Cal Grant C
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
For 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.
- How much
- 2026-27 max: community college $1,094 (books/supplies); private schools $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/supplies
- Who qualifies
- No GPA required. Must be within income and asset ceilings and not have a Cal Grant A or B. Program must be occupational/technical and at least 8 weeks long; UC and CSU students are not eligible.
- For trade school students, students starting college, undergrads, adults going back to school
- 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 September 2, 2027 FAFSA/CADAA by September 2 each year (Cal Grant C Competitive award cycle), then the Cal Grant C Supplement if selected
- How to apply
- Submit the FAFSA or CADAA by September 2
- Students selected as potentially eligible must complete the online Cal Grant C Supplement Form in WebGrants 4 Students
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (csac.ca.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
For occupational/technical training programs at least 8 weeks long at a California Community College or an eligible private institution (not UC/CSU). 2026-27 maximum yearly award: community college $1,094 books/supplies; private institutions $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/supplies. Programs of 8-14 weeks get a prorated award; 15+ weeks up to the maximum. Renewable for up to 2 academic years. Awards are limited and competitive (Cal Grant C Scoring Chart); occupations on the CSAC Cal Grant C Priority Occupational List get priority points. Students with dependent children and current/former foster youth may get an increased Access Award of up to $4,000.
More money from California
- Cal Grant A2026-27 max: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort), CSU $6,838, CCC bachelor's program $3,024, private institutions $4,000-$9,358
- Student Success Completion Grant (SSCG)up to $8,000 per year (15+ units/semester); $2,596 per year (12-14.99 units/semester)
- Cal-HBCU Transfer Grant Programup to $5,000 (one-time)
- Cal Grant B2026-27: $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
- California College Promise Grant (CCPG)waives enrollment fees of $46 per unit
Keep looking
- Answer a few questions to see every program you qualify for
- Nearby states: Arizona, Nevada, Oregon
- Federal aid and national scholarships (open to students in any state)
- The FAFSA in plain English (2027-28)
- Should I file the FAFSA if I don't think I'll qualify?
- FAFSA deadlines by state (2027-28)
- The FAFSA for parents: what you need to do
- How to save on textbooks: free, rented and cheaper options
We list programs; we don't decide who gets them. Always check the official page before you apply. Spot something wrong? Tell us.