California scholarships and grants
Every program the state of California runs for students, checked against its official page. For a list matched to you, answer a few questions.
Hide service scholarships (8) These pay for school in exchange for working in a job or place afterward.
Open to most students
Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG)
up to $20,000 (special education, Cohort 5); up to $10,000 (high-need field or PPS, Cohort 4); half that at out-of-state online-only schoolsCalifornia Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open nowService scholarshipThe catch: Work 2 years at a high-need California school within 4 years of finishing (4 within 8 for special ed), or repay 25-50% per missing year.
Up to $20,000 for special education teacher candidates (or $10,000 for high-need-field and school counselor/psychologist candidates) who commit to teach at a high-need California school.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For grad students
- For special education, teaching credential (math, science, industrial and technology education, bilingual), pupil personnel services (school counseling, school psychology, social work) students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Cal Grant A
2026-27 max: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort), CSU $6,838, CCC bachelor's program $3,024, private institutions $4,000-$9,358California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open now · due March 2, 2027Covers tuition and fees at UC, CSU and some private colleges for low- to middle-income California students (2026-27: up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU).
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + transcript
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Needs a 3+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 nonresident-tuition-exemption student (CA Dream Act Application)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)
up to $8,000 per year (15+ units/semester); $2,596 per year (12-14.99 units/semester)California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
Open now · due September 2, 2027Up to $8,000 a year extra for full-time California community college students who have a Cal Grant B or C.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: FAFSA (U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen) or CADAA (Dream Act eligible) filer
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Program
up to $5,000 (one-time)California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open now · due June 30, 2027One-time grant of up to $5,000 for California community college students who finish an Associate Degree for Transfer and transfer to a partnered HBCU.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant (DSIG)
up to $4,500 per academic yearCalifornia Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open now · due June 30, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Complete 300 hours of community service each school year; you're paid after the hours are done.
Up to $4,500 a year for CA Dream Act students with a Cal Grant A or B who do 300 hours of community or volunteer service.
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: California Dream Act Application (CADAA) filer (undocumented / AB 540 students)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Cal Grant C
2026-27 max: community college $1,094 (books/supplies); private schools $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/suppliesCalifornia Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open now · due September 2, 2027For students in career and technical training programs (8+ weeks): 2026-27 up to $1,094 for books/supplies at a community college, or $2,462 tuition + $547 books at a private school.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For trade school students, students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 nonresident-tuition-exemption student (CA Dream Act Application)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Cal Grant B
2026-27: $1,648 access award (first year); from year two also tuition/fees up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU, $4,000-$9,358 at private schoolsCalifornia Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open now · due March 2, 2027For low-income California students: $1,648 a year for living costs and books in year one, then tuition and fees at UC/CSU/private colleges plus the $1,648 from year two.
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + transcript
- For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 nonresident-tuition-exemption student (CA Dream Act Application)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)
varies (based on cost of attendance, other aid, and state funding)California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open nowScholarship for California undergraduates (and teaching-credential students) at UC, CSU or a community college bachelor's program with family income up to $250,000 (2026-27); amount varies.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students, grad students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Who can get it: U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 nonresident-tuition-exemption student (CA Dream Act Application)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
California College Promise Grant (CCPG)
waives enrollment fees of $46 per unitCalifornia Community Colleges Chancellor's Office
Apply any timeWaives California Community College enrollment fees ($46 per unit) for California residents with financial need.
- What it takes: FAFSA only
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
- Who can get it: California resident, or exempt from nonresident fees under the California Dream Act (AB 540)
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Bachelor of Science Nursing Scholarship Program (BSNSP)
up to $10,000California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Work 1 year full time in patient care in an underserved California area, starting within 6 months of graduating, or you may have to repay.
Up to $10,000 for California bachelor of science in nursing (BSN) students who commit to one year of nursing work in an underserved area of California.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, transfer students
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- For bachelor of science in nursing students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Usual timing: Annual window: 2026 cycle opened Sept 1, 2026 and closed Oct 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.; HCAI says the next cycle opens September 2027
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Associate Degree Nursing Scholarship Program (ADNSP)
up to $8,000California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Work 1 year full time in patient care in an underserved California area, starting within 6 months of graduating, or you may have to repay.
Up to $8,000 for California associate degree nursing (ADN/RN) students who commit to one year of nursing work in an underserved area of California.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, trade school students
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- For associate degree nursing students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Usual timing: Annual window: 2026 cycle opened Sept 1, 2026 and closed Oct 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.; HCAI says the next cycle opens September 2027
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Licensed Vocational Nurse to Associate Degree Nursing Scholarship Program (LVN to ADN)
up to $8,000California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Work 1 year full time in patient care in an underserved California area, starting within 6 months of graduating, or you may have to repay.
Up to $8,000 for California LVN-to-ADN nursing (licensed vocational nurses becoming RNs) students who commit to one year of nursing work in an underserved area of California.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- For LVN-to-ADN nursing students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Usual timing: Annual window: 2026 cycle opened Sept 1, 2026 and closed Oct 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.; HCAI says the next cycle opens September 2027
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Vocational Nurse Scholarship Program (VNSP)
up to $4,000California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Work 1 year full time in patient care in an underserved California area, starting within 6 months of graduating, or you may have to repay.
Up to $4,000 for California vocational nursing (LVN) students who commit to one year of nursing work in an underserved area of California.
- What it takes: state application
- For trade school students, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2+ GPA
- For vocational nursing students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
- Usual timing: Annual window: 2026 cycle opened Sept 1, 2026 and closed Oct 2, 2026 at 3:00 p.m.; HCAI says the next cycle opens September 2027
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Medi-Cal Behavioral Health Scholarship Program (MBH-SP)
up to $240,000 total (prescribing licensed), $180,000 (non-prescribing licensed), $120,000 (non-licensed)California Department of Health Care Access and Information (HCAI)
Opens laterService scholarshipThe catch: Work full time 2-4 years (by award size) in a California Medi-Cal safety-net setting; repayment terms are on the official page.
Up to $240,000 total for students training to become behavioral health practitioners who commit to 2-4 years of service in Medi-Cal safety-net settings.
- What it takes: state application
- For undergrads, grad students, trade school students
- For behavioral health, mental health, psychiatry students
- Usual timing: Annual window: 2026 cycle opened Feb 2, 2026 and closed Mar 23, 2026; HCAI says the next cycle opens February 2027
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
For specific students
Military families, foster youth, certain careers and more. Each card says who qualifies.
California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth
up to $5,000 per year; up to $4,500 for 2026-27California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) with the California Department of Social Services
Open now · due July 31, 2027Up to $5,000 a year ($4,500 for 2026-27) for current and former foster youth at California colleges, career schools, or eligible out-of-state schools.
- Who it's for: Current or former foster youth (ward of the court in foster care at least one day between ages 16 and 18)
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, trade school students, transfer students
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill)
up to 100% of tuition and fees (up to the Cal Grant A amount at UC/CSU; Cal Grant B amount at a community college)California Military Department (with CSAC)
Open now · due April 30, 2027Service scholarshipThe catch: Stay in the CA Guard while in school, plus 2 years after your last term if you joined in 2020-21 or later; repayment terms are on the official page.
State grant for members of the California National Guard, State Guard and Naval Militia: up to 100% of tuition and fees at UC, CSU or a community college.
- Who it's for: Active member of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, or California Naval Militia
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application + recommendation + membership
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- Needs a 2+ GPA
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant (LEPD)
up to the Cal Grant award amount or the student's remaining unmet needCalifornia Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Open now · due June 30, 2027Need-based grant up to the Cal Grant amount for children and spouses of California peace officers, firefighters, and corrections employees killed or totally disabled in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Child or spouse of a California peace/law enforcement officer, CDCR/DJJ employee, or firefighter (incl. tribal) who died or was totally disabled in the line of duty
- What it takes: FAFSA + state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
- Need-based: the FAFSA decides how much you get.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
Alan Pattee Scholarship (tuition waiver)
waiver of all mandatory systemwide tuition and fees and mandatory campus-based fees at UC, CSU and California community collegesState of California (Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, Education Code 68120), applied by UC, CSU and community college campuses
Apply any timeNo tuition or mandatory fees at any UC, CSU or California community college for surviving children and spouses of California law enforcement officers and firefighters who died in the line of duty.
- Who it's for: Surviving child or spouse of a California law enforcement officer or firefighter who died in the line of duty
- What it takes: See how to apply
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, transfer students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
CalVet College Fee Waiver for Veteran Dependents
waives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at UC, CSU and California community collegesCalifornia Department of Veterans Affairs (CalVet)
Apply any timeWaives mandatory systemwide tuition and fees at any UC, CSU or California community college for eligible dependents of disabled or deceased veterans.
- Who it's for: Dependent (child or spouse) of a service-connected disabled or deceased veteran, MIA/POW veteran, California National Guard member killed/disabled on state active service, or Medal of Honor recipient
- What it takes: state application
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, transfer students
- Partly need-based: your FAFSA can affect whether you get it or how much.
Checked against the official page October 5, 2026
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.