UC Financial Aid

For California 221 is just short of the 223 needed NMF.

At the UC’s, you’ll get better FA since you are a resident. The Cal grant typically covers your tuition and R&B at the UCs. It covers tuition at the CSU’s and some of the R&B fees.

IMPORTANT: Make sure you apply for the CAL GRANT before MARCH 2nd or you will miss out on your grant. Your school may help with that but the application is on your own. Don’t forget to fill it out!!! (after Jan but before March of each year)
http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=905

The Cal Grant does not cover R&B, only tuition. UC University grants will cover the R&B if you have a shortfall of your Cost of Attendance after Pell and other aid is applied.

roonaz, here is an actual award package a low income student I worked with received last year from a UC

Berkeley Undergraduate Scholarship

$7,986.00 Confirmed

Estimated Cal Grant A

$12,192.00 Estimated

Federal Pell Grant Financial Aid and Scholarships $5,730.00 Confirmed
Federal SEOG Grant Financial Aid and Scholarships $400.00 Confirmed

Total Gift Aid $26,308.00

Work-study
Work Study Eligibility Financial Aid and Scholarships $2,950.00

Federal Perkins Loan Financial Aid and Scholarships $1,500.00
Federal Subsidized Direct Loan Financial Aid and Scholarships $3,500.00

Grand Total $34,258.00

@brownparent thank you very much! I have looked at the website but I did not find the application that my friend talked about. There are a lot of myths around the campus which is why I was unsure:(

@roonaz what application are you referring to, Cal Grant? Keep in mind that the student was EFC 0. Also in your first post you say that your mom’s income is just above the low income level. But then you say she has not had a job for 2 years. If that is the case, then where is her income coming from?