<p>hi
I received a letter from cal grant saying I qualified for both cal grant A and B, but was awarded b. In the letter, they picked the cal grant that they felt was most beneficial to me. But cal grant B only offers $1,551 the first year, which means I'd have to loan my first year as compared to the $7,788 that I would be receiving from cal grant A. I heard that cal grant B would offer more after the first year and better in the long run, but I don't see how being in debt would be better. If I chose A, I would not be paying a single cent. Any advice?</p>
<p>Go with what they chose for you.</p>
<p>It’s really complicated- I tried to research it when we had a similar situation a few years ago, and never really understood it. But I finally came to believe that they really do know which is better for you, if eligible for both. :)</p>
<p>There’s a thread here that explains it in some detail.</p>
<p>Each year, a number of new Cal Grant applicants will simultaneously meet the eligibility criteria for both the Cal Grant A and B awards. Since state law allows a student to participate in only one Cal Grant program at a time, the Commission places the student into the program that appears to provide the greatest monetary benefit over the student’s projected participation time in their college program. However, since the Commission lacks information on other factors (Scholarships, Changes in circumstances, other aid you did or didnt recieve) that may determine which Cal Grant award is best for the student, award changes can be requested. Based on how the Cal Grant A and B awards are paid out, the overwhelming majority of students that would benefit from a program change would be first year students.</p>
<p>Before changing a student from a Cal Grant B to a Cal Grant A, the Commission advises that students & campuses carefully factor in the effect of tuition-only scholarships, tuition remissions, veterans benefits or any other sources of funding that would reduce the student’s tuition/fee obligation as these would affect the amount of Cal Grant A funds. Factoring in these sources of funding might make the Cal Grant B a better choice for a freshman Cal Grant recipient.</p>
<p>dorkO, I read somewhere that your university will grant you the money so that it adds up equally. So, if Cal grant A gives u 7788, or whatever it is, and you get around $1000 in univ. grant, you total $8888. But if you received $1551 from Cal grant B, Univ. grants should = the difference of $8888 - 1551.</p>
<p>Not sure if this is true, but can anyone clarify?</p>