Changes to Cal Grant Could Boost Enrollment
A recent overhaul of the state’s Cal Grant financial aid program could mean an increase in enrollment at USF in the coming years.
The Cal Grant legislation, which was signed last year by Gov. Gray Davis and became effective Jan. 1, makes Cal Grant money an entitlement. The new program guarantees college financial aid awards to graduating high school seniors and other students who meet specific income and academic eligibility requirements. In the past, the Cal Grant program had been constrained by limited funding, leaving thousands of otherwise eligible students without awards. The new program ensures that money will be available to all who qualify.
The entitlement program has the potential to provide relief from the financial uncertainty that many prospective students and their parents face when considering USF, said Susan Murphy, associate dean for academic services and director of financial aid.
“In the past, the California Student Aid Commission began its work without knowing exactly what its budget would be,” Murphy said. “Every April, the commission would make its best guess and send out award letters. Then, when they knew their actual budget, students who were originally denied aid would often get an award.”
Under the new guidelines, high school seniors who have at least a 3.0 grade point average and meet other eligibility requirements, including demonstration of financial need, will be guaranteed a Cal Grant A. Students with less than a 3.0 but at least a 2.0 grade point average who meet all other requirements will be guaranteed a Cal Grant B.
“What the new procedure should take out is the gamble, so that students should now be able to count on that aid as part of their financial aid package,” Murphy said.
There are currently 571 undergraduate students receiving Cal Grants A or B. That represents about 13 percent of all USF undergraduates.
“I can’t believe these changes won’t make an impact on enrollment at the University of San Francisco, but it might not be evident this year,” Murphy said.
Information on the new Cal Grant program is available on the web at www.csac.ca.gov
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