The Cal Grant Program is California’s main financial aid program that does not need to be paid back. Students attending a Cal Grant eligible institution and who meet eligibility criteria can qualify for the Cal Grant award. Students will be considered for the appropriate Cal Grant award based on the responses on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA), a verified Cal Grant GPA or test score, the type of California colleges listed on the FAFSA/CADAA, and whether the student is a recent high school graduate. 

Program Details

• Award Amount: The Cal Grant amount depends on the type of award (A, B, or C) and the type of school the student attends.
• Duration: Available for up to 4 years of full-time attendance at a participating college/university or career school. There are some exceptions, such as Teaching Credential Programs and mandatory 5th year programs. The total amount of time students can receive Cal Grant is based on the student’s Education Level (freshman, sophomore, junior, senior) when they get their first payment in college.
• Separate Application Required? No – students will be considered with a timely submission of their FAFSA or CADAA.
• Application Start & Deadline: The FAFSA or CADAA must be submitted by the March 2 priority deadline to maximize financial aid opportunities or by September 2 if attending or planning to attend a California Community College.

Eligibility & Requirements

To qualify for the Cal Grant, students must:

• Demonstrate sufficient financial need (determined by CSAC and verified by their institution)
  • Meet income and asset ceilings
  • Submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the applicable deadline
    • Be a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible non-citizen, or meet the non-resident tuition exception commonly known as AB540.
       
• Have a verified high school GPA, college GPA, or test score (SAT, ACT, GED, TASC, HiSet) on file with CSAC
   
• Be working towards their first undergraduate degree or certificate
  • Be a California resident attending a Cal Grant eligible institution
  • Not have a bachelor's or professional degree
  • Be enrolled at least half-time
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards

How to Apply

✔ Step 1: Submit a Financial Aid Application

• Submit your FAFSA or CADAA for the academic year.
• Visit our How to Apply page for more details.

✔ Step 2: Confirm GPA Submission on WebGrants 4 Students

• To qualify for a Cal Grant, your GPA must be submitted to CSAC. Most high schools and colleges do this for you automatically, but it is your responsibility to confirm.
• One week after submitting the FAFSA or CADAA, create a WebGrants 4 Students account to confirm the status of your state financial aid awards such as the Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship.
• Check that your GPA is listed; if not, contact your high school or college’s financial aid office for assistance. Learn more about GPA verification here.

✔ Step 3: Claim your Cal Grant Award Offer 

• Students can claim their Cal Grant award on their WebGrants 4 Students account by confirming their School of Attendance (Beginning February) and confirming their high school graduation (if applicable).

Resources & FAQs

Income and Asset Ceilings
Non-resident tuition exemption (AB 540) requirements (Immigrants Rising) 
Cal Grant Eligible Schools List

Contact Information

CSAC Student Support
studentsupport@csac.ca.gov

(888) 224-7268
Student Support Call Center Times
Monday-Thursday: 8:30AM to 4:00PM
Friday: 8:30PM to 3:00PM