Cal Grant

 

This grant is funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). These awards assist low and middle income students with tuition and fees. Awards are based on financial need and grade point average. When you file a FAFSA and a California GPA verification form by March 2nd, you are automatically considered for a Cal Grant. CSAC makes all final Cal Grant decisions.

Cal Grant Award requirements include:

  • Submit the FAFSA and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the deadline
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
  • Be a California resident
  • 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
  • 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.

Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award requirements include:

  • Filing of a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2nd of award year
  • Meeting financial eligibility and basic eligibility
  • Graduation from a California high school after June 30, 2000
  • California residency at the time of high school graduation
  • Being under the age of 28
  • Having a verified GPA electronically reported from a California Community College of 2.4 by March 2nd of award year
  • Completion of the Transfer Entitlement Verification Form on WebGrants 4 Students

The Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award is for students who were not awarded a High School Entitlement Award but are now transferring from a California Community College to an eligible bachelor degree granting institute in California.


Cal Grant A assists with tuition and fees at public colleges, independent colleges and some occupational or career colleges. Coursework must be for at least two academic years.

Cal Grant B assists with tuition and fees as well as provides a living allowance at public colleges, independent colleges and some occupational or career colleges. The awards for tuition and fees are the same as those for Cal Grant A. Coursework must be for at least one academic year.

If you have just applied for/or received notification that you have been awarded a new Cal Grant, refer to the new Cal Grant recipient factsheet, Understanding My Cal Grant.

The California Student Aid Commission has created WebGrants 4 Students (WGS) https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/logon.asp just for you, the student. The goal is to provide you with the resources, information and tools needed to assist you with the college financial aid process. WGS will allow you to manage your Cal Grant account 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 WGS account does not replace your School or FAFSA accounts. Each account must be monitored and managed independently.