This is gift aid offered by the State of California. The aid amounts are set by the state government and are subject to change at any time, but they typically cover UC tuition. Students’ eligibility after their first year in the program is based on financial need and on their class level when they were first entered into the program.

Students apply for Cal Grant when they submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). First-time Cal Grant applicants are required to submit a GPA Verification form directly to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) as part of the application process. CSAC determines eligibility and notifies the student by sending a California Aid Report (CAR). Cal Grant disburses each quarter based on enrolled units. Enrollment status is determined by the number of units registered; waitlisted units do not count towards enrollment status. Please refer to the chart on Disbursement and Direct Deposit for more information. If a student meets full-time enrollment status at the beginning of the term and falls below after the funds are disbursed, the student may be billed for any excess aid received. After disbursement, if a student is deemed ineligible for Cal Grant, they will be required to repay the funds received. If students receive additional gift aid, the Cal Grant amount may be reduced. 

• Cal Grant A and B fee funds are only applied toward tuition.
• Cal Grant B Access funds can be used to cover costs including living expenses, transportation, and books and supplies.
• For more information regarding Cal Grant eligibility, refer to the CSAC website.
• A Cal Grant may be in estimated status until confirmed with CSAC, which typically occurs in August.
• Transfer students may not have their Cal Grant funds posted to MyAwards until eligibility is confirmed with CSAC. Confirmation typically occurs during the fall quarter. If determined to be Cal Grant eligible, the Cal Grant may replace a student's University Grant eligibility up to the amount of the Cal Grant.
• Your final amount will be determined after we have verified your eligibility.

The California Chafee Grant is gift aid offered by the State of California to students who are current or former foster youth and who have financial need. Initial eligibility is based on the student's financial aid application, verification of foster status, and attendance at a school that is eligible to participate in the Cal Grant program. Students continue to be eligible as long as they submit the FAFSA or CADAA each year and are not over the age of 26.

The Chafee Grant Program, also known as the Education and Training Voucher (ETV), is a federally funded program and is subject to the availability of federal funds each year. Students can obtain more information about the Chafee Grant and apply online at the CSAC website.

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B offer to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will offer up to $3,000 per academic year (up to $1,000 per quarter) to 2,500 eligible students. The grant will be available to the student for up to 12 quarters while they have an active Cal Grant B offer. Students must also meet Satisfactory Academic Progress and complete any necessary verification for their Cal Grant B. For more information, visit AB540 and Undocumented Students.

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents (LEPD) program provides grants to dependents and spouses of California peace officers (Highway Patrol, marshals, sheriffs, and police officers), Department of Corrections and California Youth Authority employees, or permanent/full-time firefighters employed by public entities that were killed in the line of duty.  Students can obtain more information about the LEPD program and apply online at the CSAC website.

The Native American Opportunity Plan ensures that in-state systemwide tuition and student services fees are fully covered for California students who are also enrolled in federally recognized Native American, American Indian, and Alaska Native tribes. This plan applies to undergraduate and graduate students. Eligibility criteria and details can be found at Native American Opportunity Plan.