Cal Grant A
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
Covers 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).
- How much
- 2026-27 max: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort), CSU $6,838, CCC bachelor's program $3,024, private institutions $4,000-$9,358
- Who qualifies
- Minimum 3.00 high school GPA or 2.40 community college/college GPA. 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
- Submit the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the deadline
- Make sure your school sends your GPA to CSAC (check it in a WebGrants 4 Students account about a week after applying)
- 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
The details
For programs 2+ years long leading to an associate or bachelor's degree. 2026-27 maximum annual awards: UC $15,588 (2026-27 cohort; UC amounts are cohort-specific and stay the same for up to six years), CSU $6,838, CCC Bachelor's Degree Program $3,024 (upper-division fees), private institutions $4,000-$9,358. Students at a community college have the award held in reserve for up to 2 years until they transfer to a 4-year school. Students with dependent children or current/former foster youth under 26 can get an extra Access Award of up to $6,000. Up to 4 years of full-time attendance (some exceptions). Award cycles: High School Entitlement (current seniors and last year's graduates), Transfer Entitlement (CCC transfers under 28), Community College Entitlement, and limited Competitive awards.
More money from California
- 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
- 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.