Scholarship

Cal Grant

State grant for tuition and fees at California institutions.

Detail	Information
Award	Up to about $14,000 per year
Provider	California Student Aid Commission
Typical deadline	FAFSA/CADAA by March 2
Eligible grade levels	grade 12
Category	state, need-based

Who qualifies

California residents attending a California college with financial need.

How to apply

1. Open the official California Student Aid Commission application page and confirm this cycle's deadline and award amount — both change yearly.
2. Collect what almost every application asks for: transcript, a counselor or teacher recommendation, and your FAFSA or household income details if the award is need-based.
3. Draft the essay well ahead of the deadline and have one adult read it.
4. Submit several days early. Portals get overloaded on deadline day.

Official application page →

Frequently asked questions

How much is the Cal Grant worth?

The Cal Grant awards Up to about $14,000 per year. Amounts are set by California Student Aid Commission and change from cycle to cycle, so confirm the current figure on the provider's official page before applying.

When is the Cal Grant deadline?

The typical deadline is FAFSA/CADAA by March 2. Deadlines move every year; set your own reminder at least three weeks earlier so you have time for essays and recommendation letters.

Who is eligible for the Cal Grant?

California residents attending a California college with financial need.

Amounts, deadlines and eligibility are typical values that change every cycle. Always verify on the provider’s official page before applying.

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