Cal Grant:
Bethesda University requires all applicants who are California residents seeking financial assistance from the University to apply for Cal Grants. University grant assistance will not replace Cal Grant funds lost through a student’s negligence in completing state application procedures. However, students who do not meet Cal Grant eligibility requirements, but who have sufficient need according to Bethesda University’s analysis, will receive University grant funds according to the packaging policies outlined in this booklet. The Cal Grant reduces Bethesda University need-based grant assistance dollar for dollar.
During the 2018-19 academic year, Cal Grant A first-time awards are expected to be $9,084.
Priority deadline for California is March 2nd. The FAO will begin announcing the deadline for FAFSA applications beginning January and remind students year round. This deadline is crucial for students who want to receive Cal Grants. Any submissions past the March 2nd deadline will not be considered for Cal Grants.
If a student has already been awarded a Cal Grant and is enrolled at Bethesda University, the renewal evaluation will be conducted by the Bethesda University Office of Financial Aid. Renewal students are not required to file a new GPA Verification Form.
Basic Cal Grant Requirements:
To be eligibe for a Cal Grant. the student must:
· Submit a completed FAFSA or CAL ISIR (for DREAM applicants) and a verified Cal Grant GPA by the March 2nd, deadline.
· Meet the California residency requirements.
· Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible non-citizen.
· Attend a qualifying California University.
· Have financial need based on the University cost.
· Have family income and assets below the established ceilingsMeet minimum GPA requirements.
· Be in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate.
· Be enrolled at least half time.
· Meet current requirements for Selective Service.
· Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.
· Not owe a refund on any state or federal grant or be in default on any student loan.
California Dream Act Application for Cal Grants:
Federal Direct Loans are low interest loans that must be repaid 6 months after graduation, withdrawal, or not maintaining at least half-time (6 units) status. For this reason, you should not borrow more than you need or can comfortably repay after leaving school.
You must complete Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) to receive Direct Loans. The MPN is a legally binding agreement to repay your loan to the Department of Education.
A student must meet all AB 540 eligibility requirements to be considered eligible for the Cal Grant:
· Have attended a CA high school for at least 3 years.
· Graduated from a CA high school.
· Enrolled in an accredited and qualifying CA University or university.
· If applicable, complete an affidavit to legalize immigration status as soon as you are eligible.
· Meet current requirements for Selective Service.
All applicants must file a FAFSA in order to receive financial aid. Any student not filing a FAFSA will not be awarded.
Bethesda University recommends all applicants who are California residents seeking financial assistance from the College to apply for Cal Grants. Any other grant assistance will not replace Cal Grant funds lost through a student’s negligence in completing state application procedures. The Cal Grant reduces need-based grant assistance dollar-for-dollar.
Cal Grant A
A tuition-specific, state entitlement award, funded by California Student Aid Commission. For more information please see the undergraduate handbook Cal Grant A
1. Amount: Up to $9,084 (depending on unmet need)
2. Deadline: March 2nd
3. Eligibility:
o Undergraduate with eligible GPA (2.4 or above for Transfer Entitlement, 3.0 or more Entitlement and Competitive).
o Financial need.
o Resident of California.
4. Application:
o FAFSA (with Bethesda listed).
o Cal Grant GPA Verification Form.
5. Renewal:
o FAFSA must be filed yearly.
o According to need and satisfactory academic progress.
Cal Grant B
A state entitlement award, funded by California Student Aid Commission. Provides low-income students with a living allowance and tuition assistance.
1. Amount: Freshmen: living allowance only of $1,656
All other grand levels: tuition assistance of up to $9,084 and living allowance (Access) funds of $1,656
2. Deadline: March 2nd
3. Eligibility:
o Undergraduate with eligible GPA (2.0 or above Competitive and Entitlement – 2.4 for Transfer Entitlement)
o Extreme financial need.
o Resident of California.
4. Application:
o FAFSA (with Bethesda listed)
o Cal Grant GPA Verification Form
5. Renewal:
o FAFSA must be filed yearly
o According to need and satisfactory academic progress
A student who is denied a Cal Grant their first year may be eligible for the Cal Grant in subsequent years, but must file a FAFSA and submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the March 2nd deadline.
Student are required to submit their financial aid applications on an annual basis. Priority considered for financial aid funds administered by the Financial Aid Officer shall be given to students who submit all required documentation by the assigned deadline. Students must also pass verification, if required.
As a Cal Grant recipient, you may receive up to the equivalent of four years of full time grant payments. The duration of your eligibility will be based on your education level at the time you receive your first Cal Grant payment. Your eligibility will be reduced by each term that you receive payment.
Bethesda University determines education level (EL) at the time of initial payment based on the number of units completed. The EL is based on all accepted transfer units at the institution and established institutional policy.
EL 2 = 0 to 29.9 semester units
EL 2 = 30 to 59.9 semester units
EL 3 = 60 to 89.9 semester units
EL 4 = 90 or more semester units
Contact Financial Aid Officer for more information at 714) 683-1413 or FinancialAid@bcu.edu.