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State Aid Programs

To help our students pay for college, Mt San Antonio College participates in various state financial aid programs. The information below will provide an overview of the various state financial aid programs. To learn how to apply for state financial aid programs, visit the  Applying for Aid page. 

    • California College Promise Grant

      The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) waives the Enrollment Fee and provides a reduced cost for health and parking fees for qualified California students. In order to qualify for the California College Promise Grant, students must:

      • Complete a financial aid application*
      • Be considered a California resident or meet certain exceptions
      • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the financial aid application 
      • Complete all pending financial aid requirements (if applicable)
      • Maintain Academic and Progress Standards

      *We highly recommend all students complete a FAFSA or California Dream Act application as this is the most likely way to qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), in addition to other types of financial aid. 

      How to qualify  

      There are three ways a student may qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG). The items listed below are checked and verified through your FAFSA, CA Dream Act, or CCPG application.

      1. A student has applied for other state and/or federal aid and has demonstrated $1,104 or more of financial need by completing the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. 
      2. A student is currently a recipient of funds from TANF (Temporary Assistance for Needy Families), SSI (Supplemental Security Income), or GA/GR (General Assistance/General Relief), or, if the student is a dependent, such funds are the sole source of income for the family. Students must provide a current copy of their check or an Untaxed Income Verification form.
      3. Household size and annual family income: The CCPG application may ask students to provide documentation of income, such as a copy of their Federal Income Tax Return. Students are required to provide documentation if it is requested.

      NOTE: Since verification of eligibility may involve contact with other agencies, parental signature, or other documents, your application may not be completed on the same day it is submitted. However, our turn around time is usually within 48 hours.

      How to stay eligible 

      Students who qualify for the California College Promise Grant (CCPG), must meet the below academic and progress standards in order to remain eligible for CCPG. 

      Maintain a 2.0 GPA or higher

      If your cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive primary terms (Fall/Spring semesters, or Fall/Winter/Spring quarters), you may lose your CCPG eligibility.

      Complete more than 50% of coursework

      If the cumulative number of units you complete is not more than 50% in two consecutive primary terms (Fall/Spring semesters, or Fall/Winter/Spring quarters), you may lose your CCPG eligibility.

      Combination of Academic and Progress Standards

      Any combination of two consecutive terms of cumulative GPA below 2.0, and/or cumulative unit completion of not more than 50% will result in loss of CCPG eligibility.

      How to regain eligibility 

      Students who lose their CCPG eligibility due to not meeting Academic and Progress Standards may consider regaining eligibility through the appeal process described below. 

      1. Complete the California College Promise Grant Appeal Form, select one reinstatement circumstance, sign and date the form. Prepare a typed narrative of your situation and schedule an appointment with an Educational Advisor. When making an appointment with a Counselor, let the scheduler know you are requesting a comprehensive education plan or will be updating your current education plan.
        NOTE: Counseling appointments may take from 10 days - 2 weeks to schedule.
      2. Bring California College Promise Grant Appeal Form and narrative with you to your academic counseling appointment. If you are a CalWORKs, EOPS, ACCESS, or Veteran student, it is highly recommended that you meet with the appropriate program Counselor.
      3. If you are requesting an appeal for Academic/Progress probation due to “Extenuating Circumstances” such as verified illness, accident or circumstances beyond your control, or documented changes in your economic situation, have your supporting documentation ready. (Supporting documentation are doctor’s notes, accident report, loss of job, etc.) Do not submit your originals, attach copies to your appeal form.

      Submit the completed California College Promise Grant Appeal Form to the Financial Aid Office with all of the supporting documentation that is indicated on the form based on your appeal reason (Appeal Form, typed narrative, comprehensive education plan, and supporting documentation).  Any missing information will result in your Enrollment Priority/California College Promise Grant Appeal form being rejected by the Appeals Committee.
    • Cal Grant

      The Cal Grant is for undergraduate students who have not yet completed a baccalaureate or professional degree. In order to qualify for Cal Grant, students must:


      Cal Grants are state grants that you do not have to pay back. They can be used at any UC, CSU, or California Community College and at many career and technical colleges in the state.

      The California Student Aid Commissions (CSAC) will determine which grant(s) you qualify for after you apply. They determine this based on the information you provide on your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application. To apply for a Cal Grant, you must complete the FAFSA or a CA Dream Act application and have a Grade Point Average Verification form sent to the CSAC by March 2nd for the upcoming academic school year. To learn more about the qualifications and different Cal Grants, visit the CSAC website. Students may access their Cal Grant information online anytime at WebGrants4Students. For more information on Cal Grant qualifications, how to apply, GPA verification and more visit, Cal Grant Frequently Asked Questions. 

      California Community College students who fail to meet the March 2nd application deadline might still qualify for Cal Grant funding through the September 2nd application deadline. Current Mt. SAC students will have their GPA information submitted electronically if at least 16 units were completed at Mt. SAC. 

      A Cal Grant award is generally based on full-time enrollment (12+ units). If you are enrolled in less than 12 units for the term (fall or spring), your award will be adjusted accordingly. In order to receive any Cal Grant payment, you are required to be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units or more. Your Cal Grant payment will automatically apply to your outstanding balance at Mt. SAC before any remaining credit will be issued to you. However, you may elect to have your Cal Grant payment go directly to you by submitting a request to the Cashier's Office via email at cashiersoffice@mtsac.edu.

      It is important to note that Cal Grant payments received after the term (fall or spring) has already ended will be based on completed units ONLY. Incomplete grades of W, EW, IA, IB, IC, IF, NP or IP will not be counted for Cal Grant payments for that term.

      Students who completely withdraw from a term for which a Cal Grant payment was received will be subject to the state mandated return of any Unearned Cal Grant funds. This means you may be required to return partial or all of your Cal Grant funds for the term. It is important that you consult with the Financial Aid Office for details on this state guideline and how partial or complete withdrawal impacts your financial aid eligibility.

      Three types of Cal Grant awards exist:

      Cal Grant A:

      Eligibility is based on criteria set by CSAC. Monetary assistance is provided to meet tuition and fee costs at four-year universities. Awards to community college students may be placed on “reserve” for a maximum of three years, until a student transfers to a four-year institution. 

      Cal Grant B:

      This Cal Grant award may be used at community colleges and universities, not to exceed four years. Recipients of a Cal Grant B award may receive up to $1,656 for books/school supplies for the school year. Upon transferring to a baccalaureate degree-granting institution, students who remain Cal Grant B eligible will have access to a tuition component of the Cal Grant B award which is equal to the Cal Grant A award amount. 

      Cal Grant C: 

      This Cal Grant award is for community college students enrolled in an occupational/technical program or certificate program. Recipients of a Cal Grant C award may receive up to $1,094 for books/school supplies for the school year.

      For High School Graduates:

      You must have your GPA verification form sent to CSAC by March 2nd by your high school. Most high schools are sending these electronically, but check with your high school counselor for confirmation of the submittal. You can also confirm via the WebGrants 4 Students page. Make sure you submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2nd. 

      Students With Dependents (SWD)

      Students with dependent children who are under 18 years of age by July 1st of the award year and for whom the student will provide more than half of their support between July 1st and June 30th of the award year may be eligible for the following:

      Cal Grant Access awards up to $6,000 & $6,024 for qualifying Cal Grant A and B recipients and up to $4,000 for eligible Cal Grant C recipients.

      What is a Cal Grant?

       

    • California Dream Act Application

      The DREAM act allows undocumented students to receive scholarships administered by public institutions (AB-130) and state funded grants including Cal Grants, California College Promise Grant (AB-131).  Assembly Bills 130 & 131, known as the California DREAM Act of 2011, are laws that increase access to financial aid for undocumented students who attend a public university, community college or private college in California.  To qualify, students must meet the requirements for AB 540 and not be eligible to apply for the FAFSA.

      A student may qualify for exemption from nonresident tuition

      • Attended a California high school for at least three years, or
      • Attainment of credits earned in California from a California high school equivalent to 3 or more years of full-time high school coursework and attended a combination of elementary, middle and/or High school in California for a total of 3 or more years.
      • Graduated from a California high school, and receive a GED or passed the California High proficiency exam.
      • Must register or is currently enrolled at an accredited institution of higher education in California
      • Must not hold a valid non-immigrant Visa (F,J,H,L, etc.)
      • Must file or will file an affidavit as required by the college.


      **If you have a Temporary Protected Status or hold a U Visa you may be eligible for the California Dream Act. (Please come by our office for more information.)

      See California Dream Act.                                        

      How to apply for the California Dream Act Application

      The California Dream Act application is used by undocumented students who meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540. The application can be found at https://dream.csac.ca.gov. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) processes the application and any aid received can only be used at eligible California public or private institutions.

      To be considered for a Cal Grant award, a completed financial aid application and a certified Grade Point Average (GPA) must be submitted by the March 2 deadline.

      Note: For additional information on learning what the California Dream Act is, please click on the video below:  

      What is the California Dream Act?

    • Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

      The Chafee Grant is free money for current or former foster youth to help pay for college or career and technical training. You do not have to pay this money back. You may also use your grant to pay for child care, rent and transportation while you are in school. A Chafee Grant is a federal and state funded grant subject to yearly availability of funds.

      Chafee Foster Youth Eligibility Requirements

      To qualify, you must meet the following criteria:

      • Be a current or former foster youth who was a ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
      • If you are/were in Kin-GAP, a non-related legal guardianship, or were adopted, you are eligible only if you were a dependent or ward of the court, living in foster care, for at least one day between the ages of 16 and 18.
      • Have not reached your 26th birthday as of July 1st of the award year.
      • Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (whether or not consecutive).


      How to Apply

      To be considered for a Chafee Grant, you must complete the following:


      What is required to receive your Chafee funds?

      You must:

      • Enroll in an eligible public or private college or university or technical school.
      • Be enrolled at least half time.
      • Enroll in a program at least one academic year long.
      • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
      • Demonstrate Financial Need.

      California Chafee Grant

       

    • Student Success Completion Grant

      The Student Success Completion Grant is a financial aid program for Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C recipients attending a California community college full-time.  The program is designed to encourage students to maintain full-time status and complete their academic program within the standard allotted time frame (e.g., 2 years for an Associate’s Degree, 4 years for a Bachelor’s Degree, and 1-1.5 years for a certificate program).  On top of the $1,656 annual Cal Grant B and $1,094 annual Cal Grant C awards paid at community colleges, the Student Success Completion Grant pays full-time Cal Grant B or C recipients up to $4,000 annually. Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C recipients with full-time enrollment status after census will receive the Student Success Completion Grant.

      What is the Community College Student Success Completion Grant?