Financial aid •

November 30, 2022

Complete guide to the Cal Grant B

The Cal Grant B gives financial aid to foster students who plan to attend college at an eligible California institution.

California Student Aid Commission logo

This article will discuss all the important details about Cal Grant B, including who’s eligible, what the application looks like, and how much financial support you can get through this program.

We’ll also discuss some similar scholarships that you can apply for.

What is the Cal Grant B?

The Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award is a special scholarship program for students who are current or former foster youth and attending an eligible California school. In 2018, the state expanded this program to offer greater awards by extending the amount of time students can receive aid.

The Cal Grant B awards up to $1,656 each academic year for costs such as living expenses, supplies, transportation, and books. It also pays tuition and fees for students attending eligible California colleges starting in their second year of higher education.

This program is one of three Cal Grants offered through the California Student Aid Commission. The other programs have slightly different awards and eligibility requirements, which you can read more about on the CSAC’s website.

How to apply for the Cal Grant B

In this section, we’ll discuss everything you need to know to apply for the Cal Grant B.

Eligibility requirements

Before you apply for the Cal Grant B, make sure you’re eligible by meeting these requirements:

  • Be a California resident

  • Be a certified Foster Youth

  • Attend an eligible California college or university

  • Be enrolled at least part-time

  • Show financial need

  • Have a GPA of at least 2.0

  • Complete the FAFSA

The application

One nice feature of the Cal Grant B is that there is no long and complicated application process. You automatically apply when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application. 

FAFSA

You also have to submit your verified high school GPA to the California Student Aid Commission through the Web Grants 4 Students website.

Important dates to remember

These are the important dates to keep in mind when applying for the Cal Grant B.

  • Applications open: October 1

  • Application deadline: March 2

You can get answers to all of your other questions about the Cal Grant B on the CSAC’s website.

Other scholarships like the Cal Grant B

The Cal Grant B is a unique scholarship for foster students in the state of California. There are many other programs that focus on traditionally underprivileged students.

If you’re looking to apply for other scholarships, you may also be interested in:

Mos can help you get started applying for all types of financial aid and scholarships, like the Cal Grant B. Join us now.

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