Cal Grant B

For 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.

How much

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 schools

Who qualifies

• Minimum 2.00 high school GPA, or 2.0 college GPA (2.40 community college GPA for the Transfer Entitlement). For low-income students. Must show financial need, be within CSAC's income and asset ceilings, be a California resident at a Cal Grant eligible school, enroll at least half-time, be working toward a first undergraduate degree or certificate (no bachelor's or professional degree), and keep Satisfactory Academic Progress.
• For high school seniors, students starting college, undergrads, transfer students
• U.S. citizen, permanent resident, eligible noncitizen, or AB 540 nonresident-tuition-exemption student (CA Dream Act Application)
• Need-based: your FAFSA decides how much you get.

When to apply

Open now · due March 2, 2027 FAFSA/CADAA due by the March 2 priority deadline each year (September 2 if attending a California Community College); GPA must be on file with CSAC

How to apply

1. Submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline
2. Make sure your school sends your GPA to CSAC (check it in a WebGrants 4 Students account about a week after applying)
3. Claim the award in WebGrants by confirming your school of attendance (from February) and high school graduation if applicable

What you'll need

FAFSA + state application + transcript

Last checked

October 5, 2026, against the official page (csac.ca.gov), page 2, page 3 and page 4