Cal Grant

Cal Grant A and B Awards are available for up to four years to students pursuing a bachelor's degree.

Cal Grant A

  • At the California State University, the Cal Grant A assists with tuition fees.
  • This grant is for undergraduate students who are California residents.
  • The amount of the Cal Grant A cannot exceed the current tuition fees. 

Cal Grant B

  • Cal Grant B provides a living allowance and tuition fee assistance. 
  • Awards for most first-year students are limited to an allowance of up to $1,648 for books and living expenses.
  • When renewed or awarded beyond the freshman year, the award also helps pay for tuition fees. The awards for tuition fees are the same as those for Cal Grant A.
  • Cal Grant B pays only an allowance amount for the first-year awards, and allowance and tuition fees for second, third and fourth-year recipients.

Entitlement and Competitive Grants

  • Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the financial and eligibility requirements and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award.
  • Other eligible students who have at least a 2.0 GPA may apply for a Cal Grant B Competitive award.
  • Selection is based on a composite score that takes into consideration your family's income, parents' educational level, GPA, time out of high school, and other factors, such as whether you come from a single-parent household or are a former foster youth.

How to Apply and Other Information

  • To be eligible for a Cal Grant, you must first complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application by the filing deadline of March 2.
  • Cal Grants are for undergraduate students who are California residents. Eligibility is based on GPA and financial need. Eligibility criteria is established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
  • In the awarding process, Cal Grants supersede the State University Grant (SUG). Therefore, recipients of the Cal Grant cannot be awarded SUG, as both grants assist with tuition fees.
  • Students who are auditing classes or taking classes for "no credit" are not eligible for any financial aid towards those registration fees.
  • View the CSAC WebGrants 4 Students web page for additional information about Cal Grants.

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Awards 

Cal Grant A/B Fees

Enrollment Status Amount
Full Time: 12 units $5,742 ($2,871/semester)
Three-Quarter Time: 9-11 units $4,306 ($2,153/semester)
Half Time: 6-8 units $2,872 ($1,436/semester)
Less than Half Time: 1-5 units Ineligible

 

Cal Grant B Access

Enrollment Status Amount
Full Time: 12 units $1,648 ($824/semester)
Three-Quarter Time: 9-11 units $1,236 ($618/semester)
Half Time: 6-8 units $824 ($412/semester)
Less than Half Time: 1-5 units Ineligible