Expansion of college financial aid in California may be at risk
Michael Burke
March 15, 2023
As Cal Grant reform faces budget problems, students may face uncertainty about aid
A major expansion of financial aid for California’s college and university students, set to go into effect next year, could now be in jeopardy.
That uncertainty is causing alarm on campuses around the state that hoped the changes would help more students as it also streamlines the current complicated grant system.
As part of last year’s budget agreement, lawmakers and Gov. Gavin Newsom agreed to overhaul the state’s main financial aid program, the Cal Grant beginning in 2024. The changes would simplify the program and expand eligibility, especially to community college students, by eliminating high school grade requirements and guaranteeing awards to all low-income students eligible for federal Pell Grants.
