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Cal Grants are state-funded, need-based, cash grants given to California college students to help pay for college expenses.
A Cal Grant is money for college you don’t have to pay back. To qualify, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the state deadline and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements. Students may receive either a Cal Grant A, B or C. Initial eligibility is made by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) which establishes income, asset and GPA requirements annually.
Students may check their eligibility on WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S).
Deadlines:
Deadlines:
March 2nd
Priority Cal Grant Deadline for high school seniors and previous year high school graduates
All Cal Grants awarded
Entitlement & Competitive awards
To Apply
To Apply
All students must file a FAFSA or CA Dream Act application (if you are a DACA student or a student without legal citizenship status ion the U.S.) and submit a GPA verification to CSAC by the deadline. Students who have completed 16 degree applicable units will have their GPA automatically calculated and submitted to CSAC. Students attending a CA community college can now qualify for a CC Entitlement Cal Grant (E3) during the September 2nd award cycle if they have a completed application (FAFSA/CADAA) and a matched GPA received by 09/02/22.
Eligibility Requirements
Eligibility Requirements
Cal Grants are for students who are pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational or career training, and do not have to be repaid. In addition to meeting the financial criteria and Cal Grant requirements, you must:
Submit the FAFSA or CADAA application and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline
Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria
Be a California resident for 1 year
Attend a qualifying California college
Not have a bachelor’s or professional degree
Have financial need at the college of your choice
Have family income and assets below the minimum levels
Be enrolled or plan to enroll in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
Be enrolled or plan to enroll at least half time
Have registered with the U.S. Selective Service, if required to do so
Not owe a refund on any state or federal grant or be in default on a student loan
Not be incarcerated
Maintain the Satisfactory Academic Progress standards as established by the school. Recipients who do not meet the standards are ineligible for Cal Grant payment and will not use eligibility during the terms they are ineligible for payment.
For more Information: Visit the CSAC Website.
Use the WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) website, which allows you to manage your Cal Grant and/or Chafee account(s) online by letting you view updates, make school changes, make address changes, make corrections, and post leave of absence requests. It is important for you to understand that your WG4S account does not replace your School or FAFSA accounts. Each account must be monitored and managed independently.
Use the WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) website, which allows you to manage your Cal Grant and/or Chafee account(s) online by letting you view updates, make school changes, make address changes, make corrections, and post leave of absence requests. It is important for you to understand that your WG4S account does not replace your School or FAFSA accounts. Each account must be monitored and managed independently.
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