The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation
that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must
apply using the FAFSA or
CA Dream Act
Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility,
financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Grants
are for students attending Universities of California,
California State Universities or California Community
Colleges, or qualifying independent and career colleges or
technical schools in California.
There are three kinds of Cal Grants — A, B and C — but you don’t
have to figure out which one to apply for. Your eligibility will
be based on your FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application responses,
your verified Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges you
list on your application and whether you’re a recent high school
graduate.
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
CA Dream Act
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
- 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.
More questions? Cal Grant
FAQ