Grants and External Scholarships

The Federal Pell Grant is a federal grant program that provides need-based assistance to eligible undergraduate students. Pell Grants do not need to be repaid.

Eligibility is determined through the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using a federal formula that considers financial need and other factors. Only students who are eligible for federal student aid and enrolled in undergraduate programs at Loma Linda University may receive a Pell Grant.

Pell Grant amounts vary based on factors such as financial need, cost of attendance, and enrollment status. Most eligible students receive a Pell Grant as part of their financial aid package, subject to federal and institutional funding rules.

Students can review current award ranges and eligibility details on the Federal Student Aid website at studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell.

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is a federal grant program that provides additional assistance to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. Priority is given to students who are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. SEOG Grants do not need to be repaid.

Students must complete the FAFSA and otherwise meet federal student aid eligibility requirements, including not having previously earned a bachelor’s degree, to be considered. Funds are limited, and not all students who are otherwise eligible may receive an award.

The Cal Grant Program is a state-funded grant administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). It provides need-based financial assistance to eligible California residents pursuing higher education at qualifying institutions, including Loma Linda University. Cal Grants do not need to be repaid.

Eligibility

To qualify for a Cal Grant, students must generally:

• Be a California resident or meet California Dream Act criteria.
• Be a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 student (depending on application type).
• Demonstrate financial need as determined by the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
• Meet minimum GPA requirements established by CSAC.
• Be enrolled at least half-time in an undergraduate program leading to a degree or certificate.
• Have not previously earned a bachelor’s or higher degree.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined by Loma Linda University.

Application Process

To apply for a Cal Grant:

1. Complete the FAFSA or CADAA each year by the March 2 priority deadline.
2. Submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification (usually sent automatically by your school, but students new to college may need to request it from their high school or prior institution). https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/cal-grant-gpa-verification-form
3. Monitor your application status through WebGrants for Students at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov.

Students must reapply each year by filing a new FAFSA or CADAA to maintain eligibility.

Awarding and Disbursement

Authorization to disburse Cal Grants is dependent on the state budget being enacted and funds being released by CSAC to participating institutions.

If you have been awarded a Cal Grant, have Loma Linda University listed as your school of choice, and have completed all required steps in your WebGrants for Students account, your name will appear on a roster LLU receives from CSAC. LLU processes these rosters regularly and will include Cal Grant funds in your financial aid package once all requirements are met.

Types of Cal Grants

Cal Grant A
Helps cover tuition and fees for students who meet income and asset criteria and attend qualifying institutions offering degree programs.

Cal Grant B
Provides support for students from lower-income backgrounds and may include both tuition and fee assistance and a living allowance.

Cal Grant C
Supports students enrolled in certain occupational or career technical programs at qualifying institutions. Not all programs qualify for Cal Grant C.

Managing Your Cal Grant

You can view and manage your Cal Grant award through WebGrants for Students, including updating personal information such as your address, school choice, or requesting a leave of absence.
Visit mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov for details and instructions.

Note: A California Community College (CCC) entitlement award may not be transferred to a private college or university.

Additional Information

Cal Grant eligibility is generally limited to the equivalent of four academic years of full-time study (with limited exceptions for qualifying programs). Actual funding is subject to state appropriations and CSAC regulations.

For more information, visit the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) website at csac.ca.gov, or contact the LLU Office of Financial Aid for assistance.

Almost every state education agency has at least one grant or scholarship available to residents, and many have a long list of student aid programs. Eligibility is usually restricted to state residents attending a college in-state, but that's not always the case. There are annual deadlines for most programs (if you miss a deadline, be sure to try again next year). Check out State Financial Aid Programs to find out what financial aid programs may be available to you through your state education agency. Also check out state and regional tuition exchanges and keep in mind that other state-sponsored aid may available through non-profit organizations in your area.