Cal Grant — California Student Aid Commission

Cal Grant is not a loan or a private scholarship: it is a group of state aid programs administered by the California Student Aid Commission for students who meet financial, academic and residency requirements. Its A, B and C tracks serve different routes and may help with tuition, college costs or career training at participating institutions. The final amount depends on the award type, school and eligibility, so a chart from another year is not a promise of payment.

The application usually starts with the FAFSA or, for students who meet the relevant state criteria, the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The agency also needs a verified GPA; many schools send it automatically, but students should check their records and ask the financial-aid office to correct a missing submission. After applying, WebGrants 4 Students lets applicants review notices, confirm their college and complete later steps. Meeting minimum requirements does not guarantee a competitive award or replace the college’s eligibility review.

The published priority date for 2026–27 was March 2, 2026; the state page extended the date to September 2, 2026 for students attending a California Community College. Both dates had passed when this information was checked. The agency had not yet posted an official 2027–28 deadline on that page, so prepare documents and follow its calendar rather than assuming the date will be identical. CSAC student support lists (888) 224-7268 and studentsupport@csac.ca.gov; the online account tracks an award but does not replace the FAFSA, CADAA or college portals.