California Student Aid

Cal Grants

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 deadline and meet the eligibility and financial requirements as well as any minimum GPA requirements.

Cal Grants can be used at any University of California, California State University or California Community College, as well as qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.

To start your FAFSA: https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa


California Dream Act (CADAA)

The California Dream Act allows undocumented and nonresident students (U.S. Citizens and eligible non-citizens) who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial aid such as: private scholarships funded through public universities, state administered financial aid, university grants, community college fee waivers, and Cal Grants.

In addition, the California Dream Act, allows eligible students to pay in-state tuition at any public college in California.

For more information about the CADAA: CA Dream Act FAQs

To start your CADAA: https://dream.csac.ca.gov/

California Chafee Grant (Foster Youth)

If you are or were in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 as a dependent or ward of the court and have financial need, you may qualify for up to $5,000 a year for career and technical training or college.

You don’t have to pay this money back. You may also be able to use your grant to help pay for child care, transportation and rent while you’re in school.

You can use your Chafee Grant at any eligible California college or university or career or technical school, as well as schools in other states.

For more information and to start your Chafee Grant application : https://chafee.csac.ca.gov/

Middle Class Scholarship (MSC)

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) provides undergraduate students, including students pursuing a teaching credential, with family incomes and assets up to $184,000 a scholarship to attend University of California (UC) or California State University (CSU) campuses.

After you have submitted your FAFSA or CADAA, establish a WebGrants 4 Students account to monitor your state financial aid.

For more information on the MSC: https://www.csac.ca.gov/middle-class-scholarship

To establish a WebGrants Account: https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/


Other CA Financial Aid Opportunities