Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Program

Overview April 5, 2024

Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Program
OVERVIEW FOR STUDENTS

The Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant (Cal-HBCU) Program awards up to $5,000 to participating students who transfer from California Community Colleges to eligible, partnered Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

CAL-HBCU Flyer

Student Eligibility:

To be eligible for the Cal-HBCU Program, a student must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Be a California community college student who has earned an Associate’s Degree for Transfer (ADT).
Enroll (or plan to enroll) at an eligible HBCU.
Demonstrate unmet financial need.
Intend to return to California after graduating from the Partnered HBCU.

Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant (Cal-HBCU) Program Application Fall

Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant (Cal-HBCU) Program Application Spring

HBCU Eligibility:

In Title III of the Higher Education Act of 1965, Congress officially defined an HBCU as a school of higher learning that was accredited and established before 1964, and whose principal mission was the education of African Americans. HBCUs offer culture, a rich history and rigorous academic programs.

To be eligible for the Cal-HBCU Program, the HBCU must meet the following eligibility criteria:

Have an associate degree for transfer memoranda of understanding on file with the California Community College’s Chancellor’s Office.
Maintain a federal student loan Cohort Default Rate (CDR) below 15.5% and a graduation rate above 30%.
Are regionally accredited by an agency recognized by the United States Department of Education.

List of Eligible HBCUs

Frequently Asked Questions

For more information regarding the program, please visit our Frequently Asked Questions.

How To Apply

STEP 1: Submit a FAFSA or CADAA.

STEP 2: Submit a Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant (Cal-HBCU) Program Application to the Cal-HBCU Program Team at calhbcu@csac.ca.gov.

Fall 2024-25 transfer students must submit an application by August 26, 2024.
Spring 2024-25 transfer students must submit an application by January 31, 2025.

Next Steps:

Once a student has submitted a Cal-HBCU application, they will receive a confirmation email from the Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Program.

After the California Community College Chancellor’s Office has verified ADT status, the student’s application information is sent to the HBCU’s financial aid office, who will verify enrollment, unmet need, and request payment.

Please note, priority will be given to students with the greatest unmet financial need, who do not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for a Cal Grant B award.

If eligible, a student may receive a one-time award of up to $5,000 to help pay for the cost of attendance at an eligible HBCU.

It takes approximately 6-8 weeks from the date the payment request is submitted for the check to arrive at the institution.

Contact Information