How to pay for college · Updated September 30, 2026
The Cal Grant is California’s main state grant for college, and it doesn’t have to be repaid. For 2026-27, Cal Grant A covers up to $15,588 in tuition and fees at the University of California, $6,838 at Cal State and $4,000 to $9,358 at private colleges. Cal Grant B adds a $1,648 Access Award for living costs. To be considered, file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2 (September 2 for community college students), meet the GPA minimum and stay under the income and asset ceilings.
A Cal Grant can cover most or all of your tuition at a California public university. It’s awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), and unlike a loan, you never pay it back.
This guide explains the Cal Grant types, how much each pays in 2026-27, who qualifies and how to apply without missing the deadline.
| Fact | Details |
|---|---|
| Who awards it | California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) |
| How to apply | FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, plus a GPA submitted to CSAC |
| Deadline | March 2; September 2 for community college students |
| Cal Grant A maximum | UC $15,588 · CSU $6,838 · private colleges $4,000 to $9,358 |
| Cal Grant B | Same tuition amounts from the second year, plus a $1,648 Access Award |
| Minimum GPA | Cal Grant A: 3.00 high school (2.40 college) · Cal Grant B: 2.00 |
| Income ceiling, family of four | Cal Grant A $144,700 · Cal Grant B $76,100 |
Sources: California Student Aid Commission, Cal Grant Award Types and 2026-27 Cal Grant Income and Asset Ceilings. Full list at the end of the article.
In This Article
What Is a Cal Grant?
A Cal Grant is free money from the State of California for students who attend an eligible California college, university or career school. The two main awards are Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B, and there is also a Cal Grant C for career and technical training.
- Cal Grant A pays tuition and fees at four-year colleges. It’s aimed at students with a higher GPA and a wider range of family incomes.
- Cal Grant B is for students from lower-income families. In the first year it pays only the Access Award for books and living costs; from the second year it also covers tuition and fees.
- Cal Grant C is for occupational and technical training programs at least 8 weeks long. It has no GPA requirement, awards are limited and competitive, and it helps pay for books and supplies, plus tuition and fees at private career schools. It can be renewed for up to two years.
You don’t choose which Cal Grant you get. CSAC reviews your FAFSA or Dream Act application and your GPA and offers the award you qualify for.
How Much Is a Cal Grant in 2026-27?
The Cal Grant amount depends on the type of school you attend. At the UC and CSU, Cal Grant A covers systemwide tuition and fees in full.
| School type | Maximum Cal Grant A | Maximum Cal Grant B |
|---|---|---|
| University of California (2026-27 cohort) | $15,588 | $15,588 + $1,648 |
| California State University | $6,838 | $6,838 + $1,648 |
| Private colleges | $4,000 to $9,358 | $4,000 to $9,358 + $1,648 |
| Community college bachelor’s degree program | $3,024 | $3,024 + $1,648 |
| Community college | Held in reserve for up to 2 years until you transfer | $1,648 Access Award |
Source: California Student Aid Commission, Cal Grant Award Types, 2026-27. Cal Grant B pays only the $1,648 Access Award in the first year and adds tuition from the second year.
Students with dependent children and current or former foster youth may qualify for a larger Access Award of up to $6,000 a year. See our UC tuition guide for what the UC charges beyond tuition.
“The Cal Grant is the single biggest reason a UC or CSU degree costs less than families expect. The most common way students lose it isn’t income or grades; it’s missing the March 2 deadline.”
CalChannel Editorial Team
Who Qualifies for a Cal Grant?
To get a Cal Grant, you generally need to be a California resident attending an eligible California school, show financial need, and have family income and assets under the state’s ceilings. You also need a minimum GPA:
- Cal Grant A: at least a 3.00 high school GPA, or a 2.40 college GPA
- Cal Grant B: at least a 2.00 GPA
Students who can’t file the FAFSA because of immigration status but qualify under AB 540 can still get a Cal Grant by filing the California Dream Act Application.
Cal Grant Income and Asset Limits
Cal Grant eligibility also depends on your family’s income and assets. For 2026-27, dependent students’ family income must fall under these ceilings:
| Family size (dependent students) | Cal Grant A income ceiling | Cal Grant B income ceiling |
|---|---|---|
| Six or more | $167,200 | $91,900 |
| Five | $155,000 | $85,100 |
| Four | $144,700 | $76,100 |
| Three | $133,200 | $68,400 |
| Two | $130,000 | $60,700 |
Source: California Student Aid Commission, 2026-27 Cal Grant Income and Asset Ceilings. Independent students without dependents: $53,000 (single) or $60,700 (married).
Family assets can’t exceed $111,900 for dependent students or $53,300 for independent students. If your family earns more than the Cal Grant limits, you may still qualify for the Middle Class Scholarship, which reaches families with income and assets up to $250,000.
How to Apply for a Cal Grant
- File the FAFSA, or the California Dream Act Application if you’re eligible under AB 540, by March 2. Community college students have until September 2.
- Make sure your GPA reaches CSAC. Most California high schools submit seniors’ GPAs electronically; ask your counselor to confirm.
- About a week after you file, create a WebGrants 4 Students account with CSAC to confirm your GPA is on file and check your Cal Grant status.
- Claim your award in WebGrants 4 Students by confirming the college you’ll attend (starting in February) so the grant is paid to the right school.
Filing early also puts you in line for the Pell Grant, college grants and work-study. For other key dates, see our college application deadlines guide.
Keeping Your Cal Grant
A Cal Grant can be renewed each year, for up to four years of full-time attendance, as long as you still meet the requirements. That means filing the FAFSA or Dream Act application every year, staying under the income and asset ceilings and making satisfactory academic progress at your college.
If you start at a California community college with a Cal Grant A, the tuition portion can be held in reserve for up to two years until you transfer to a four-year school.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much is a Cal Grant for 2026-27?
Cal Grant A covers up to $15,588 at the UC, $6,838 at the CSU and $4,000 to $9,358 at private colleges. Cal Grant B pays the same tuition amounts from the second year, plus a $1,648 Access Award.
What is the Cal Grant deadline?
March 2 for most students. Community college students can file by September 2.
What GPA do you need for a Cal Grant?
At least a 3.00 high school GPA (or 2.40 college GPA) for Cal Grant A, and at least a 2.00 for Cal Grant B.
Do you have to pay back a Cal Grant?
No. A Cal Grant is gift aid. You don’t repay it as long as you use it for eligible education costs.
Can undocumented students get a Cal Grant?
Yes, if they qualify under AB 540. They apply with the California Dream Act Application instead of the FAFSA.
The Bottom Line on the Cal Grant
The Cal Grant can cover all of your UC or CSU tuition and part of private college tuition, and you never repay it. File the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2 (September 2 for community college), make sure your GPA reaches CSAC and reapply every year. For the full picture of California aid, see how to pay for college. If an older guide mentions the Expected Family Contribution, see how the EFC became the Student Aid Index. Cal Grant funding is set in the state budget; see how California education policy is made.
Sources
- California Student Aid Commission. “Cal Grant Programs.” csac.ca.gov.
- California Student Aid Commission. “Cal Grant Award Types.” csac.ca.gov.
- California Student Aid Commission. “Cal Grant Income and Asset Ceilings, 2026-27.” csac.ca.gov.
- California Student Aid Commission. “Middle Class Scholarship (MCS).” csac.ca.gov.
CalChannel Editorial Team California college guides
The CalChannel editorial team researches and writes guides to California colleges, admissions and financial aid. We build our college profiles and aid guides from colleges’ own published data, federal IPEDS data and the California Student Aid Commission. Read our editorial policy.
