State Aid for Graduate Students

Cal Grant for Teaching Credential Program

The Cal Grant  program is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offer a 5th year or an additional year of Cal Grant eligibility for undergraduate Cal Grant students who enrolls in a teacher credential program. To qualify, you must be enrolled in an approved program within 15 months following the end of your undergraduate term. This additional year of Cal Grant award cannot be used with other USF graduate programs. To apply, complete and submit a G-44 TCP form with CSAC.

Golden State Teacher Grant

The Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards up to $20,000 to students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential.

Students must:

• Complete their program and obtain their credential within 6 years from the date their initial GSTG payments are mailed to their institution.
• Commit to work at either a priority school or a California State Preschool Program (CSPP) for 4 years within 8 years of completing their program.