<p>How do they work?</p>
<p>Let's say I received 12k/year in aid from Cal and 12k/year in aid from the state of California as well (Cal Grant A).</p>
<p>I know that the state of California pays me 12k at the END of the year AFTER I pay for tuition & housing first.</p>
<p>How about Berkeley's scholarship system?</p>
<p>Do they deduct the amount (12k) from my tuition & housing, or do I pay the active bill (roughly 12k) first?</p>
<p>To put it simply, do I pay the full amount ( housing + tuition ) first?</p>
<p>From where did you learn that you get your Cal Grant only after you’ve paid tuition? I got Cal Grants for 4 years and never had to pay up front.</p>
<p>Financial aid is paid out twice a year - once at the beginning of first semester and once at the beginning of second semester. This includes the Cal Grant. You never have to pay anything “up front.” However you will be expected to pay whatever your financial aid doesn’t cover. For example, if your financial aid does not cover $8,000, you would pay $4,000 at the start of the first semester and $4,000 at the start of the second semester.</p>
<p>One other thing - on your financial aid offer, does it say $12,000 for the UC Berkeley UG scholarship and $12,000 for the Cal Grant? If so, you are getting $24,000 in gift aid. If not and it only shows $12,000 for the UG scholarship, you will not be getting both. Berkeley offers you a total amount in gift aid but then subtracts any state/federal grants. For example, my son received $15,000 last year. They deducted his Cal Grant and gave him the rest in the UG scholarship. Be aware that new Cal Grant rules were put into place this year and renewal is income sensitive. You have to meet income levels each year in order to receive the Cal Grant. If your income goes up and you pass the income threshold, you will not receive a Cal Grant. My son lost his Cal Grant this year. However, Berkeley did give him a generous grant. Hope this helps.</p>