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California College Scholarships

California is a huge state with a large population and a vast number of colleges and universities that entice both residents and out of state students to the coast for an excellent education. However, like most institutes of higher learning, the schools in California cost more than most people can stomach. That's why California scholarships are available to help waive some of the incredible fees that are charged for attendance, awarding needy and meritorious students for their goals in achieving a higher education.

The Cal Grants program offers several options for both need and merit based scholarships that are configured to assist each individual in qualifying in some way for aid. The University of California at Berkeley also has its own line of scholarship programs to help entice students to enroll in the most renowned universities in the country.

Among the most widely distributed funds in California each year for undergraduates are the California Alumni Association Scholarships, offering the Leadership Awards and the Achievement Awards. The former is for freshmen and transfer students who show aptitude for leadership. The merit-based program offers up to $2500 per academic year. The latter is need-based and offered to the most financially strapped students who have overcome great challenges to achieve a degree. Awards are disbursed for up to $5700 per academic year.

Disadvantaged students may also be eligible to receive the Cal Opportunity Scholarship for attendance at one of the state's top schools. Eligible candidates have graduated from one of the partner high schools in school districts that include San Francisco, West Contra Costa, Ravenswood, and Oakland Unified.

List of California Scholarships

Top Online Colleges

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Kaplan University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. Kaplan University is one of the biggest names in online education. Students and job seekers who want to continue their education flexibly and efficiently will benefit from the vast range of programs and degrees offered at Kaplan.
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Ashford University Online
Ashford University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. Ashford University offers a wide range of programs for students to advance their careers or change fields. Ashford is a leader in online learning and provides flexible and interactive learning opportunities for its students.
American InterContinental University
American InterContinental University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. American InterContinental University offers complete support throughout a student\'s educational career. All instructors have real-world experience and are also trained educators. They can offer insights that others cannot because they have worked in these fields.
More Info from Everest University
Everest University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. Everest University is an accredited school prepares its students to become global thinkers and conscientious leaders. A degree from Everest provides a rigorous education offered in the context of its outstanding academic tradition.
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Grand Canyon University
Grand Canyon University - Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. As an accredited online university, Grand Canyon University provides students with the opportunity to obtain a superior degree from the comfort of their own home. They offer a wide range of career-focused programs to undergrads or working professionals.
More Info from Capella University
Capella University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Individuals seeking advanced education that will prepare them for leadership positions in the future will find Capella University amongst one of their top online university choices. Capella University offers a vast variety of online degree programs that are adademically challenging and enriching in order to go beyond expectations of students.
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Walden University - Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Walden University fosters an exciting and challenging online environment in order to help students take their education to a higher level. Their flexible programs also allow students to maintain other responsibilities at work or at home, without having to sacrifice their need for a greater education.
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Saint Leo University - Associate's, Bachelor's & Master's Degrees. At Saint Leo University, students have the opportunity to gain real-world skills and knowledge to help them advance in their careers. Saint Leo University takes pride in providing students with top notch education right from the comfort of their home.
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Colorado Technical University - Associate's, Bachelor's, Master's & Doctoral Degrees. Colorado Technical University is open for students of all ages and career goals, from those who have just graduated high school to working professionals with years of experience in their selected field. The university is dedicated to providing students with quality education that will not only help them succeed in their careers but will help them with their lifelong goals as well.
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DeVry University
DeVry University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. DeVry University offers students a variety of different degree choices so they can reach their career goals. An accredited college, DeVry University makes getting a college degree online obtainable for every student.
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Westwood University - Associate’s & Bachelor’s Degrees. Westwood College is a premiere destination for students in obtaining their college degree online. Westwood College offers a dynamic curriculum to every student and are taught by the very best professors in their field of study.
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Liberty University
Liberty University - Associate’s, Bachelor’s, & Master’s Degrees. Liberty offers campus, online, or blended degree programs for students all around the world. Liberty provides a flexible and welcoming experience for students who want to continue their education in a Christian environment.

Paying for school is not easy, but we are here to help. OEDb's student finance section will help you find the money you need to pay your tuition and other college expenses. We cover scholarships, college grants, and student loans. Scholarships and grants are both forms of "free money", meaning they don't need to be paid back. Scholarships are typically awarded by businesses or individuals, with the money being earmarked specifically for tuition. They can be awarded based on a student's location or by religious affiliation, such as Catholicism or Islam. Grants are typically awarded by governments or non-profit organizations and the money often can be applied to several different expenses a student may incur, not solely tuition. They can be awarded based on location or ethnicity, for instance African American or Hispanic. Loans are not considered "free money", because unlike scholarships and grants, they do need to be paid back after graduation. Common federal loans include Perkins and Stafford. Loans are also available by location.