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Cal Grants

Cal Grant A

Cal Grant A is a state-funded program for California residents. Recipients are chosen on the basis of both academic achievement and financial need. If selected for an award, you will receive notification from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

  • Need-based
  • FAFSA required
  • Awards: $9,358
  • Have family income and assets below the established ceilings
  • 3.0 High School GPA or 2.4 College GPA
  • Must meet satisfactory academic progress
Cal Grant B

Cal Grant B is a state-funded program for California residents. Recipients are chosen on the basis of both academic achievement and financial need. If selected for an award, you will receive notification from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

  • Need-based
  • FAFSA required
  • Awards: $1,648; $9,358 plus $1,648 (subsequent years)
  • Have family income and assets below the established ceilings
  • 2.0 High School GPA
  • Must meet satisfactory academic progress

NOTE: When you complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), California residents should set up their WebGrants for Students account, which will enable them to have the ability to monitor and manage their California State Grant programs.

California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG)

California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with Cal Grant B award are encouraged to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $3,000 per academic year (up to $1,500 per semester or up to $1,000 per quarter) to 2,500 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 8 semesters or up to 12 quarters while they have an active Cal Grant B award. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant B award.

Eligible students must apply annually, attend a qualifying institution, have sufficient unmet financial need, and complete community or volunteer service. Students can volunteer with any of the organization(s) on the List of Service Organizations or with any organization not on the list if it meets the criteria for a qualifying service organization. Organizations not on the List of Service Organizations, can complete and submit the Service Organization Registration form found on the DSIG forms webpage.

Other California Aid Programs

The California Student Aid Commission also sponsors the Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant programJohn R. Justice programChild Savings Account Grant Program, Chafee Grant for Foster Youth, and the California National Guard Education Assistance Award program.