California Polytechnic State University
PA-8: Affordability and Access

The Cal Poly Opportunity Grant
The Cal Poly Opportunity Fee provides financial aid to low-income and first-generation California students, including first-year and transfer undergraduates from all six of Cal Poly’s colleges. The financial aid covers all campus-based fees that are not currently covered by other financial aid programs. The funds will be aimed at the lowest income bracket among prospective students but will be expanded to provide support to students from a broader range of lower-income levels.
The Education Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admissions and academic support service programs for low-income, historically disadvantaged students. Student Support Services is a federally-funded program that enhances academic success and increases retention and graduation rates of low-income, first-generation, and/or physically disabled college students by providing academic advising services and assistance. There are also various financial aid programs offered at Cal Poly that are funded and regulated through federal, state, and local agencies and through the university itself.
https://eop.calpoly.edu/

Cal Poly Scholars
The Cal Poly Scholars Program seeks to recruit and retain high-achieving, low-income students from California schools while providing support through financial, academic, and community resources. As a university-wide program, the Cal Poly Scholars program brings together a network of services including Student Academic Services, the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Mustang Success Center, all six academic colleges, Career Services, University Housing, and other campus collaborators. Cal Poly Scholars receive a scholarship that is automatically renewed on an annual basis during a Scholars’ time as an undergraduate student. Scholarship renewal is dependent on academic standing/status, completion of program requirements and compliance with University conduct standards.Additionally, there is a one-time $900 technology  credit available for use during the first year enrolled at Cal Poly.
https://scholars.calpoly.edu/

Cal Poly CARES
Along this journey, many students are unable to afford expenses core to their ongoing success, including housing and meals, academic supplies and materials, personal care items, professional clothing and unplanned emergencies. Our Cal Poly Foundation Board members have come together to support these students in their highest areas of need and created the Cal Poly Foundation Fund for Students. This fund provides awards to students through the Cal Poly Cares Grant program and is administered by the Student Affairs Division in collaboration with the Financial Aid Office.
https://studentaffairs.calpoly.edu/priorities/care-program

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, low-income students are eligible for an application fee waiver, the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Grant programs. The SUG and Cal Grant programs offer state-based financial aid which are targeted specifically to low-income students for the purpose of offsetting the cost of tuition. Additionally, students enrolled in the EOP and Student Support Services programs are eligible to receive an EOP Grant and Student Support Services grant. The CSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admission, academic and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California.

In accordance with the guidelines set by the California State University (CSU) System, the Student Academic Services Outreach Program's (SASOP) mission is to increase college enrollment of students who are disadvantaged due to economic, educational and/or environmental backgrounds

CSU campuses have the Federal Work-Study Program, which provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for expenses related to their education. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study.

Most CSU campuses have dedicated CalFresh Outreach programs to help students with the application process to find out if they qualify for this benefit.

The State University Grant (SUG) program provides need-based awards to eligible undergraduate and graduate/post baccalaureate students who are California residents or otherwise determined as eligible, such as AB 540-eligible students. When you apply for financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application (CADA) you are considered for a SUG by your campus.

-https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/work-study
-https://www2.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/student-success/basic-needs-initiative/Pages/calfresh-and-the-csu.aspx
-https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/state-university-grant-program.aspx

The Cal Poly Veterans Success Center provides multi-faceted assistance to prospective and enrolled student veterans and dependents. Most notably, the center assists students in accessing their GI benefits, completing the admission application process, and registering for courses. The center also helps students’ access campus resources, get involved in leadership activities, and transition into the civilian work world.

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves as a primary vehicle for the CSU in increasing the access, academic excellence and retention of California’s historically underserved students. The program provides admission, academic, and financial assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students.
The CSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admission, academic and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California.

https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/eop/Pages/questions-about-eop.aspx

https://basicneeds.calpoly.edu/
https://scholars.calpoly.edu/
https://afd.calpoly.edu/cbf/