter notification to complete the online Cal Grant C Supplement in Web Grants for Students by the deadline. Even though a GPA is not required to apply for a Cal Grant C, you’re still encouraged to submit yours because it can only help your chances of receiving an award.
CAL Grant GPA's have been uploaded to CSAC for all seniors in the Sweetwater Union HS District during the first semester of senior year.
- CAL Grant GPA -- A high school GPA is calculated on a 4.00 scale computed to two decimal places, rounded to the nearest hundredth. The high school GPA must include all coursework for the sophomore year, the summer following the sophomore year, the junior year, and the summer following the junior year.
PELL Grants
The Pell Grant is the largest federal grant program offered to undergraduates and is designed to assist students from low-income households. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. To qualify for a Pell Grant, a student must demonstrate financial need through the Free Application for Federal Student Financial Aid (FAFSA®) form.
CHAFEE Grant
If you are or were in foster care for at least one day, between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college. You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school. You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.
What is WORK STUDY?
Federal Work-Study provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work and work related to the student’s course of study.
Here’s a quick overview of Federal Work-Study:
It provides part-time employment while you are enrolled in school.
It’s available to undergraduate, graduate, and professional students with financial need.
It’s available to full-time or part-time students.
It’s administered by schools participating in the Federal Work-Study Program. Check with your school's financial aid office to find out if your school participates.
What are FEDERAL LOANS?
Loans are monies you have to pay back.
Federal student loans are
Federal parent loans are
Direct PLUS Loans (for parents). Parents are fully responsible for paying these loans, even though they are taken out to benefit students.
Federal student loans are made by the government, with terms and conditions that are set by law, and include many benefits (such as fixed interest rates and income-driven repayment plans) not typically offered with private loans.
Private loans are made by private organizations such banks, credit unions, and state-based or state-affiliated organizations, and have terms and conditions that are set by the lender. Private student loans are generally more expensive than federal student loans.
FSA ID
https://studentaid.gov/fsa-id/sign-in/landing
(Please note: if you are going to apply with a Dream Act Application (see definition below), you do not need to apply for an FSA ID)
- You will need to create an FSA ID
- Your parent/guardian need to create their own FSA ID. Parent/guardian needs to have their own electronic signature
- Important before you start.....Have paper and pencil close by -- there are a series of security questions and you will need to write it down for future reference.
- Be sure to keep your username and password safe. You will be using this for FAFSA username and password for the next four years of college as you renew your FAFSA every year and your parent/guardian will be doing the same for you and your siblings.
- Your parent will need their FSA ID if you have siblings who will complete the FAFSA.
FAFSA or DREAM ACT Application? Which one should I fill out?
Now you are ready to fill out your FAFSA or Dream Act Application.
FAFSA and Dream Act Application opens October 1st of every school year. Deadline to be eligible for CAL Grants is March 2.
Free Application for Federal Student Aid application must be submitted to receive Federal and State aid. FAFSA are for students who are US Citizen, National or Permanent Resident
Dream Act Application -- https://dream.csac.ca.gov/
Are for students who are not U.S. Citizens, National or Permanent residents or do not fulfill ALL of the FAFSA requirements. The DREAM application is unique to California promoting access to all students regardless of immigration statues and/or documentation.
WHAT FINANCIAL AID CAN A DREAMER APPLY FOR?
- Cal Grant
- Chafee Grant
- Middle Class Scholarship
- UC Grants
- State University Grants
- California Community College (CCC) BOG Fee Waiver
- EOP/EOPS
- Some University scholarships
- Some private scholarships administered by campuses
Creating your WEB Grants 4 students account
A week after submitting your FAFSA or CADAA go to http://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov to create your WebGrants 4 Students account.
Financial Aid Award Letter
Definition of EFC -- It is a number used by your school to calculate how much financial aid you are eligible to receive.
Definition of COA -- Cost of Attendance
Calculating Your Financial Need: Cost of Attendance (COA) − Expected Family Contribution (EFC) = Financial Need
See sample below of a Financial Aid award letter -- the look varies from institution to institution
More information?
There is a lot of help if you have questions in filling out your FAFSA or Dream Act Application --
You can reach out to the following places:
- The financial aid office at the college/university you are planning to attend
- FAFSA Help - https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out/help
- CAL SOAP -- 619-295-1468
- Look at the financial aid workshops available around the district
- Your Launch Virtual Academy counselor - make an appointment through calendly.com