Each year the California State Cal Grant Commission publishes income and asset ceilings for the Cal Grant Program. These ceilings determine if a student is eligible to receive a Cal Grant for the upcoming school year. Students below the ceilings will be eligible for a Cal Grant, while students with income and or assets that are above to ceiling will not be eligible to receive a Cal Grant.
As you will see below, students must have a much lower income level to qualify for a Cal Grant B, which is available for low-income undergraduate students.
Asset and Income Ceilings for New Students
2011 - 2012 Cal Grant A & C Income Ceiling
Dependent students and Independent students with dependents other than a spouse
Family Size: 6 or more must have an income of $90,300 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 5 or more must have an income of $83,800 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 4 or more must have an income of $78,100 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 3 or more must have an income of $71,900 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 2 or more must have an income of $70,200 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Independent students
Single, no dependents must have an income of $28,600 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Married, no other dependents must have an income of $32,800 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
2011 - 2012 Cal Grant B Income Ceiling
Dependent students and Independent students with dependents other than a spouse
Family Size: 6 or more must have an income of $49,600 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 5 or more must have an income of $46,000 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 4 or more must have an income of $41,100 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 3 or more must have an income of $36,900 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Family Size: 2 or more must have an income of $32,800 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Independent students
Single, no dependents must have an income of $28,600 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.
Married, no other dependents must have an income of $32,800 or less to qualify for a Cal Grant.