Otis College participates in the federal and state grant programs.
Federal Grants
Federal Pell Grant and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) programs are offered only to undergraduate students who do not have a prior baccalaureate or professional degree. Both programs are offered to students who meet eligibility criteria and demonstrate financial need. The Department of Education pays Pell funds to eligible students according to formulas set up by Congress. 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. SEOG funds are offered to students who satisfy the eligibility criteria and demonstrate exceptional need. Learn more here.
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 and have never received a Cal Grant award before, the following information will be helpful to you.
The deadline to apply for Cal Grants for the 2024-2025 award year is May 2, 2024.
The GPA Verification Form must be submitted by March 4, 2024 and FAFSA must be submitted by April 2nd, 2024. 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.
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).
If you do not receive correspondence regarding your application by May 2nd, 2024, contact the commission. If you have any questions, we encourage you to visit the California Student Aid Commission web site 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. You are also required to inform the Financial Aid Office as soon as you are notified about your Cal Grant award by the California Student Aid Commission.
California Dream Act Cal Grant:
This California state grant now provides eligible students the opportunity for the Cal Grant via the California Dream Act application. To apply for the California Dream act visit www.caldreamact.org.
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/.