If his cc classmates who are also transferring to UCs or CSUs are all “getting something,” then they were able to file FAFSA and have an EFC low enough to qualify for Cal Grants or UC grants or both.
Some may actually have highish incomes, but with multiples in college and business deductions, etc, they may have AGIs low enough to qualify. Lots of Calif students would not qualify for aid if they attended CSS profile schools, but do qualify for aid at UCs because FAFSA doesn’t look at income/assets the same way.