Grants are a form of financial aid that you don’t have to repay. They're awarded by the federal government, state agencies, colleges, and private organizations to help cover educational expenses. Most grants are based on financial need, academic performance, or other specific eligibility criteria.

To be considered for grants, you'll need to complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Learn more about applying for aid 

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Federal Grants

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Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program offers need-based financial aid to undergraduate students who demonstrate exceptional financial need. The amount you receive depends on your financial need, the cost of attendance at your school, and your enrollment status (full-time or part-time).

While you can transfer your Pell Grant to different school, you cannot receive Pell Grant funds from more than one school during the same enrollment period.

LancerBook Advance

The LancerBook Advance program is offered by the Office of Financial Aid at the beginning of each term to help students buy textbooks. It provides an advance on your upcoming Federal Pell Grant. To qualify, you must be awarded a Pell Grant, meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and be enrolled in classes for the upcoming term. If you use the LancerBook Advance, the amount you spend at the Bookstore will be deducted from your Pell Grant refund. LancerBook Advance is generally available during the first three weeks of the term.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG) helps cover educational costs that aren't fully met by the Pell Grant. Because funding is limited, FSEOG is typically awarded to students with exceptional financial need who meet the priority funding deadlines.

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State Grants

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Cal Grant 

Cal Grants are state-funded financial aid that you don't have to repay. To be considered, simply submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline. You'll also need to meet some basic eligibility, financial, and GPA requirements.

Types of Cal Grants

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant A is not available at PCC, but you should still apply if you plan to transfer to a 4-year college. While you're at PCC, your award will be placed on reserve and activated upon transfer—unless you qualify for the Student with Dependent Children Access Award or Foster Youth Access Award.

• California residency is required.
• Visit the Cal Grant website for information.

Cal Grant B

Cal Grant B supports students from low-income or disadvantaged backgrounds. It provides an Access Award to help cover living expenses and can be transferred to a 4-year college.

• California residency is required.
• Visit the Cal Grant website for more information.

Cal Grant C

Cal Grant C is for low- to middle-income students enrolled in occupational, technical, or vocational career training programs.

• For more information, visit the Cal Grant website.

Cal Grant for Students with Dependent Children (SWD)

If you have children under 18 who rely on you financially, you may qualify for additional Cal Grant funds. This program gives more financial help to students attending a UC, CSU, or California Community College. Eligible Community College students can receive: 

• Up to $6,000 with Cal Grant B
• Up to $4,000 with Cal Grant C

To learn more about Cal Grant A, B, or C for students with dependent children—including award amounts and eligibility—visit: CSAC SWD Cal Grant Info.

Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)

The SSCG provides extra financial support to Cal Grant B and C recipients who enroll full-time and take more units per semester.

• 12-14.99 semester units: $1,298 per semester ($2,596 annually).
• 15+ semester units: $4,000 per semester ($8,000 annually).

Eligibility:

• Be a Cal Grant B or C recipient
• Have unmet financial need
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress
• Enroll in 12 units or more at a California Community College

SSCG for Current & Former Foster Youth

SSCG for Current and Former Foster Youth Students Senate Bill 117 – Higher Education Trailer Bill (2023-2024) updated California Education Code (CEC) §88931 and increased the SSCG award amount for current and former foster youth as defined in CEC §69433.6. 

Starting Fall 2023, current or former foster youth who enroll in 12 or more units and meet all other eligibility requirements can receive $5,250 per semester through SSCG.

“Current or former foster youth” refers to individuals whose court dependency was established or continued at age 13 or older.

What Deadline Should I Mark on My Calendar?

April 2

The most important deadline for Cal Grants. Submit your FAFSA/CADAA and verified Cal Grant GPA by this date. 

September 2

If you're attending a California Community College and missed the April 2 deadline, you have a second chance. However, funds are limited, so aim for the April deadline.

October 1

The FAFSA and CADAA open for the next school year. Apply early and submit your GPA by April 2.

📌 Note: Colleges may have earlier deadlines for their own financial aid programs. Also, private scholarships often have deadlines earlier in the yearcheck with each school and scholarship provider.

Additional Application Requirements for Cal Grants

To apply for a Cal Grant:

1. Submit your FAFSA or CADAA
2. Submit a verified Cal Grant GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

• If you have less than 24 college credits, your high school must submit your GPA.
• If you have 24 or more college credits, PCC will automatically send your GPA electronically if you've attended at least one term in the past academic year.

Check the Status of Your Application

Create a Webgrants account to track your Cal Grant status and complete any required folow-up steps.

• Make sure your email is up to date so youdon't miss important notifications from CSAC.
• Visit the CSAC FAQ page.

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PCC Program Grants

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California College Promise Grant (CCPG)

This program will waive your enrollment fees if you are a qualifying California resident. To qualify, you must meet certain income requirements or other eligibility requirements outlined on the application. 

Learn More About Applying for the California College Promise Grant