<p>Hi!
Yesterday, I was informed that UCSD swtiched to Cal grant A from grant B for me. They chose grant B before. But from what I have read, grant B is better in a long run; in fact, all the UCs normally will choose grant B for the students who are eligible for both A and B. Then I called UCSD and asked them. They told me that Grant A gives me more money in four years, which is about $28000 ($7000 per year) when grant B gives me $27000 total.
Even though grant A gives more money, I am worrying about the flexibility of grant A. I know that grant B is more flexiable since the money can be spent on transportation, housing, like allowance. But grant A may only be used for tution (does tution include housing? I reeally have no clue)
My current situation is that my estimated needs is $24,000 (tution+housing+books), all the grants are only $14,000. So I guess for the first two years when I still live on campus, I can use grant A for tution and school grants for housing. I am not sure if I can use grant A for housing. But in my junior/senior year, when I have to move off campus, I dont know if I can fully use grant A. Since it is not as flexiable as grant B, I might not be able to spend it on housing off campus.
Any suggestions? I really need the help
Thank you very much.</p>
<p>hmm that's interesting. always thought that Cal Grant B was more valuable. But I actually calculated it out, and UCSD is right. Cal Grant A comes out to 28504 while Cal Grant B is just 27582. Don't worry about flexibility because they give you your money directly to your bank account that is if you have money left over.</p>
<p>Dont they credit it into my school's accout or something? Cal Grant A may only be spent on tuition.</p>
<p>and yea, your calculation is right. That was exactly what UCSD told me. The difference in four year is about $1,000.
There is another thread about cal grant in colleege discussion. I remember it says cal grant A only gives $6,600 per year, which sums up to about $26,600 after four years. It gives approximately $430 more than grant B.
It is weird that my situation is so different</p>
<p>yes it's specifically for tuition but if you look at the greater picture, the 7 thousand that is used to pay for tuition is the same as the 7 thousand that goes to, let's say, your housing expenses. Don't look at your overall college expenses as individual expenses because in the end it doesn't matter since all charges are charged to a single account.</p>
<p>I am just afraid I am not going to be able to fully spend grant A since its only for tuition.</p>
<p>So in this case, which grant is better for me?</p>
<p>Tuition is more than $7000. Why do you think you won't be able to spend all of your grant?</p>
<p>how do you switch from grant B to grant A?</p>
<p>and how does B total up to 27k? Doesn't it only max out at like ~$1500 a year?</p>
<p>I didnt switch it, UCSD did.
Grant B gives $1551 for your freshman year, but then it will go way up each year, which will sum up to 27k after four years.</p>
<p>ooh I see</p>
<p>thank you</p>
<p>are you sure cal grant b will only be worth 27k after 4 years? and where did you get this info?</p>
<p>Cal Grant A pays tuition only at universities. CG A will be put on CC Reserve for 2 years automatically for you and allows you to attend a Community College to then use it at a University. Its available as a freshmen, sophomore, junior or senior and extended for certain 5yr programs. </p>
<p>For 2008-09 the amounts are.
Private Universities up to $9708.
Universities of California up to $7126.
California State Universities up to $3048.
Community Colleges $0. Cannot be used at a CC.</p>
<p>Cal Grant B every year has the $1551. "Access Award" plus the "Tuition Award" starting as a sophomore at universities. </p>
<p>Community Colleges: Every Year $1551 only.</p>
<p>CG B Freshmen at Private Univerities, UC's, State $1551 only</p>
<p>CG B Sophomore-Senior at Private Univerities, UC's, State $1551 plus tuition award.
The tuition amounts are the same as CG A.</p>