Cal Grant Program

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements. Grants are for students attending Universities of California, California State Universities, California Community Colleges, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California. There are three types of Cal Grants — A, B and C — with eligibility based on FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application responses, verified Cal Grant GPA, the type of California colleges listed on the application, and whether the applicant is a recent high school graduate. The program includes several award types: Community College Entitlement Award, High School Entitlement Award, Transfer Entitlement Award, Competitive Awards (limited to 13,000 annually), Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award, and Cal Grant C Award for occupational/technical programs. Cal Grants are for students pursuing an undergraduate degree or vocational/career training. Recipients must be a U.S. citizen, eligible noncitizen, or meet AB540 eligibility criteria, be a California resident for at least one year, attend a qualifying California college, not have a bachelor's or professional degree, demonstrate financial need, and meet family income and asset requirements.