<p>@lightsun each college has a calculator to estimate your costs and aid so you can get an idea. Here is UCSC for an example. The CSUs have them too. So do private colleges. Try to run a few, they won’t be the same–UCs and CSU will give different aid and so will private colleges.
<a href=“http://www2.ucsc.edu/finaidcalc/calculator/”>http://www2.ucsc.edu/finaidcalc/calculator/</a></p>
<p>Remember that FAFSA will first determine what you will get from the Federal Gov’t which will be Pell Grant which is only a maximum of 5,730, plus you will be eligible for student loan of 5,500 your first year. </p>
<p>You will get additional funds, depending on your eligibility (gpa and family income) and the cost of the college, from Calgrant up to 12,192 max.</p>
<p>The college itself may give you institutional/university grant to help meet your need, but not all colleges meet need. </p>
<p>Some of your need may likely be met through loans and work study and some expected summer earnings from the student, as well as the family contribution as defined by each college (based on family income and number of people.) Run the calculators. You can only get grants up to the COA of the college, not more.</p>
<p>Does the amount of grants I get depend on each college?
(For example, if I get Cal Grants AND Pell Grant, would the amount of money I get depend on whether I go to a Cal State or a private?)</p>
<p>And I can get multiple grants as long as they add up to the amount of the COA, right?</p>
<p>Pell Grant should be the same if you are a full-time student. You only getting one Pell Grant each year</p>
<p>Sorry I’m so slow to understand…I want to clearify something:
- Is it possible for me to get Pell Grant AND Cal Grant?
- 4kidsdad mentioned that I get one Pell Grant per year. Then does the amount increase or decrease over the 4 years?</p>
<p>
The amount will depends on your annual EFC</p>
<p>Oh I see. Thanks :)</p>
<p>You should read my post again, it explains there very things you are asking about. Also 4kids dad gave you links you should read and understand. but here goes again</p>
<ol>
<li><p>Yes you can get both Pell Grant and Cal Grant as long as you qualify. Pell grant will be the same no matter where you go. Cal grant will depend on the cost of tuition of the college, but it only goes up to 12,192. So a private school has a higher costs and may also give you some of their money if there is a shortfall, but that is not usually guaranteed you will get it except for “meets need” schools.</p></li>
<li><p>If your income stays the same, the Pell Grant will stay the same. Changes are based on income changing but the maximum is 5,730</p></li>
</ol>
<p>The only thing that increases is the amount of loans you are able to borrow increases about 1,000 each year.</p>