Cal Grant A but I didn't file for it?

Paying for College
1

I received the Cal Grant A in my financial aid package. My permanent address in California, but I currently reside abroad. I really hope that it isn’t, but is this a mistake? I didn’t even file for Cal Grant.

2

Are you admitted as a CA resident? If so, how so if you live and are attending HS abroad?

3

@GMTplus7 I don’t know if I was admitted as a CA resident. All I see is that the Cal Grant is a part of my financial aid package and that the CSAC must verify the estimate for my eligibility. I’m originally from California, but I’m not sure if I meet the residency requirements. If this is a mistake, will my family have to pay the estimate that would have been covered by the Cal Grant?

4

How long have you been residing abroad? Has it just been you? Or have your parents also been out of California, too?

Are you being charged the instate price or out of state price?

5

@GMTplus7 My family and I have been residing abroad for more than five years. We were California residents before. This is for a private university, not a public one. So instead of OOS/instate tuition, the grant is just… there.

6

Any chance your parent is in the military?

7

@thumper1 No. I called the FA office and they said that it was not a mistake. I’m concerned if this will be renewable for the next three years.

8

I think it is a mistake. One of the Cal Grant criteria is to be a CA resident. http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=906 If you’ve lived outside the country for 5 years you shouldn’t be considered one.

9

@"Erin's Dad" I received an email from Cal Grant in late April notifying me that I did not file the GPA Verification Form. I don't know what is going on, but I have mailed it to them just in case I am eligible.

So until I hear from them, I am in a pickle. USC included the Cal Grant A in my financial package. Should I wait to hear back from Cal Grant of my eligibility (which may awhile) before I call USC’s financial aid office? I want to ask USC: In case I am not eligible and I never was eligible to receive the Cal Grant, will I be responsible for covering that cost? The first year of college would become very financially difficult for my family without the grant. Does anyone have experience with this?

10

I would call USC and ask what they would do if it IS a mistake. Since they meet need they may make that up.