Grants

Generally grants are either from the U.S. Department of Education (Federal) or from the State of California (State).

Federal

Pell Grant

Awarded to eligible undergraduate students who are working on their first BA or BS, and Credential candidates who are working on their initial credential; not a clear or professional credential.

Pell Grant awards range from $609 to $5,350, depending on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Pell Grant is prorated when a student is enrolled less than full-time.

Credential students must be enrolled in at least six units and not concurrently admitted to a Master’s degree program in order to receive the Pell. For Credential students, only courses required as part of the initial Credential program will count toward your enrollment status in determining the amount of your Pell Grant each semester. The School of Education determines which courses are required for each initial Credential program. This determination is made after the Add/Drop period each semester. Therefore disbursement of the Pell Grant to Credential students is delayed until approximately four weeks after the first day of classes.

SEOG Grant

The Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is awarded to undergraduates with exceptional financial need, who are working on their first BA or BS. These funds are limited and priority is given to students with the lowest EFC and the earliest FAFSA application dates.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

This award is for students who completed a rigorous high school program, are Federal Pell Grant recipients, and are in the 1st or 2nd year of their undergraduate program. Recipients in their second academic year must have achieved at least a 3.0 GPA at the end of their first academic year. You must maintain enrollment in at least 6 units per semester to remain eligible for the ACG. Your award will be prorated if you are enrolled in less than 12 units per semester.

Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (SMART)

This award is for students who maintain at least a 3.0 GPA, have declared an eligible major as designated by the federal Department of Education, are Federal Pell Grant recipients, and are in the 3rd or 4th year of their undergraduate program. You must be confirmed as enrolled in at least one course required for the eligible major each term and maintain enrollment in at least 6 units per semester. Your award will be prorated if you are enrolled in less than 12 units per semester. SMART Grants are disbursed after the end of add/drop to ensure your grant is disbursed at the appropriate enrollment level.

State

State University Grant (SUG)

Awarded to eligible students who are California residents, pay the State University Fee, and have an EFC of 5,000 or less. Funds are limited and priority is given to students with the earliest FAFSA application dates, although other factors can play a role in availability of SUG funds. If you are receiving a Cal Grant A, the fee portion of Cal Grant B, or a Cal Grant T, you are not eligible for the SUG. Students enrolled in a degree or certificate program through Extended Education are not eligible for the SUG, because Extended Education course fees do not include State University Fee.

The amount of the SUG generally equals the State University Fee (SUF). For more information on fees, visit the Schedule of Fees page on the Office of Records and Registration web site.

SUG Access

This award is for undergraduates and initial credential students with low EFCs who meet the general eligibility criteria for SUG. Prior to the end of the add/drop period, this award will only disburse if you are enrolled in 12 or more units each semester. After add/drop, undisbursed awards will be prorated according to unit level and disbursed. If your award disbursed while you were enrolled in 12 or more units but you have less than 12 units by the end of add/drop, you will have to repay a portion of the award.

Cal Grants

Type A fees and Type B Fees

Awarded to eligible students who are California residents and pay the State University Fee, similar to the State University Grant. Cal Grant A and B fees recipients are not eligible for the State University Grant that covers the State University Fee. For information on applying for a new Cal Grant, visit our “Applying for a New Cal Grant” page.

If a Cal Grant is included in your award offer, we must confirm your eligibility prior to disbursement. If you do not meet all eligibility requirements, we will remove the Cal Grant from your award and send you a modified award offer.

The amount of the Cal Grant generally equals the State University Fee (SUF). For more information on fees, visit the Schedule of Fees page on the Office of Records and Registration web site.

Type B Access Award

Cal Grant B Access recipients may be eligible for a State University Grant during their first year when they typically only have the Access award. This is a living allowance which is awarded with the Cal Grant B. Stipend amounts are as follows:

Renewing your Cal Grant A or B

The Financial Aid Office certifies the renewal of your award. Students may receive a Cal Grant A or B award for up to four years of full-time enrollment if they receive the award as an entering freshman. In order to activate the renewal of your Cal Grant, you must file the FAFSA each year, complete your SSU financial aid file, have “unmet need” as defined by CSAC, and meet SSU’s Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.

Cal Grant TCP

Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a Teaching Credential Program (TCP) may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate level.

Cal Grant T

This program is currently not being funded by the California Student Aid Commission.

EOP Grant

Awarded to eligible undergraduate students who are admitted to the EOP program and have high need. Depending on grade level, awards range from $100 to $1200. For more information on the EOP program, you can visit our Equal Opportunity Program web site or call the EOP office at (707) 664-2427.

Graduate Business Grant

Awarded to eligible students who are California residents, pay the Graduate Business Fee, and have an EFC that does not exceed 60% of the standard cost of attendance for students in the state-supported MBA program. Funds are limited and priority is given to students with the lowest EFCs and with FAFSA application dates prior to the census date for each semester. Awards are determined on a semester-by-semester basis after census date. Students enrolled in an MBA program through Extended Education are not eligible for the Graduate Business Grant, because Extended Education course fees do not include the Graduate Business Fee.

Back to top