At a glance
Free if eligible- What it covers
- Cal Grants help pay tuition and fees; some Cal Grant B awards include support for living and study costs. Actual awards depend on grant type and year.As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
- Income / financial rules
- Financial need and annual family-income/asset ceilings apply. Check the right award year and Cal Grant type.As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
- Who to check first
- Check California residency or AB 540 status, qualifying citizenship/noncitizen rules, and eligible institution/enrollment requirements.As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
- Application timing
- The CSU guide describes March 2 as the typical annual priority date. Confirm the current academic-year and route-specific deadline with CSAC.As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
Check your eligibility
Some items describe alternative routes rather than requirements for everyone. Use the route that applies to you as a preparation checklist; the program makes the eligibility decision.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
How to apply
- 1Submit FAFSA or CADAA and required school-certified GPA verification by the applicable deadline.As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
- 2Confirm the award route, remaining requirements and actual amount with CSAC and your college’s financial aid office.As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
What to watch for
Competitive awards are not guaranteed. Check the requirements of the specific route and year.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
Parents and current/former foster youth may have additional programme-specific support; status alone does not establish eligibility.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
Common questions
What is the main benefit?
Cal Grants help pay tuition and fees; some Cal Grant B awards include support for living and study costs. Actual awards depend on grant type and year.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
Is there an income limit?
Financial need and annual family-income/asset ceilings apply. Check the right award year and Cal Grant type.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
When should I apply?
The CSU guide describes March 2 as the typical annual priority date. Confirm the current academic-year and route-specific deadline with CSAC.
As of Oct 16, 2026 · California State University ↗
Sources & verification
Source summaries checked by automated research on the dates below. No human professional review is claimed.
Cal Grants eligibility and application
Checked Oct 16, 2026California State University