Aid Programs: Newly Admitted Undergraduate Students

Scholarships are available to FAFSA and DREAM Applicants. 

Scholarships are considered gift-aid:  They don't need to be repaid!  There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. 

A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, scholarships are worth applying for as they can help you cover your educational costs, and reduce your dependence on loans. 

Our Scholarships page is your resource for information on a variety of Cal Poly Pomona, CSU Systemwide,  and outside scholarship opportunities.  

Federal Grants are available to FAFSA Applicants. 

Federal Grants are a form of financial aid based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA, and do not have to be repaid unless you withdraw from school or receive a grant you are not eligible for. Grants are released according to the number of units you are enrolled in each semester. At university census (four weeks after the first day of classes), financial aid grants are adjusted for enrollment that is less than full time. 

All grants are offered according to financial need, as determined by the federal formula that calculates your expected family contribution (EFC) from the information you submitted on the FAFSA. Complete information on each grant is available on the linked pages. 

Federal Pell Grant

The largest federal grant program, the Federal Pell Grant is designed to assist students from low-income families. These grants are awarded to degree-seeking undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor's or graduate degree. The Pell grant varies based on financial need, as determined by your FAFSA application; for 2024 – 2025 the maximum Pell Grant will be  $7,395.   

You may receive Pell Grant funds from only one school at a time. 

Review the Pell Grant page on StudentAid.gov for full details on the Federal Pell Grant, including how to apply; award amounts; how to maintain eligibility. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Find out why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant. 

Impact of Enrollment on Pell Grant Awards 

Cal Poly Pomona awards Pell Grant funds based on the expectation of full-time enrollment (12 units). As you add and drop units, your Pell Grant will increase or decrease based upon your enrollment status. The final amount of Pell Grant that you will receive in any semester will be based upon your official enrollment as measured at the Grant Recalculation Date (the day after the end of the Add Period).

Generally, your final Pell Grant payment for a semester is based upon the following:

Eligible students can receive Pell Grant funding for up to 12 semesters of full-time enrollment (600%) or the equivalent. This total includes Pell Grant received at all institutions attended – and is retroactive. You cannot appeal this federal regulation or request an extension. Log in to StudentAid.gov to review the total amount of Pell grant you have received. 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)   

Pell-eligible students, who demonstrate the highest need, may be considered for the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG), which supplements their Federal Pell Grant.  For 2024 – 2025, these grants will not exceed $600 a year at Cal Poly Pomona. Unlike the Pell Grant, FSEOG Grants are not adjusted based on enrollment.

If you are receiving a Cal Grant Access Grant or an EOP Grant, you will not be eligible to receive the FSEOG Grant.

Additional Resources: 
Federal Student Grant Programs Factsheet (PDF) 

California State Grants are available to FAFSA and DREAM Applicants. 

Priority filing deadline for CA State Grants for 2024-2025 is May 2nd!

State Grants are available for California residents only – or those who meet the AB540 eligibility criteria; eligibility for these grants is determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).   Your residency status is determined by the Office of Admissions at the time of your application, or you may submit the AB540 affidavit (pdf) once you’ve been admitted to Cal Poly Pomona.  By filing the FAFSA or Dream Application by the priority deadline of May 2, eligible students may be considered for a state grant.   

CSAC contacts students via email regarding their eligibility and awards; WebGrants 4 Students (WGS) is your portal for California State Grants.  It is critical that you keep your email information current on your WGS account. 

Grants are released according to the number of units you are enrolled in each semester. At our Grant Recalculation Date (the day after the end of the Add Period each term), financial aid grants are adjusted for enrollment that is less than full time. 

Cal Grant A and B – Tuition Grants 

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) awards Cal Grants to qualified California residents who meet minimum GPA requirements and demonstrate financial eligibility as determined by the appropriate financial aid application. 

There are two types of Cal Grants awarded at Cal Poly Pomona – Cal Grant A (Entitlement Awards) and Cal Grant B (Competitive Awards). The eligibility criteria for the Cal Grants are established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Both grants provide assistance with the Systemwide State Tuition Fee and are available for up to eight semesters for students pursuing a bachelor's degree.  

A Cal Grant may be reduced, or cancelled, in the event you are receiving another grant, scholarship or waiver that is specifically designated to pay the tuition fee.  Students who are awarded a State University Grant, and are later deemed eligible for the Cal Grant will be awarded the Cal Grant and have their State University Grant cancelled. As both grants pay the State Tuition Fee, a student is typically only eligible to receive one or the other. 

The Cal Grant B also provides a living allowance Cal Grant Access Grant of up to $1,648 for books and living expenses. 

Impact of Enrollment on Cal Grant: 

The amount offered for the Cal Grant is based on full-time enrollment (12 units).  The number of units in which you are actually enrolled may impact the amount of the grant you receive.  Review the chart below for details: 

Final enrollment for a semester is measured at the Grant Recalculation Date (the day after the end of the Add Period). Financial Aid grants are revised for students enrolled less than full-time to match eligibility based on the actual number of units in which students are officially enrolled. The student's enrollment and grant is then locked. 

California Chafee Grant 

The California Chafee Grant Program is sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission and the state Department of Social Services for eligible foster youth and former foster youth. Students who qualify may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year if enrolled in an eligible program. In general, students must: 

• Be eligible, or have been eligible, for foster care between ages 16 and 18. 
• Not have reached age 26 as of July 1 of the award year
• Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (cumulative) 

Funding from the Chafee Grant is intended to supplement any grant funds that a student may otherwise be eligible to receive; however, the total grant funding may not exceed the student’s cost of attendance. Chafee Grant benefits must be coordinated with a student’s other financial aid. In some instances, remaining loan disbursements or work-study awards may need to be cancelled to allow maximum Chafee Grant awards to be received. 

Impact of Enrollment on Chafee Grant Awards: 

Unlike the Cal Grant, Chafee Grants are not pro-rated based on enrollment.  However, you must be enrolled at least Half-Time (6 units) in order to be eligible to receive funds from the grant.  If your enrollment is Less Than Half-Time at Census, your Chafee Grant will be cancelled. 

Visit the California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth website for more information. 

California Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) 

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program is designed for Undergraduate students with family incomes and assets (each) up to $201,000. Scholarship amounts are based on a sliding scale according to your family’s income and the other kinds of support you receive. For more information about the program and eligibility requirements, visit the California Student Aid Commission's site about the Middle Class Scholarship.

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will begin notifying eligible students beginning in July.  Eligibility information is sent to Cal Poly Pomona and no further action is required from students. Cal Poly Pomona anticipates that the Middle Class Scholarship will be posted in early September - after the end of the Add/Drop date; students will receive an email to review their aid package at that time.

Basic Eligibility Requirements

You must meet all of the following requirements to be considered eligible for the MCS:

• Undergraduate Student pursuing an initial Bachelor's Degree (2nd Bachelor's students are not eligible)
• Have completed a FAFSA or CA Dream Application by the March 2nd CA Priority Filing Deadline
• Be a U.S. Citizen, eligible non-citizen, or qualify for aid under the CA Dream Act
• Be a California Resident or have an approved AB540 status with Cal Poly Pomona
• Meet the annual MCS Income and Asset Ceilings

Annual Amount

The MCS amount will vary by student and school, as it is based on each student's individual circumstances:

• Amounts will be based on your inidividual financial aid cost of attendance budget, and the following requirements, which collectively are referred to as a student's Available Resources:
  • Other gift aid that you are eligible for (i.e., federal, state, institutional grants or scholarships)
  • A self-help student contribution of $7,898 (applied to all students), and
  • A parent contribution for students with a household income of over $100,000.
• Your available resources are deducted from your total cost of attendance to determine your MCS amount.
• MCS amounts may be reduced at any time during the academic year if CSAC determines that the funds appropriated by the state are insufficient to cover the cost of the projected MCS awards across all CSU and UC campuses.

Enrollment Requirements and Grant Recalculation Date: 

Your enrollment status will impact your MCS eligibility, and the Grant Recalculation Date plays a big part. We encourage you to review your enrollment requirements to plan accordingly. 

Additional Resources

• 10 Things Students Need to Know about Cal Grants
• 10 Things You Need to Know about California’s Middle Class Scholarship
• Chafee Grant Fact Sheet (PDF) 

Cal Poly Pomona Grants are available to FAFSA or DREAM Applicants. 

Priority filing deadline for Cal Poly Pomona Grants for 2024-2025 is May 2nd!

Cal Poly Pomona Grants are available for California residents only – or those who meet the AB540 eligibility criteria.  Your residency status is determined by the Office of Admissions at the time of your application, or you may submit the AB540 affidavit (pdf) once you’ve been admitted to Cal Poly Pomona.  By filing the FAFSA or Dream Application by the priority filing deadline, eligible students may be considered for a Cal Poly Pomona Grant.   

Grants currently available from Cal Poly Pomona include: 

State University Grant (SUG):

The State University Grant (SUG) is a grant awarded by Cal Poly Pomona to California Residents (or those who meet AB540 eligibility) who have an eligible Student Aid Index (SAI). For 2024 – 2025 the eligible SAI range is - 1,500 - 4,000.

Since funds are limited, you must have submitted your financial aid application by the priority deadline in order to be considered for SUG. 

SUG awards are not available to students who are not charged the Systemwide Tuition Fee or to students pursuing a second bachelor’s degree.  Students who are already receiving a financial aid award or tuition waiver designated to pay the systemwide state tuition fee (Cal Grant, Scholarship, tuition/fee waivers, vocational rehabilitation, etc.) are not eligible to receive a SUG.  

In the awarding process, Cal Grants supersede the State University Grant (SUG), therefore recipients of the Cal Grant cannot be awarded the SUG – as both grants assist with the State Tuition Fee.  

Impact of Enrollment on SUG Awards: 

SUG offers are based on anticipated enrollment in 7 or more units.   

• If you are enrolled in 7 or more units, you will receive the full amount offered for the semester.
• If you are enrolled in 6 units, your SUG grant will be adjusted to reflect the lower Tuition Fee
• If you are enrolled in less than 6 units, your grant will be cancelled for the semester.  

Review our Understanding SUG page for more information about SUG eligibility.

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves students who come from disadvantaged economic or educational backgrounds. Only students who are admitted to the university by the EOP program and enroll full time are eligible for EOP grant consideration. Students are considered for EOP Grants based on their estimated family contribution, filing their aid application by the March 2nd Priority Filing Deadline, and the availability of funds. Funding for this program is extremely limited.  For 2024 – 2025, the maximum EOP Grant is $600. 

Impact of Enrollment on EOP Grant Awards

You must be enrolled Full-Time (12 units or more) in order to be eligible to receive funds from the grant.  If your enrollment is less than Full Time at Census, your EOP Grant will be cancelled for the semester. 

Additional Information about EOP is available from the Educational Opportunity Program  

CA Dream Loans are available to Dream Applicants. 

The California Dream Loan Program is a subsidized loan program that provides eligible AB540 Undergraduate students with the option to borrow a loan to help cover the cost of attending Cal Poly Pomona.  The Dream Loan is borrowed money that you must repay with interest.  You must attend at least half-time (6 or more units per semester) in order to receive the CA Dream Loan. 

Interest Rate, Deferment, and Grace Period 

The interest rate for CA Dream Loans disbursed after July 1, 2024 is 6.53%. The interest rate for the CA Dream Loan corresponds with the interest rate on Federal Direct Subsidized loans and is subject to change for new loans annually. The CA Dream Loan does not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time, during periods of approved deferment, and during the 6-month grace period before you enter repayment. You will be responsible for the interest charged at all other times. 

Repayment of Loans 

CA Dream Loan borrowers have a standard repayment and income based repayment plan available. You can pay off your loan earlier without penalty. You begin repaying your loan at the end of a 6-month grace period; the grace period begins once you graduate, leave school, or enroll less than half-time. 

For more information visit heartland.ecsi.net. Under Download Forms, search for California State University (Dream Loans). 

Loan Limits 

The CA Dream Loan is subject to annual, semester, and aggregate limits set by the state legislature, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and Cal Poly Pomona. The annual loan limit is $4,000 and the semester limit is generally $2,000. The aggregate limit of $20,000 is the maximum that you can borrow from the CA Dream Loan program at Cal Poly Pomona.  

Eligibility for the CA Dream Loan 

Because funds are limited, you will be notified by the Financial Aid Office if you meet the eligibility criteria for the CA Dream Loan. The application process will be explained in emails sent to your email account, and in the To Do List items in your MyCPP Student Center. 

You may decline the loan offer or accept less than what is offered to you, but you may not be able to increase your loan at a later time. Students who accept the CA Dream Loan must complete a promissory note and entrance counseling. If you fail to complete all the required steps to receive your loan disbursement by the assigned deadline, we may cancel the loan offer. Funds are limited and you may not be awarded the funds again at a later date. 

You must attend at least half-time (6 or more units per semester) in order to receive from the CA Dream Loan. Receipt of funds in one year does not guarantee availability or receipt of funds in subsequent year 

Federal Student Loans are available only to FAFSA Applicants. 

Low-interest Federal student loans through the Direct Loan program are offered as part of financial aid offers to FAFSA filers. Cal Poly Pomona is committed to reducing student debt, however, and student loan totals for our graduates are among the lowest in the country. 

Loans offered through the Direct Loan program are for undergraduate students enrolled at least half-time. The loans you receive will be either subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination of both.  The amount offered to you will not be more than the amount allowed for your established grade level or the cost of education.  Your FAFSA application will determine if you are eligible for subsidized or unsubsidized federal loans. 

• A subsidized loan is offered on the basis of financial need. Interest on subsidized loans is paid by the federal government while you are enrolled at least half-time. 
• An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of need. You will be charged interest from the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full. You may opt to allow the interest to accumulate while you are in school or during other allowable periods of nonpayment. This interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan, and additional interest will be based on that higher amount. 

For current interest rate and origination fee information please visit the Federal Student Aid website. 

Direct Loan Limits 

Loan amounts for first-year students are initially estimated at the first-year amount. Loan amounts for new Transfer Students are initially estimated at the third-year amount. The amount offered may later be adjusted based on information from the Registrar’s Office regarding your grade level, or on information from NSLDS regarding loan funds already received during the year. 

Loan amounts for continuing students will be estimated at the current grade level at the time of awarding. Undergraduate students may progress a grade level after grades are posted at the end of a semester, thereby changing your loan limits for the year. 

For more information on the annual and aggregate limits for subsidized and unsubsidized loans, review the chart below : 

Annual Direct Loan Limits by Class Level 

Impact of Enrollment on Direct Loans: 

In general, Direct Loans are not pro-rated based on enrollment.  However, you must be enrolled at least Half-Time in order to be eligible to receive funds from the loans.  If you do not begin enrollment at least half-time, or if at the time funds are released you are enrolled less than half-time, you will not be eligible for your loan funds. 

All staff members of the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at Cal Poly Pomona adhere to The California State University Student Lending – Code of Conduct (pdf), which restricts activity that may lead to conflicts of interest in the area of student lending 

Additional Resources:

• Federal Student Loans: Basics for Students (PDF) (from Federal Student Aid)
• Federal Student Loan Programs (PDF) (From Federal Student Aid)
  

Federal Work-Study (Available to FAFSA Applicants only) 

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides employment opportunities to students who filed a FAFSA and have the highest financial need. The amount a student may earn will be listed on the student's award summary. The FWS offer ranges from $3,500 - $5,500 per academic year.   A Federal Work Study Offer does not guarantee placement in an actual position. 

Work experience is not required to secure a FWS position. The money earned is yours to use for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, books, and personal care items. Cal Poly Pomona students typically work 10-12 hours per week. Work-study funds do not reduce your bill with the university. 

Impact of Enrollment on FWS: 

FWS offers are not pro-rated based on enrollment.  However, you must be enrolled in at least 6 units per semester in order to be eligible to receive funds from FWS.  If at any time during the semester your enrollment drops below 6 units, you immediately lose eligibility to continue receiving FWS funds for the semester. 

Student Employment & Other Options 

Cal Poly Pomona has student employment jobs that are not part of the Federal Work-Study program. A part time job provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience, even if you are not eligible for a Federal Work-Study position.  

Visit the Career Center for more information.  

For more information on the Federal Work Study program at Cal Poly Pomona, visit our Federal Work Study page.

Federal Loans for Parents are available only to FAFSA Applicants. 

The Direct Parent PLUS Loan is available to parents (including adoptive or stepparents) of dependent undergraduate students who filed a FAFSA.  Your parent may borrow an amount up to the cost of attendance minus any other aid you are receiving.  Any amount borrowed in excess of university charges through the Parent PLUS Loan will be issued as a refund to the parent. 

Parent PLUS Loans are not included in your initial Financial Aid offer. The loan is not added to the award package until the request has been processed and Cal Poly Pomona receives notification that your parent has been approved. To apply, please visit Student Loans.gov; step-by-step instructions are provided in the Parent PLUS Instruction (PDF).

For current interest rate and origination fee information please visit the Federal Student Aid Website. 

To qualify for the Direct PLUS loan, your parent must meet general eligibility requirements for federal student aid and will need to pass a credit check. If your parent has an adverse credit history, the Federal Student Aid website for parent borrowers with adverse credit history provides guidance.  

Complete details on the PLUS Loan are available for Federal Student Aid.  

To Apply for a Parent PLUS Loan:   

1. The student must complete and submit their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. The parent must go to the Parent PLUS Loan application on the Federal Student Aid website
3. Your parent must log in with their Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) - not yours
4. If prompted, accept the terms and conditions of the platform
5. Complete the application, review the information for accuracy, and submit

Refer to the step-by-step instructions (with screen captures) in our Parent PLUS Instructions (pdf).

The application usually becomes available in late March or early April for the upcoming academic year.

Tips on Applying:

• Make sure you select the correct Award Year at the top of the application (example: Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 would be the 2024-2025 year)
• Carefully read the options about in-school and post-enrollment deferment
• Make sure the loan is sent to Cal Poly Pomona - School Code/Branch 001144 - not other schools with similar names such as Cal Poly)
• Choose the right Loan Period:
  • To apply for both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, it would be August 2024 through May 2025
  • For Fall 2024 only, it would be August 2024 through December 2024
  • For Spring 2025 only, it would be January 2025 through May 2025
  • For Summer 2025, it would be June 2025 through August 2025

What Do I Do if My Parent's Credit Is Denied?

If the Parent PLUS Loan is denied due to credit history, the U.S. Department of Education will send the parent information about appealing the credit decision or using an endorser/cosigner. Review our Parent PLUS Instructions Guide (pdf) for more information on the steps involved if the parent is credit denied. The Federal Student Aid website for parent borrowers with adverse credit history provides additional guidance.

If the parent does not pursue these options, the student may be eligible to add up to an additional $4,000 to their Unsubsidized Loan for the aid year for a freshman or sophomore, or up to an additional $5,000 to their Unsubsidized Loan for the aid year for a junior or senior. 

All staff members of the Office of Financial Aid at Cal Poly Pomona adhere to The California State University Student Lending – Code of Conduct (pdf), which restricts activity that may lead to conflicts of interest in the area of student lending 

Additional Resources: 

• Direct PLUS Loan Basics for Parents (PDF) (from Federal Student Aid)
• Direct PLUS Loans and Adverse Credit (PDF) (from Federal Student Aid)
  

Private loans are loans made by a lender such as a bank or a credit union, not the Department of Education. These loans are typically borrowed by students who are not eligible for, or do not qualify for, federal loans or who have exhausted their federal loan, or Dream Loan, eligibility. If you have not yet borrowed your full Federal loan eligibility, consider doing so before borrowing a private loan.   

For students who are eligible for federal student aid, think FAFSA first!  We strongly encourage students to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal student aid and Federal Direct Loans before considering alternatives. While there is a great range of private educational loans available, we do not make specific recommendations for private loans, as they do not have the beneficial aspects of Federal Direct Stafford Loan programs. If you need to pursue a private loan, make sure you get all the facts. 

Approval of a private loan is typically based on your credit rating and debt-to-income ratio and may require a co-signer.  Private loans often carry higher interest rates and fees than federal loans and may have less attractive repayment terms. The interest rates are variable, meaning they can change on a monthly basis, and are determined by the information in your credit report. Find out more about the differences between federal and private loans on the Federal Student Aid website. 

If you have exhausted all sources of federal funding and decide to borrow a private loan, compare lenders to ensure you are making the best choice for you.  Visit finaid.org to learn more about private loans.  It is your responsibility to research private education loan resources, select a lender and apply for a private education loan via the selected lender's process. Once you select your lender and your application is processed, your lender will send the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships an electronic request for certification of your eligibility. 

Truth in Lending requirements: 

The Truth in Lending Act requires lenders who provide private loans to comply with the following:  

• Lenders must provide three separate loan disclosures to borrowers--one at the point of application, one when the loan is approved, and one before the loan is disbursed. 
• A waiting period of three business days is required between the time the borrower receives the final loan disclosure and the time that the loan is disbursed.  
• Students must sign a self-certification form and submit it to the lender before the loan can be disbursed. 

Your lender should provide you with all of the information you need to know about these requirements, but if you have questions, feel free to contact our office.  

Private Education Loan Process 

• Apply for a Private Loan directly with the lender of your choice
• Complete the CPP Private Loan Request Form which is available through our Student Forms Portal.
• Your lender should provide you with a copy of the required Private Education Loan Self-Certification Form. 
  • To complete your Private Education Loan Self-Certification Form, you will need to know your cost of attendance and estimated financial assistance.  
  • If you receive financial aid, this information can be found on your Financial Aid Summary in your MyCPP Student Center.  Otherwise, refer to the Costs page on our website.
• Send your completed self-certification form to your lender. Your loan cannot be disbursed until your lender receives it. 

All staff members of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at Cal Poly Pomona adhere to The California State University Student Lending – Code of Conduct (pdf), which restricts activity that may lead to conflicts of interest in the area of student lending. 

Fee Waivers are authorized by the California Legislature or the CSU Board of Trustees and may reduce the cost of attendance for eligible students.  If you will be receiving a tuition or fee waiver, you must notify our office as we are required to coordinate the waiver with your other financial aid.

The Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarship, State University Grant (SUG), and most Tuition Fee Waivers are considered fee-paying resources and cover the exact same tuition/fees. Therefore, students are only eligible to receive one during a period of enrollment. students who have been awarded both a tuition-paying grant (SUG, Cal Grant, MCS) and a Tuition Fee Waiver will have the tuition paying grant cancelled or returned to the California Student Aid Commission.  Additional financial aid may also be affected by the waiver, up to the amount of the waiver, including grants and loans. 

Approved Fee Waivers Can Only Be Applied to State-Funded Courses

Approved Waivers are only applicable for state funded courses during the Regular Academic year (Fall and Spring terms). Fee Waivers cannot be applied to courses that are offered through CPGE (Open University, Extension Programs) - including Summer.

Below is information about the most frequently used waivers.  More information about Tuition and Fee Waivers is available from the CSU Chancellor’s Office.

Cal Vet Tuition Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents

This is a waiver that covers the systemwide tuition fee at Cal Poly Pomona.  The Waiver does not cover the mandatory (auxiliary) campus fees which include student union fees, student health service fees, among many others.

If you are eligible for this waiver, you will not be eligible for California State aid (Cal Grant, Middle Class Scholarships, State University Grant).

For more information, contact your local County Veterans Service Office. You can also contact Samuel Kim, the VA Certifying Official for Cal Poly Pomona.

Alan Pattee Scholarship Act: Tuition Fee Waiver

Pursuant to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, Education Code 68120, Education Code 68120.5, children of deceased public law enforcement or fire suppression employees, who were California residents and who were killed in the course of law enforcement or fire suppression duties, are not charged mandatory system-wide fees or mandatory campus fees at any California State University campus. Students who may qualify for these benefits should contact admissions@cpp.edu.

The California State University (CSU) Foster Youth Tuition Waiver

The California State University (CSU) Foster Youth Tuition Waiver is available for current and former foster care youth who are enrolled at a California State University campus in an undergraduate program.

The purpose of the CSU Foster Youth Tuition Waiver is to provide increased access for current and former foster youth to higher education by providing a tuition waiver. The waiver is open to qualified current and former foster youth enrolled as undergraduate students.

Students are exempt from paying the systemwide tuition fee (this covers only state-supported courses) at any CSU campus. The tuition fee waiver only applies to the systemwide mandatory tuition fee and application fee. It does not apply to campus-based mandatory (auxiliary) fees. The amount of the waiver may be reduced by any state or federal aid, including scholarships or grants, received by the student for the academic year or semester/quarter.

If you are already receiving a Cal Grant Tuition Grant or State University Grant, you do not need to apply for the Foster Youth Tuition Waiver.

Learn More about the CSU Foster Youth Tuition Waiver

CSU Fee Waiver and Reduction Program

The California State University (CSU) Fee Waiver and Reduction Program (Fee Waiver) is a program designed to reduce or waive state fees for eligible  employees to take classes at a CSU campus in order to improve current job skills/abilities (work-related training) or to obtain the education needed to pursue CSU career goals (career development).

Employees eligible to participate in the Employee Fee Waiver & Reduction Program may transfer their fee waiver benefit entitlement to an eligible dependent (spouse, domestic partner, or dependent child).

A Fee Waiver application must be submitted for each semester participation is requested in the program for both new and continuing participants. Applicants are responsible for reapplying each semester.

Approved Fee Waivers Can Only Be Applied to State-Funded Courses

Approved CSU Fee Waivers are only applicable for Regular Academic Session (state-funded) courses and cannot be applied to courses that are Open University/Extension Programs. 

Fee Waiver Submittal When Enrolling at Cal Poly Pomona

If you (or your eligible dependent) are enrolling at Cal Poly Pomona, the timelines to submit your completed Employee/Dependent Fee Waiver forms to our campus are listed on the benefits website.

Review Cal Poly Pomona’s Educational Benefits page for more information about the Employee Fee Waiver and Dependent Fee Waiver. 

Cal Poly Pomona and the state of California are committed to helping California’s foster youth meet their educational goals. There are many different types of financial aid (scholarships, grants, federal work-study and federal loans) that are awarded to students with high financial need, as well as generous programs designed specifically for California’s foster youth.

Financial Aid for Foster Youth

If you are an independent student based on your current or former foster youth status, you may be eligible for state, federal and/or university financial aid.​​

Be sure to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every year. And for students who may not qualify for Federal Student Aid, you may still be eligible for other aid through the California Dream Act (CADA).  When completing your application, you must include Cal Poly Pomona in the list of schools to which you want your FAFSA information sent. Cal Poly Pomona’s Federal School Code is 001144.

Types of Aid specific to Foster Youth

In addition to the programs mentioned above, there are specific grants and waivers specifically designed to provide free money to foster youth for college or career training.

Cal Grant B for Foster Youth

The Cal Grant B for Foster Youth program expands aid for  students who are current and former foster youth to be eligible for increased Cal Grant eligibility.

• Foster youth students may renew their Cal Grant B awards for the equivalent of eight years of full-time attendance in an undergraduate program.
• Foster youth students have until their 26th birthday to apply for the Cal Grant High School Entitlement Award.
• Foster youth students attending a California Community College can apply for a High School Entitlement award through September 2nd (rather than March 2nd).

Learn More About the Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award

Chafee Foster Youth Grant Program 

The Chafee Grant is a federal and state funded grant subject to yearly availability of funds.

• This program is administered by the Commission through an interagency agreement with the California Department of Social Services (CDSS).
• Chafee provides current or former California foster youth up to $5,000 per year for education expenses at an eligible California or out of state college.
• Awards may be used for postsecondary education including career and technical training.

 Learn More about the Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

The California State University (CSU) Foster Youth Tuition Waiver

The California State University (CSU) Foster Youth Tuition Waiver is available for current and former foster care youth who are enrolled at a California State University campus in an undergraduate program.

The purpose of the CSU Foster Youth Tuition Waiver is to provide increased access for current and former foster youth to higher education by providing a tuition waiver. The waiver is open to qualified current and former foster youth enrolled as undergraduate students.

Students are exempt from paying the systemwide tuition fee (this covers only state-supported courses) at any CSU campus. The tuition fee waiver only applies to the systemwide mandatory tuition fee and application fee. It does not apply to campus-based mandatory (auxiliary) fees. The amount of the waiver may be reduced by any state or federal aid, including scholarships or grants, received by the student for the academic year or semester/quarter.

If you are already receiving a Cal Grant Tuition Grant or State University Grant, you do not need to apply for the Foster Youth Tuition Waiver.

Learn More about the CSU Foster Youth Tuition Waiver

Independent Living Program

The California Department of Social Services, Independent Living Program (ILP) assists foster care youths in developing the skills necessary to make the transition from foster care to independent living. Contact your ILP county coordinator, first, about resources for which you may be eligible.

Additional Resources and Support Links

The State of California has a Foster Youth Ombudsman Program to assist foster youth and former foster youth and to advocate for their rights. Consult this Foster Youth Help for what you are entitled to receive and how to get help accessing it.

• California Department of Social Services (CDSS)
• Casey Family Programs
• California College Pathways