Undergraduate Grants
Depending on your financial need, these are federal and state grants students could be eligible for.
Federal Pell Grant
In the academic year the federal government grants up to $7,395 (based on full-time enrollment) to high need families who qualify based on a federally established formula.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Potential grants for high need families who also qualify for Pell Grant (amounts vary based on a federally established formula and college budgeted allocations).
Cal Grant
In the academic year the state government grants up to $9,358 annually for California students attending SMC who qualify on the basis of financial need and academic achievement (generally a grade point average of 3.0 and above for Cal Grant A, a grade point average of 2.0 and above for Cal Grant B). This grant is awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and eligibility is determined each year based on income and assets.
If eligible, your Cal Grant B award includes a $1,648 access allowance at SMC. Your 'access allowance' will be automatically applied to your billing account at the Business Office. You have the option to have your access allowance refunded to you and not applied to your billing account. To do this, contact the Financial Aid Office to request the Cal Grant B Payment Authorization form.
Cal Grants replace Saint Mary's Need-Based Scholarship. All California residents must apply for a Cal Grant. The College will not replace funds for students who are eligible and do not apply or fail to properly complete the Cal Grant application process.
For more information on the status of your Cal Grant please visit https://webgrants.csac.ca.gov/
Potential Cal Grant Fraud
There have been reports by students that they have been contacted by individuals claiming to be from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) who tell the student that they must pay money to receive, or reserve, their Cal Grant award. This is not true.
CSAC and it's staff will never ask for money or credit card information in order for a student to receive his or her Cal Grant award. A Cal Grant is free money, and students are never charged when applying by using the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application.
Disregard these calls (or e-mails) and alert authorities immediately if contacted. If you believe you have been a target or a victim of financial aid fraud, please contact the Commission at 888.224.7268. Visit the Commission’s official website, www.csac.ca.gov, for additional information.
You may also wish to file a report with your police department and/or the Federal Trade Commission: https://www.ftc.gov/
Golden State Teachers Grant (GSTG)
The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards up to $20,000 to graduate students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential. Undergraduates in certain 4+1 programs may become eligible for the program once they reach 3rd or 4th year standing. Applicants may review eligibility requirements and apply at www.gstg.csac.ca.gov/