Why was my twin sister awarded a Cal Grant B and not me?

State Forums
1

We have everything the same on fasfa and turned everything in at the same time. However, I was only awarded cal grant A. While my sister was only awarded the cal grant B. I would much rather have cal grant B, is there any reason why I did not get it, yet she did? Please help me. Thank you

2

@Gumbymom can help. Good luck.

3

Look at the requirements for Cal Grant A. Do you meet them? GPA Is also part of the picture.

4

Why am I only getting the Cal Grant B even though I qualify for Cal Grant A?

A student may meet the eligibility requirements for both the Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B awards, however a student may be paid for one type of Cal Grant award at a time. Cal Grants pay different amounts, dependent on whether the student is attending a UC, CSU, community college or private institution. Cal Grant A pays the same tuition & fee amount each year for up to four years. Cal Grant B pays a stipend only in the freshman year. For subsequent years, a student may receive the stipend, plus tuition equal to the Cal Grant A, for a total of four years.

5

@Gumbymom : OP seems disappointed that she has an A while twin sister has a B. I’m not sure your response addresses her confusion – or that she understands. Maybe I don’t understand. Does the B add up to more in the long run?

6

A pays more. Especially the first year. GPA is part of what determines whether you get A or B.

7

@cptofthehouse: Thank you for the clarifying the GPA information in regards to the Cal Grants.

8

Explanation and Differences between Cal Grant A and B below which are GPA dependent as stated in the above posts.

Cal Grant A Entitlement Award

These awards are available to students who graduate from high school in 2000-2001 or later and achieve a minimum high school grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale. Your course of study at college should lead directly to an associate’s and bachelor’s degree, or qualify you to transfer from a community college to a bachelor’s degree program.

Eligible students must have financial need at least equal to the amount of the award plus $1,500 and have family income and assets below the established ceilings.

Cal Grant A Entitlement Awards are for a maximum of the mandatory systemwide fees at the CSU, which is currently $5,742.

Cal Grant B Entitlement Award

These awards are available to students who graduate from high school in 2000-2001 or later and achieve a minimum high school grade point average of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale. Eligible students must have a minimum financial need of $700 and have family income and assets below the established ceilings. The income and asset ceilings for the Cal Grant B Entitlement awards are lower than those used for Cal Grant A Entitlement Awards.

First-time freshman awarded a Cal Grant B Entitlement award may not receive the tuition portion of the grant, but are awarded a supplemental grant to be used for books and supplies, transportation expenses, and living expenses.

Beginning the second and subsequent years of Cal Grant B benefits, students are eligible to receive the tuition portion of the Cal Grant B award to cover the mandatory Systemwide tuition fee as well as the supplemental grant.