About Cal Grant

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply for the FAFSA or CADAA by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements.

Depending on the Cal Grant you receive, the money can be used to pay for tuition, fees, books, supplies, housing, food and transportation.

Eligibility for Cal Grant

• Meet California residency requirements
• Meet U.S. Selective Service requirements
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress (3.0 GPA for A / 2.0 GPA for B)
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen
• Attend an eligible California college
• Not have completed a prior bachelor’s degree
• Be enrolled at least half-time
• Not be in default on loans
• Submit FAFSA/CADAA + GPA by March 2
• Meet income and asset limits

Procedure

• Complete FAFSA or CADAA
• Submit GPA to CSAC by March 2
• Create WebGrants account
• Transfer students submit G6 Form

Renewal notifications are sent by mid-July. If not received by August 1, contact CSAC.

Payments & Disbursements

Cal Grant Tuition/Fee awards are applied directly to student billing accounts.

Students must be enrolled at least half-time, submit all documentation, and maintain SAP to receive payment.

Awards may be withdrawn if eligibility is not met.

Duration & Education Level

Students may receive up to four years of full-time grant payments.

• Grade 1: 0–30 units
• Grade 2: 31–60 units
• Grade 3: 61–93 units
• Grade 4: 94+ units

Refund Policy (Title IV)

Students withdrawing before 60% of the term may need to return a portion of aid within 45 days.

The earned aid is based on attendance percentage. After 60%, 100% is earned.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Qualitative Standard

Undergraduate: 2.0 GPA
Graduate: 2.5 GPA

Quantitative Standard

• Must complete 67% of attempted units
• Maximum 150% of program length

Undergraduate Requirements

• 12 credits per semester (full-time)
• 128 credits total
• Maximum 6 years (150%)

Contact & Resources

Website: http://www.csac.ca.gov/

Student Portal: www.webgrants4students.org

Phone: 1-888-CA-GRANT