California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill)
California Military Department (with CSAC)
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.
- How much
- 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)
- Who qualifies
- Active member of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, or California Naval Militia
- Must stay an active member during the program, keep a 2.0 cumulative GPA, enroll in at least 3 units per term, keep California residency, not receive a Cal Grant the same year, and pursue a credential not already held. Post-2020 entrants owe 2 years of additional service.
- For students starting college, undergrads, grad students, trade school students, adults going back to school
- When to apply
- Open now · due April 30, 2027 Priority deadline April 30 (for the following academic year); first-come, first-serve after that until funds run out (2026-27: no later than April 30, 2027); renewals by June 1
- How to apply
- Complete the FAFSA, then the CMD GI Bill Initial Application on nationalguard.csac.ca.gov, and email the Statement of Understanding, Service Commitment Acknowledgement and (for priority applicants) a Letter of Recommendation to cmd.gi.bill@cmd.ca.gov
- Renewals by June 1
- What you'll need
- FAFSA + state application + recommendation + membership
- Last checked
- October 5, 2026, against the official page (calguard.ca.gov), page 2 and page 3
The details
Formerly the California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP). For up to 1,000 service members (as the budget allows). Pays up to the Cal Grant A amount at UC/CSU, up to the Cal Grant B amount at a community college, or up to the UC Cal Grant A amount at an eligible private/proprietary school. Participants who joined in 2020-21 or later must serve two more years in the Guard/State Guard/Naval Militia after their last term, pursue a bachelor's, graduate or doctoral path, finish within 10 years, and earn only one degree in the program. Funds go first to renewals, then a ranked priority list, then first-come wait-list. Award announcements begin in October.
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 C2026-27 max: community college $1,094 (books/supplies); private schools $2,462 tuition/fees + $547 books/supplies
- 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
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
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