California Financial Aid
State grants, eligibility, deadlines, and strategies for California students
California has the largest state grant program in the country. The Cal Grant covers tuition and fees at UC, CSU, and eligible private colleges. There are multiple Cal Grant types targeting different student profiles, plus the Middle Class Scholarship for families earning up to $217,000.
California grant programs
Cal Grant A
HybridUp to $14,312/year (UC); up to $7,046/year (CSU); up to $9,358/year (private)
Eligibility
- California resident for 1+ year
- Minimum 3.0 GPA
- Demonstrate financial need (family income/asset ceilings apply)
- Enroll at an eligible California college at least half-time
- Submit GPA verification form from high school
Deadline: March 2 (high school seniors); September 2 (community college transfer students)
Official info →Cal Grant B
Need-basedUp to $1,672/year living allowance in year 1; tuition + living allowance in subsequent years
Eligibility
- California resident
- Minimum 2.0 GPA
- Demonstrate significant financial need
- For disadvantaged students from low-income families
Deadline: March 2 (high school seniors); September 2 (transfers)
Official info →Middle Class Scholarship
Need-basedUp to 40% of tuition at UC or CSU
Eligibility
- California resident
- Family income up to $217,000
- Enrolled at UC or CSU
- File FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application
Deadline: March 2 priority; awards continue until funds are exhausted
Official info →Tips for maximising California aid
The March 2 deadline is a hard cutoff — miss it and you lose a full year of Cal Grant eligibility.
Your high school must submit a GPA verification form to CSAC — confirm with your counselor that this was done.
The Middle Class Scholarship significantly expanded in 2024 — families earning up to $217K may now qualify. Don't assume you earn too much.
Undocumented students who meet AB 540 criteria can access Cal Grants through the CA Dream Act Application instead of FAFSA.
Community college students get a second Cal Grant application window on September 2 — use this if transferring to a UC or CSU.
Educational guide only. State aid programs, amounts, and deadlines change annually. Always verify current information directly with California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and your college's financial aid office before making decisions.
Put this into action
Find colleges in California that fit your budget, or learn more about the FAFSA process.