The California College Promise Grant (CCPG) is an enrollment-fee waiver for eligible students at the state’s public community colleges. It is not a scholarship deposited into a student account: it generally removes the per-unit enrollment charge, while books, transportation, housing, materials, and other campus fees may remain. Before assuming college is “free,” ask what balance remains after the waiver.
The California Community Colleges office publishes three main eligibility routes. Type A is tied to certain public benefits or special classifications; Type B uses base-year income and household size; Type C determines financial need through FAFSA or the California Dream Act. Students usually apply through the community college they attend, which decides what evidence it accepts and how to submit it.
For 2026–27, the official Type B table uses base-year household income: $23,475 for one person, $31,725 for two, and $48,225 for four, plus $8,250 for each additional family member after eight. The standard is based on 150 percent of the applicable federal poverty guidelines. Do not confuse the limit with current-year earnings; check which tax period the application asks about.
The state provides English and Spanish CCPG forms for 2026–27. Students can also ask their college whether it accepts a standalone fee-waiver request without FAFSA. If using FAFSA or the California Dream Act, complete the annual application and list the correct institution; then monitor the college portal and email for requests for records. Submission instructions differ by college, and the income chart can change each year.
The waiver may also depend on academic progress. Each college explains its GPA and course-completion standards, probation notices, and available appeals. East Los Angeles College, for example, publishes a 2.0 GPA and completion of more than half of attempted units, with paths to regain eligibility by improving, appealing documented circumstances, or sitting out defined terms. Confirm the rules at your own institution.
The Chancellor’s Office Student Financial Assistance Unit publishes manuals and forms but does not resolve individual files. Your campus financial-aid office can tell you which document is missing. The statewide profile collects CCPG charts and resources; East Los Angeles College offers a local example of processing and appeals. If you are not a California resident, ask about qualifying exemptions such as AB 540 before ruling out the grant.
Student Financial Assistance Programs — California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
2026–27 California College Promise Grant Type B Income Standards — California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
CCPG and Special Programs Manual — California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office.
Financial Aid Publications & Forms — East Los Angeles College.
Information checked against official sources on October 12, 2026. Criteria, forms, and amounts refer to the named year; final decisions depend on the agency and institution. Confirm the term’s requirements before enrolling, paying fees, or filing a tax return.
CCPG removes a specific fee; ask your campus for the remaining balance and confirm which eligibility route applies.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office — Student Financial Assistance
1102 Q Street, Sacramento, CA 95811
The state office publishes CCPG forms and cycle-specific income charts. It does not decide individual student files; each community college determines eligibility and applies the waiver.
State office publishing California College Promise Grant rules and forms
East Los Angeles College — Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
1301 Avenida Cesar Chavez, Monterey Park, CA 91754
ELAC publishes 2026–27 CCPG forms and explains eligibility paths, academic-progress rules, and appeals. It receives applications for its own students; instructions may differ at other colleges.
College office processing California College Promise Grant and financial aid
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
East Los Angeles College · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office — Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office — Student Financial Assistance ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
-
Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
East Los Angeles College · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of East Los Angeles College — Financial Aid and Scholarship Office ↗
Primary source
East Los Angeles College · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of East Los Angeles College — Financial Aid and Scholarship Office ↗
Primary source
California Community Colleges Chancellor’s Office · Accessed October 12, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.