Do I Have to Pay Back California College Promise Grant?

The California College Promise Grant, formerly known as the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, helps eligible students attend California community colleges. This program aims to remove financial barriers by covering enrollment fees, making higher education more accessible. It is designed to support students in pursuing their academic goals without the burden of these specific costs.

Understanding the California College Promise Grant and Eligibility

The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) specifically waives the per-unit enrollment fees at California Community Colleges, which are typically set at $46 per unit. This grant does not cover all college expenses, such as health fees, student body fees, or parking permits. To qualify for the CCPG, students must generally meet California residency requirements, or qualify under AB 540 provisions for undocumented students.

Eligibility for the grant is primarily based on financial need or specific qualifying criteria. Students often demonstrate financial need by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). This process assesses a student’s financial situation, and those with a determined financial need, often an unmet need of at least $1,104, may be eligible. Other pathways to eligibility include receiving public assistance benefits like Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF/CalWORKs), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), or General Assistance. Additionally, specific income standards set by the state can qualify students, or they may be eligible based on special classifications.

Is Repayment Required?

The California College Promise Grant is a form of financial aid that does not require repayment under normal circumstances. The grant directly waives enrollment fees, rather than providing cash that needs to be returned.

Maintaining this non-repayable status depends on students meeting specific academic and progress standards set by their college. Colleges require students to sustain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 or higher and complete more than 50% of their coursework.

What Happens If Eligibility Conditions Are Not Met?

Failure to meet the academic and progress standards for the California College Promise Grant can lead to consequences for a student’s future eligibility. If a student’s cumulative GPA falls below 2.0 for two consecutive primary terms, or if they complete 50% or less of their coursework for two consecutive primary terms, they may be placed on academic or progress probation. A combination of these two conditions over two consecutive primary terms can also result in the loss of grant eligibility.

Losing eligibility means the grant will no longer cover enrollment fees for subsequent terms, but it generally does not require students to repay previously received grant funds. Repayment of prior grant funds is only required in cases of fraud or misrepresentation of information during the application process. Colleges notify students within 30 days of the end of each term if they are placed on probation or lose eligibility. Students who lose eligibility may have the option to appeal the decision under extenuating circumstances, such as verified accidents, serious illness, or changes in economic situation.

How to Maintain Grant Eligibility

Students can proactively maintain their California College Promise Grant eligibility by consistently meeting academic and progress standards. This includes maintaining a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher and successfully completing over 50% of all attempted units. Regularly checking academic standing with the college’s financial aid or counseling office is important.

Utilizing academic support services, such as tutoring and counseling, can help students achieve required academic benchmarks. Understanding the college’s specific satisfactory academic progress (SAP) policy, including rules for withdrawing from classes, is also beneficial. Students should also ensure they submit their FAFSA or California Dream Act Application annually to allow for continuous assessment of financial need, which is a foundational requirement for the grant.