Otis College participates in the federal and state grant programs, as well as offering Otis specific grants. Grants are a form of financial aid offered to eligible students based on your FAFSA and do not need to be repaid. To apply for federal and state grants, students need to submit the FAFSA form at fafsa.gov.
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant program is offered only to undergraduate students who do not have a prior baccalaureate or professional degree. It is awarded to students who meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need based on the FAFSA. The Department of Education pays Pell funds to eligible students according to formulas set up by Congress. For the 2025-26 award year, the maximum Pell Grant award is $7,395. (Note: The maximum Pell Grant award amount for the 2026-27 award year will be announced in early 2026.) A full-time student (enrolled in at least 12 units per semester) may only receive a Federal Pell Grant for the equivalent of 12 semesters or 600% of scheduled Pell Grant awards.
40% of Otis undergraduate students were eligible for Pell Grants.
State Grants
Cal Grant awards are state-funded monetary grants given to California residents to help pay for college expenses. The awards do not have to be paid back. If you wish to apply for a Cal Grant A or B, the following information will be helpful to you.
For the 2025-26 award year, Cal Grant A and B provide up to $9,358 annually for tuition and fees at private non-profit institutions. Cal Grant B also provides up to $1,648 annually for access awards (books, living expenses, and transportation). Eligibility is determined by the Cal Grant Income and Asset Ceilings | California Student Aid Commission. (Note: Award amounts for the 2026-27 award year will be announced once the state budget is finalized.)
The deadline to apply for Cal Grants for the 2026-2027 award year is March 2, 2026.
The GPA Verification Form and FAFSA must be submitted by March 2, 2026. The GPA Verification for continuing students who completed at least 24 units at Otis College will be reported by Otis College. For new students who have less than 24 units at Otis College, the GPA Verification Form needs to be verified by the prior institution the student attended. Most high schools in California will submit the GPA for you without the need for the form, but it’s best to confirm with your school.
If you submitted the FAFSA Form and Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the deadline, you will receive a Cal Grant Notification Letter from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This will also be a part of your Otis Financial Aid Offer if you qualify. If you have any questions, we encourage you to visit the California Student Aid Commission website at www.csac.ca.gov or call 1-888-CA Grant (1-888-224-7268).
Important: You must maintain at least half-time enrollment to be eligible to receive a Cal Grant award.
California Dream Act Cal Grant
This California state grant provides eligible undocumented students the opportunity for the Cal Grant via the California Dream Act application. To apply for the California Dream Act visit www.caldreamact.org. Application opens October 1 and the deadline is March 2.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
To learn about the California Chafee grant criteria and/or apply for this grant go to https://chafee.csac.ca.gov/. Application opens October 1 and the deadline is March 2.
Otis Grants
Otis Family Grant
This is a grant specifically for families with two students enrolled at Otis concurrently. In addition to other Otis scholarships, it provides an additional grant of $5,000 per year per student. Both students must be enrolled at the same time for the grant to be applied. Please contact Otis One Stop at onestop@otis.edu if you and your sibling are enrolled concurrently.
New Student Grants
For the year that you are applying to Otis, you may be offered additional grants in addition to your Otis scholarship. These grants will be listed in your acceptance letter if you are eligible. Past grants have included an Otis Visit Grant for visiting campus for a tour post acceptance and a FAFSA Grant for submitting the FAFSA. Inquire with Admissions at admissions@Otis.edu if you have any questions about new student grants for the term you are applying for.