Cal Grant 2027–28: Deadline March 2, 2027, Award Amounts and How California Students Apply

California State Capitol building with palm trees for Cal Grant 2027–28

Cal Grant is California's largest state financial aid program, and the deadline for the 2027–28 school year is March 2, 2027 for most students — September 2, 2027 for California community college students. Cal Grant A covers up to $15,588 at a University of California campus, $6,838 at a California State University campus, and $9,358 at a private nonprofit college. If you are a California resident planning college in 2027–28, this guide explains the three Cal Grant types, the amounts, the requirements, and exactly how to apply.

Quick Answer: What Is Cal Grant?

Direct answer: Cal Grant is a state-funded financial aid program run by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) that pays for college costs for California residents. It has three types: Cal Grant A for tuition at four-year colleges, Cal Grant B for low-income students including a living-expense allowance, and Cal Grant C for occupational and technical programs. You apply by filing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and submitting a verified GPA by March 2, 2027 — or September 2, 2027 if you attend a California community college. There is no separate Cal Grant application form.

Cal Grant 2027–28: Key Facts

Deadline: March 2, 2027 (FAFSA/CADAA + verified GPA); September 2, 2027 for California community college students
Cal Grant A (tuition): Up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU, $9,358 at private nonprofit colleges
Cal Grant B (living costs): $1,648 access award in the first year, plus tuition coverage in later years
Cal Grant C (career/technical): Up to $1,094 for tuition and fees plus $2,462 for books, tools, and equipment
Who can apply: California residents (or AB 540 eligible students) attending a qualifying California college
How to apply: File the FAFSA or CADAA and submit a verified GPA — no separate Cal Grant form
Renewal: Cal Grants can be renewed for up to four years if you keep meeting the requirements
Official source: csac.ca.gov (California Student Aid Commission)

Cal Grant A vs. B vs. C — Which One Fits You?

Cal Grant A is for students with at least a 3.0 GPA attending a four-year college — it pays tuition and fees directly. Cal Grant B is for low-income students, including those at community colleges: it starts with a $1,648 access award for living expenses in the first year, then adds tuition coverage when you transfer to a four-year school. Cal Grant C is for students in occupational or technical programs of at least four months, covering tuition plus up to $2,462 for books, tools, and equipment. Most students are considered for A and B automatically when they file the FAFSA or CADAA — the system matches you to the grant you qualify for.

California student studying with a laptop and calculator for Cal Grant 2027–28

How to Apply for Cal Grant 2027–28

There are two steps, and both must be done by the deadline. First, file the FAFSA (or the CADAA if you are an AB 540 student) and list at least one qualifying California college. Second, make sure a verified GPA is submitted — your high school or college usually sends it automatically, but confirm with your school's counseling office or financial aid office that it was sent. CSAC matches your FAFSA and GPA, then notifies you of your award. If your GPA was not submitted, your application is incomplete even if your FAFSA is perfect. Check your status at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. For more aid options, explore California financial aid programs for 2027–28 alongside this guide.

Common Cal Grant Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is missing the March 2 deadline — Cal Grant is first-come in the sense that late applications are not accepted, and the September 2 extension applies only to community college students. The second is a missing verified GPA: ask your school to confirm it was sent, and check your CSAC account. The third is listing no California college on your FAFSA — if no qualifying school is listed, CSAC has nowhere to send the award. And if your family's income changes, update your FAFSA: Cal Grant eligibility is income-tested, and a corrected FAFSA can change your award. Our 2027–28 FAFSA step-by-step guide covers the form in detail.

Can Cal Grant Be Combined With Other Aid?

Yes. Cal Grant stacks with the federal Pell Grant, the California College Promise Grant (which waives community college enrollment fees), institutional aid, and most private scholarships. A community college student with a Cal Grant B access award plus a Pell Grant can often cover books, transport, and living costs with no loans at all. Because Cal Grant is state money, it does not reduce your federal aid — it adds to it.

Important warning: Never pay to apply for a scholarship or state grant. Cal Grant has no application fee — you apply through the free FAFSA or CADAA. Any person or site charging a fee for Cal Grant help is running a scam.

Frequently Asked Questions

When is the Cal Grant deadline for 2027–28?

March 2, 2027 for most students. California community college students have a second deadline of September 2, 2027.

How much does Cal Grant pay?

Cal Grant A pays up to $15,588 at UC, $6,838 at CSU, and $9,358 at private nonprofit colleges. Cal Grant B adds a $1,648 access award for living costs. Cal Grant C pays up to $1,094 for tuition and fees plus $2,462 for books, tools, and equipment.

Do I need a separate application for Cal Grant?

No. You apply by filing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application and submitting a verified GPA by the deadline.

Who qualifies for Cal Grant?

California residents (or AB 540 eligible students) attending a qualifying California college, who meet the GPA and income requirements for their grant type.

Can Cal Grant be renewed?

Yes. Cal Grants can be renewed for up to four years if you continue to meet the GPA, enrollment, and income requirements.

Does Cal Grant reduce my Pell Grant?

No. Cal Grant is state aid and stacks with the federal Pell Grant and other aid — it adds to your total award rather than replacing it.

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