Occidental’s Cal Grant Promise

Two Occidental College students sit on a wall on the Los Angeles campus

A commitment to make an Occidental College education affordable for California families.

If you’re a California resident and you qualify for a Cal Grant, Occidental will cover 100% of your tuition—no extra forms, no hidden requirements. Occidental’s Cal Grant Promise helps California residents access the full value of an Occidental education—without the full cost.

And because we meet 100% of demonstrated financial need, many students also receive grant aid that helps pay for housing and meals. For qualifying families, the total cost of attending Occidental can be comparable to that of a California public university.

Who is Eligible?

The Cal Grant Promise is available to students who qualify for a Cal Grant and are admitted to Occidental. Eligibility is determined by the California Student Aid Commission based on your residency, financial information, and academic records. To qualify, you must:

submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and your verified Cal Grant GPA by Occidental’s financial aid deadline.
be a U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen, or meet AB540 eligibility criteria.
be a California resident for at least one year.
attend a qualifying California college at least half-time.
demonstrate financial need and meet income and asset ceilings.
be working toward an undergraduate degree.
maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress.

What do Do Next

If you meet the criteria, you must apply for financial aid by Occidental’s deadline to be considered for full tuition coverage through the Cal Grant Promise.

You must complete all required financial aid forms, including the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and the CSS Profile,and submit your financial documents to IDOC by the deadline for your chosen application round.

Occidental’s financial aid team will review your full financial profile to determine your eligibility for additional aid that may help cover housing and meals.

Apply for Financial Aid

Wondering what financial aid you might receive?

Use our quick cost estimators to get a personalized estimate of your need-based aid. It’s fast and designed for U.S. citizens and permanent residents applying as first-year students.

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Cal Grant Promise FAQs

Yes. Students must re-apply using the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by Occidental’s deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of the program. College grant assistance may not replace Cal Grant funds lost through a student’s failure to complete the state application procedures or the College’s annual application requirements.

Yes. Students that continue to qualify for Cal Grant will be funded throughout their four years at Occidental provided they remain enrolled full-time. College funding beyond the standard four years will require a reevaluation of a student’s financial aid eligibility.

No, but student housing and meal plan expenses are considered in a student’s overall financial aid offer. We meet 100% of a student’s demonstrated need based on cost of attendance, which includes housing and meals. For many students who qualify, a significant portion, if not all, of housing and meals will be covered by grant aid.

Students with substantial financial resources will not qualify for this benefit. This may include a contribution from a noncustodial parent, parents’ business assets, or limitations set by the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

The Cal Grant Program has income and asset ceilings. Families with significant assets or businesses may not qualify for the full tuition coverage. A careful review of a family’s overall financial circumstance is considered before determining a student’s financial aid offer.

Yes. The California Dream Act allows certain undocumented students to apply for and receive state-based financial aid at California colleges and universities if they meet income and asset guidelines, apply by the priority deadlines, and complete all necessary paperwork on-time. Occidental is committed to meeting 100% of demonstrated need for admitted undocumented/DACA students.

Yes. Qualifying for a Cal Grant does not disqualify a student from being considered or awarded a merit scholarship. Merit scholarships will constitute a part of a student’s overall financial aid offer.

Occidental College meets 100% of demonstrated financial need for all admitted U.S. citizens and permanent residents. Students seeking financial aid must submit the required application and supplemental documents by Occidental’s deadline to be considered for need-based aid.

Occidental’s Cal Grant Promise

Who is Eligible?

What do Do Next

Wondering what financial aid you might receive?

Cal Grant Promise FAQs

Do I need to re-apply for the Cal Grant Program each year?

Does the Cal Grant Promise cover all four years of Occidental?

Does the Cal Grant Promise cover housing and meals?

Are there circumstances where a student with a Cal Grant would not qualify for this benefit?

Is there an asset ceiling?

Does the Cal Grant Promise apply to undocumented/DACA students?

Will I still be considered for merit scholarships?

What if I don’t qualify for a Cal Grant?

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