As the state of California continues to work its way out of economic turmoil, Governor Schwarzenegger is assuring college degree candidates that they will not be forgotten. This includes access to college grant funds.
The governor announced today that he will not approve any new budget proposals that do not include allocations for higher education funding, the Silicon Valley Mercury News reports.
This announcement came at a gathering of higher learning institutions from across the state – including the University of California, California State University and some community college systems – which marked the 50th anniversary of the state’s college master plan. This initiative, which was enacted to improve access to higher education, has suffered due to the economic downturn.
Schwarzenegger said that he hopes to enhance the state’s Cal Grant financial aid program and increase funding for campus-based and online colleges within California by July, which marks the beginning of the fiscal year.
In the meantime, students who are waiting to receive state-funded financial aid may want to consider enrolling in online courses, which could help them earn credits without paying the full price of a college degree program.
June 9, 2010
California has always sounded appealing to me, especially now. When the financial aid reform does go through there will I be able to use it on distance education courses?
June 14, 2010
more free money is always great! any chance of an increase in florida grants in the near future?
June 16, 2010
more grant money is always good! hope i qualify for some of it
June 19, 2010
I really hope that I qualify for something. Anyone know of any good places to check the requirements for grants and things of the sort?
June 20, 2010
I am very interested in this program. I love in Maryland, not California. Do any other states offer this type of financial aid?
June 22, 2010
This is great news. However, are online courses as good as taking classes at a regular college? Would a employer choose someone with a degree from a university over someone taking classes online?
June 22, 2010
more funding = more money to help pay for my college. i’m all for this!
June 25, 2010
I am interested in starting online school and did not realize it was less expensive than on campus school. However, i will still need some financial aid. Does the school help students get the financial aid they need?
June 26, 2010
Going to school is so expensive. I am trying to figure out how to get enough funding to send my son to college. I have been trying to get financial aid and am not having any luck because my son is not a great student. How would you suggest I proceed?
June 27, 2010
I think Governor Schwarzenegger has a great idea. I think other states should follow his example.
July 14, 2010
Great! Are there any classes that are available online for free?
August 8, 2010
Governor Schwartzenegger has things in perspective. Education is what will move the courtry forward. Now some of the other states need for follow suite.
August 8, 2010
Are there any other states or federal forms of financial aid that will make it easier go get funding for online school?
August 8, 2010
If my parents and home are in California, but I am living in Chicago, do I need to move back home to get this financial aid?
September 13, 2010
In Florida we also have a large budget crisis and funding for state schools has been cut. Does Charlie Crist have a similar plan to guarantee funding for our schools?
November 4, 2010
It is always good to know there is scholarship money out there. I have always liked California.
December 11, 2010
Its great to see that California is trying to help with the costs of education. The state system schools here are getting so expensive to attend, even for residents! Anything they can do to help all of us get through with our degrees the better! Thanks for the article about this though because I had no idea they were even talking about this.
December 26, 2010
It is so good to see that the State of California understands that education is an important factor in keeping our country strong. It is vital to our standing in the world that as many of our children as possible receive higher education. Do you think other states will follow their lead?
December 26, 2010
California has always been a leader and innovative in helping their citizens. I wish I lived there.
December 26, 2010
Yeah for California. We need more college funding.
January 13, 2011
Hey Alex. Yes there are some great courses available for free. I’d look into Test Drive College Online to see if any of their courses interest you.
February 14, 2011
It seems like California is the place to live if you need help paying for school. How long do you need to live there in order to establish residency?
February 14, 2011
California has always been the leader in offering college help for it’s citizens.
February 22, 2011
Hi William. One of the easiest ways to see if you’re eligible for federal funding is to file your FAFSA, it can fund your education at an accredited institution.
March 11, 2011
Hi Grey. You must be living in California one year to establish residency.
April 14, 2011
Hey David. There is no way of saying what will happen to state grants as they all make the final decisions on budget cuts and spending. But hopefully the Pell grant will continue to be a valuable resource to students around the nation.
July 20, 2011
Hi Elizabeth. The Cal grant is available to California residents who plan to or are attending an eligible California qualifying postsecondary institution.
August 9, 2011
Hey Terrence. Charlie Crist is no longer in office and we are not sure if Rick Scott has a plan to guarantee funding for state schools or not.