Federal and State Aid

Loans

We offer federal and state aid to smooth your way into the University of the West.

Below are descriptions of the financial aid programs available at UWest for qualifying undergraduate students. For further information, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Pell Grant

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides a foundation of assistance to which other forms of aid may be added. Eligibility for the Federal Pell Grant Program is determined by a standard need-analysis formula that is revised and approved every year by the federal government. Unlike loans, grants do not have to be paid back. The maximum Federal Pell Grant for 2018-2019 is $6,095 per academic year. A student can receive a Federal Pell Grant for no more than 12 semesters or the equivalent.

Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant

The Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant is offered to students who are not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant on the basis of their Expected Family Contribution as calculated from FAFSA data, but meet the remaining Federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements. In order to qualify, students must have had a parent or guardian in the U.S. armed forces that died as a result of military service performed in Iraq or Afghanistan after the events of 9/11. The student must have been under 24 years old or enrolled in college at least part-time at the time of the parent or guardian’s death.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are available to a limited number of students with exceptional financial need. Grants are based on funds available and do not have to be repaid. Need is determined by the financial resources of the student and parents and the cost of attendance.

Federal Work-Study Grant (FWS)

The Federal Work-Study program provides jobs for students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay education expenses. The program encourages community service work related to the student’s course of study. Funds under this program are limited and do not have to be repaid.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program

Under the Direct Loan program the university certifies eligibility for each loan, and sends the loan details to the U.S. Department of Education. Loan proceeds are disbursed to the University electronically and then posted to the student’s account. Interest rates and origination fees are set by the U.S. Department of Education. Students repay the loan to the servicer assigned by the U.S. Department of Education after the loan is disbursed.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loan

Federal Subsidized Loans are available to undergraduate students with financial need. Students may borrow up to $3,500 for their first academic year, $4,500 for the second academic year, and $5,500 for the third and fourth academic years at a fixed interest rate which is established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. The interest is paid by the federal government while students are in school. Interest begins accruing at the time students cease enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half of the normal full-time university workload. Students who first borrowed Subsidized Loans on or after July 1, 2013 and June 30, 2021 may not receive this type of loan for more than 150 percent of the length of their program of study; the U.S. Department of Education may stop paying interest if the student who received Direct Subsidized Loans for maximum period continues enrollment.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan

Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available for students to borrow for education costs. Independent undergraduate students can borrow up to $9,500 for their first academic year, $10,500 for the second academic year, and $12,500 for their third and fourth academic years. Dependent undergraduate students can borrow up to $5,500 for their first academic year, $6,500 for their second academic year and $7,500 for their third and fourth academic years, as a combined total with the Federal Subsidized Direct loan each year.

With the exception of demonstrating financial need, Unsubsidized Loan borrowers must meet all eligibility criteria of the Federal Subsidized Loan program. Interest payments begin immediately after the loan is fully disbursed or may be added to the principal balance. Regular payments begin six (6) months after students cease enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half of the normal full-time school workload. Interest rates are fixed and established annually by the U.S. Department of Education.

Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS Loan)

Federal Parent Plus Loans for undergraduate students provide additional funds for parents to help pay for student’s educational expenses. Parents must pass a credit check, or have a credit-worthy endorser. Interest rates are fixed and established annually by the U.S. Department of Education. If a deferment is requested at the time of the Parent Plus Loan application, repayments will begin six (6) months after students cease enrollment or fail to carry at least one-half of the normal full-time school workload.

Cal Grants are provided by the California Student Aid Commission to assist you in paying for your undergraduate education. If you are eligible you may receive a Cal Grant for up to four years. Your Cal Grant will be renewed automatically if you continue to meet eligibility requirements, maintain satisfactory academic progress, and have financial need. You will need to submit the FAFSA application each year by March 2 deadline in order for your Cal Grant to be renewed. Amounts awarded to eligible students may vary depending on enrollment.

Cal grant is limited to four academic years. Students must register 15 units per semester in order to graduate within four years.

Cal Grant A

The Cal Grant A is an award offered to middle and low income students who meet all Cal Grant requirements, demonstrate financial need, and meet the income and asset ceilings established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

In order to qualify for a Cal Grant A, you must:

Be a California resident
Have filed the FAFSA by March 2
Have graduated from a California High School
Have a high school GPA of 3.0

The Cal Grant A is awarded in the amount of $9,084 at University of the West. A students awarded an Entitlement Cal Grant A must confirm their high school graduation at www.webgrants4students.org before funds can be disbursed. Award amounts are determined through the state budget process and may change.

Cal Grant B and Cal Grant Access Awards

The Cal Grant B is an award offered to disadvantaged or low-income students who meet all the Cal Grant requirements, demonstrate financial need, and meet the income and asset ceilings established by the California Aid Commissions (CSAC).

In order to qualify for the Cal Grant B, you must:

Be a California Resident
Have filed the FAFSA by March 2
Have graduated from a California High School
Have at least a 2.0 High School GPA

If you qualify for the Cal Grant B, during your freshman year, Cal Grant B recipients will receive a Cal Grant Access Award for $1,656, which is designated to cover living expenses, books, supplies and transportation. When the Cal Grant B is renewed beyond your freshman year, you will also receive a Cal Grant B for $9,084, to be applied to the cost of tuition and fees. Students awarded an Entitlement Cal Grant B must confirm their high school graduation at www.webgrants4students.org before funds can be disbursed. Award amounts are determined through the state budget process and may change.

California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth

If you are or were in foster care and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college.

In order to qualify for the Chafee Grant, you must:

Be a current or former foster youth
Not have reached your 22nd birthday as of July 1 of the award year
The court must have established your dependency when you were between the ages of 16 and 18
(KinGap youth, adopted youth, guardian placement, and voluntary placement may not be eligible for the Chafee Grant, unless court dependence was established, at anytime, between the ages of 16 and 18).

Visit the Chafee Grant website for more information and to submit the online application.

Upon selection for an award, students are sent payment notifications from the California Student Aid Commission for each term. To receive this grant, students must demonstrate financial need, be enrolled at least half-time, and maintain satisfactory academic progress. Receipt of this grant may affect other financial aid awarded by the college financial aid office.

California Military Department GI Bill Award Program
(formerly the California National Guard Education Assistance Award)

If you are a qualifying member of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, and the California Naval Militia, you may be eligible for the California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill), a state-funded program designed to provide an educational incentive to improve your skills, competencies, and abilities.

To be eligible, you must:

Agree to remain an active member in the CMD throughout the participation period in the program;
Agree to serve two years in the California National Guard, the California State Guard, or the California Naval Militia upon completion of the last academic period of utilizing this program;
Agree to attend a qualifying institution as defined by section 69432.7(l) of the California Education Code and with an active Institutional Participation Agreement with the California Student Aid Commission;
Agree to pursue a certificate, degree, or diploma that leads to a baccalaureate, graduate, or doctoral degree;
Agree to use the award to obtain a certificate, degree, or diploma that is currently not held;
Agree to only obtain one degree (baccalaureate, graduate, or doctoral) while participating in the program;
Agree to complete the course of study within 10 years of initial acceptance into the program;
Agree to maintain enrollment in at least three (3) academic units per term;
Agree to maintain at least a 2.0 cumulative grade point average (GPA) annually;
Maintain California residency as determined by the institution (based on resident and non-resident tuition); and
Agree to not receive a Cal Grant award check for the same academic year.

For more information go to: http://www.calguard.ca.gov/education/ »

This California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) state grant program now provides AB540-eligible students the opportunity to apply for Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B via the California Dream Act application. To be eligible, students must:

Have attended a (public or private) high school in California for three or more years:
Have graduated from a California high school or attained the equivalent of a high school diploma; and
Be registered as an entering student, or be currently enrolled, at an accredited institution of higher education of California.

In addition:
A student without lawful immigration status must file an AB540 Affidavit (California Non-Resident Tuition Exemption Request form) with the institution of higher education they will be attending, stating that the student has filed or will file an application to legalize his or her immigration status as soon as he or she is eligible to do so. Males age 18 and over must also register with the Selective Service System before receiving the grant.

California Dream Act Cal Grant recipients are selected based on the eligibility criteria outlined in the California Dream Act Application and on the timeliness of their application. California Dream Act Applications must be received by March 2. Late applications will not be considered for financial aid. Please visit https://dream.csac.ca.gov for more information and an application. Undergraduates awarded a California Dream Grant, and who meet all other eligibility requirements, are considered for limited university funding.