The Cal Grant award amounts shown below are the yearly maximum amounts based on a full-time enrollment status at a Cal Grant eligible institution. These award amounts are subject to change based on your school’s verification of your eligibility.  These amounts will be divided and paid per term you are attending.  Please see your financial aid office at your school for questions about your final award amounts.

If you are a student who is attending a CA public institution such as a CA State University, University of CA, or CA Community College, and you have dependent children under the age of 18 that you provide 50% or more financial support for, please check out our Students with Dependent Children Program FAQ for information about increased Cal Grant award amounts and answers to frequently asked questions about the program.

Additionally, you may only receive one Cal Grant award at a time.  If you qualify for multiple awards, you will be granted the Cal Grant award that will pay the highest amount over the course of your program, depending on your college of attendance. For more information, please see our related FAQ - Why am I only getting the Cal Grant B even though I qualify for Cal Grant A?

NOTE: Cal Grant payment dates and methods are determined by your Financial Aid Office at your college.  Please check your school’s financial aid website for more information on how and when they will disburse the award amounts.

At a CCC (CA Community College)

Cal Grant A – $0:  The Cal Grant A does not cover your tuition and fees while attending a community college*, however your award eligibility will be held in reserve for up to two years until you transfer to a four-year college.

Cal Grant B – $1,648*: You can use your $1,648 access award as a living allowance to help pay for books and other community college costs.

Cal Grant C – $1,094: A student must be enrolled in an occupational or technical program to qualify for the Cal Grant C. (e.g. automotive technician, court reporter, etc).  The amount offered can be used for books, tools, equipment, and other community college costs. 

*If you are attending a baccalaureate program at a community college, you may receive funds to help pay for your tuition and fees.  Please contact your Financial Aid Office at the college for more details.

At a CSU (California State University)

Cal Grant A – $5,742: This amount will be applied towards the systemwide tuition and fee cost of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs.  Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost, such as the State University Grant (SUG) Program.

Cal Grant B (any other year) - $7,390:This amount includes the access award amount (described above) and an additional amount to cover the systemwide tuition and fees. ($1,648+$5,742= $7,390)

Cal Grant C: Not an available award at this type of institution. The Cal Grant C award is only for students enrolled in occupational or technical programs.

At a UC (University of California)

Cal Grant A – $13,752: This amount will be applied toward the systemwide tuition and fees of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs.  Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost, such as the Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan.

Cal Grant B (any other year) - $15,400: This amount includes the access award amount (described above) and an additional amount to cover the systemwide tuition/fees. ($1,648+$12,570= $14,218)

Cal Grant C: Not an available award at this type of institution. The Cal Grant C award is only for students enrolled in occupational or technical programs.

At a Private Non-Profit School

Cal Grant A – $9,358: This amount will be applied toward the tuition and fees of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs.  Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost.

Cal Grant B (any other year) - $11,006: This amount includes the access amount (described above) and the additional amount provided for tuition and fees. ($1,648+$9,220= $10,868)

Cal Grant C – $3,009: If you are attending a year-round private technical/vocational school ($2,462 + $547 = $3,009).  The $2,462 is applied directly to your Tuition and Fees.  The $547 is an amount designated for books and supplies.

At a Private For-Profit School (WASC Accredited)

Cal Grant A – $8,056: This amount will be applied toward the tuition and fees of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs.  Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost.

Cal Grant B (any other year) – $9,704: This amount includes the access amount (described above) and the additional amount provided for tuition and fees. ($1,648+$8,056= $9,704)

Cal Grant C – $3,009: If you are attending a year-round private technical/vocational school ($2,462 + $547 = $3,009).  The $2,462 is applied directly to your Tuition and Fees.  The $547 is an amount designated for books and supplies.

At a Private For-Profit School (Non WASC Accredited)

Cal Grant A – $4,000: This amount will be applied toward the tuition and fees of the school.

Cal Grant B (freshman year) - $1,648: You can use your $1,648 access award amount as a living allowance to help pay for books and other college costs.  Students are encouraged to follow up with the financial aid office at their school to inquire about other grants they may qualify for that can help cover the base tuition cost.

Cal Grant B (any other year) - $5,648: This amount includes the access amount (described above) and the additional amount provided for tuition and fees. ($1,648+$4,000= $5,648)

Cal Grant C – $3,009: If you are attending a year-round private technical/vocational school ($2,462 + $547 = $3,009).  The $2,462 is applied directly to your Tuition and Fees.  The $547 is an amount designated for books and supplies.