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The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is a great opportunity for eligible students in California Community Colleges. The CCPG waives enrollment fees and tuition for eligible students, making higher education more affordable.
In this blog post, we will explore what the CCPG is, its eligibility requirements, and the application process. We will also discuss the academic requirements for the CCPG. So if you’re interested in learning more about this grant, keep reading!
Table of Contents
What is the Promise Grant California (CCPG)?
The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is an award funded by the Board of Governors of the California Community College system.
The CCPG waives all per-unit enrollment fees for eligible students. It also waives a portion of parking permit fee payments. Formerly known as the Governors Fee Waiver BOG Fee Waiver, the CCPG is the promise of high-quality, zero-cost higher education to qualified students.
Fee waiver eligibility requirements exist, but students can identify whether they can continue to receive funding by speaking with their California community college financial aid office.
Why is the California College Promise Grant Important?
The promise grant is an important grant for low-income students in California who may not be able to afford college tuition fees.
The promise of free, high-quality higher education can enable these students to pursue their educational goals and achieve success. Without the promise of a fee waiver, these students may be unable to attend college at all.
The CCPG can also help students save money on other college expenses, such as textbooks and course materials.
So if you’re a low-income student in California, be sure to apply for the CCPG! You may be eligible to receive free tuition and fees for your community college education.
Who is Eligible for the Promise Grant?
To be eligible for a Promise Grant, an applicant must meet certain requirements. These include:
- Being a legal California resident and classified as an in-state student or covered under AB 540
- Have financial need based on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Are you currently receiving Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF), SSI/SSP, or General Assistance for supplemental security income standards and supporting documentation?
- You can also meet current income standards to be eligible for the California Promise Grant.
- Certified by the California Department of Veterans Affairs for a Dependent’s fee waiver.
2022-23 California College Promise Grant Income Standards
| Family Size | Base Year Income |
|---|---|
| 1 | $19,320 |
| 2 | $26,130 |
| 3 | $32,940 |
| 4 | $39,750 |
| 5 | $46,560 |
| 6 | $53,370 |
| 7 | $60,180 |
| 8 | $66,990 |
| Each Additional Family Member | $6,810 |
How Do I Apply for the Promise Grant?
To apply for the promise grant, you must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
This application can be submitted online or in person. After submitting your application, select your college and fill out the appropriate paperwork. Your eligibility will be re-determined each academic year.
Related: UC Application Portal: Applying to UCSD
What Are the Academic Requirements for the Promise Grant?
To be eligible to renew the California College Promise Grant (CCPG) in subsequent academic years, you must meet minimum academic progress requirements.
Sustain a GPA of 2.0 or Higher
To be eligible for the California College Promise Grant, students must maintain a 2.0 Grade Point Average for two consecutive primary terms (i.e., Fall or Spring term). If your GPA falls below the 2.0 threshold, then you may lose your eligibility for the California College Promise Grant.
Related Reading: Is Withdrawing From a Class Bad? | “W” on Transcript
Complete More than 50% of Your Coursework
Eligibility for the CCPG requires students to remain enrolled in course units and complete them. The requirement specifically states that students must enroll in more than 50% of units attempted from two consecutive primary terms.
In other words, students have to commit to enrolling in the same number of units per school year and must not get below 50% of the total units, or else they will be eligible to lose CCPG aid.
Maintaining Your Promise Grant (CCPG) Eligibility
It is imperative that students maintain the academic and progress standards of the CCPG standards. As noted, students have to maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and complete 50% of their coursework or higher.
If either the cumulative GPA falls or 50% of the coursework requirement is abridged, then students can become ineligible for further financial aid.
Related: What You Need to Know About Financial Aid for Community College Students
Please make sure you speak with your local California Community College financial aid office to make sure you are remaining eligible for the Promise Grant California.
If you do not meet the academic and progress standards for fee waiver eligibility, then students may lose eligibility.
California College Promise Grant FAQs
How Do I Regain Eligibility for the California College Promise Grant?
There are a few ways to have your California College Promise Grant reinstated if you lose eligibility.
Improve your GPA or course completion to comply with current CCPG progress and academic standards.
1. Submit an appeal application regarding specific extenuating circumstances
2. Showcase, through an appeal, significant academic improvement throughout two consecutive primary terms.
3. Regain eligibility by confirming your absence from your school district for two consecutive terms and proof of contemporary enrollment.
A successful appeal process requires students to explain specific and extenuating circumstances including:
– Economic Situation Evidence
– Veteran Students Disability Accommodations
– National Guard Adjutant General
– Foster Youth or Former Foster Youth
– Course Completion Measures (for consecutive primary terms)
– Congressional Medal of Honor
– Other circumstances
An academic and progress standards successful appeal may require other necessary documentation that represents all of the completion measures to maintain eligibility for the California College Promise Grants.
If you have any questions about how to regain eligibility in the CCPG, make sure to contact your local California community college financial aid office for assistance. They can provide you with the best advice and guidance on what steps you need to take if you lose eligibility. Good luck!
How Much Aid Can I Receive From The CCPG?
The amount of money you can receive is dependent upon the number of courses you are enrolled in. The California College Promise Grant is essentially a fee waiver that covers all enrollment fees for every California resident. The typical price per unit at a California Community College is $46 per unit.
Students will save $552 on enrollment fees when they enroll and receive the California College Promise Grant.
Is CCPG Financial Aid?
Yes, the California College Promise Grant is considered a financial aid program because it is instituted by the State of California.
The CCPG was formerly the BOG Waiver, which is committed to helping Californians pursue their higher education dreams by waiving enrollment fees for qualified students.
In addition to the CCPG, some schools and institutions have implemented an internal promise and financial aid program that helps CCPG-qualified students with book costs, parking, supplies, and other school-related expenses.
Can I Receive a Reimbursement for my Enrollment Fees If I Became Eligible for the CCPG During the Academic School Year?
The determination over whether a student can receive reimbursement for enrollment fees that have already been paid will be solely at the discretion of the institution granting the financial award.
For example, some students will apply for the CCPG after they have already paid their enrollment fees. After hearing back that they were accepted for financial awards, students would ideally like to receive a reimbursement for the courses they have already paid for.
If a student demonstrates they are eligible for a fee waiver retroactively at any point during the academic year, the college may reimburse them for fees paid up until that point, even if one or more terms have been completed.
The only time you will be reimbursed for academic-related expenses is if it falls within the current academic year. Also, no reimbursements will be given after June 30th of the academic year unless state or federal law requires it.
Do I Receive the CCPG Through my Financial Aid Office?
Yes, you will access the California College Promise Grant program through your California community college financial aid office.
Should I Still Submit a CCPG Application if My Parents Make Too Much Money?
It is recommended that students submit the FAFSA and the California Dream Act application to seek eligibility for the CCPG regardless of their assumed financial income. If you do not qualify for Method A or B, don’t worry! You may still be eligible for Method C and additional financial aid funds by completing the FAFSA. If you are an undocumented student, you can fill out the California Dream Application instead.
What is the Difference Between the California Promise and the California College Promise Grant?
Although the California Promise was funded in 2018-19 for $46 million, not every college that received money from the Promise is waiving enrollment fees. Many of those colleges believe that their funding would be put to better use if it were used for other purposes, such as improving student support services or providing grants to help students with childcare expenses, transportation costs, or the cost of books.
The California Promise is a program that allows colleges to waive enrollment fees for first-time, full-time students who do not qualify for the California College Promise Grant. The Grant serves more than 1 million community college students in California each year.
Although the California Promise is a great opportunity for many students, there is still much confusion about what it entails.
To give some background, as part of the California Promise, colleges have the option to waive enrollment fees for all first-time, full-time students who do not qualify for the California College Promise Grant.
CCPG Student Savings Example
| Units Enrolled | 12 |
| Price Per Unit ($) | $46 |
| Total Enrollment Fees Waived | $552 |
Conclusion
The CCPG is a great opportunity for eligible students in California Community Colleges. The grant waives enrollment fees and tuition for eligible students, making higher education more affordable. In this blog post, we have explored what the CCPG is, its eligibility requirements, and the application process. We have also discussed the academic requirements for the CCPG. If you’re interested in learning more about this grant, make sure to read our other blog posts!
If you’re a student in California and interested in transferring to a university, be sure to check out the California Transfer Support Network! We are a nonprofit organization that helps students navigate the transfer process. We offer services such as application reviews, resume edits, and college credit evaluations. We also answer general transfer questions, so be sure to contact us if you have any!