California Financial Aid & Scholarships

Discover how California's generous financial aid programs can make college affordable for your family.

Major California Financial Aid Programs

Cal Grant Program

California's Premier State Aid

California's largest financial aid program providing grants that don't need to be repaid.

Cal Grant A

  • • Up to $12,570 for UC schools
  • • Up to $5,742 for CSU schools
  • • For students with high GPAs
  • • Renewable for 4 years

Cal Grant B

  • • Living allowance + tuition assistance
  • • Up to $1,648 freshman year
  • • Full tuition coverage years 2-4
  • • For disadvantaged students
Blue and Gold Opportunity Plan

UC System Need-Based Aid

UC system program ensuring California residents don't pay tuition if family income is below certain thresholds.

Coverage Details

  • • Income under $80,000: Full systemwide tuition covered
  • • Additional aid for families under $60,000
  • • Combines with Cal Grant and federal aid
  • • Available at all UC campuses
Note: Covers systemwide tuition only. Students still responsible for campus fees, room, board, and other expenses.
CSU State University Grant

Cal State University system's need-based grant program for eligible California residents.

Program Benefits

  • • Covers systemwide tuition and fees
  • • Income eligibility up to $70,000
  • • Renewable each academic year
  • • Automatic consideration with FAFSA

Additional CSU Aid

Campus-Based Aid
Additional grants and scholarships vary by campus
Emergency Aid
Short-term assistance for unexpected financial crises

California Financial Aid Timeline

October 1 - FAFSA Opens

Submit your FAFSA as early as possible. California processes applications on a first-come, first-served basis.

Critical Deadline:March 2 for maximum Cal Grant consideration

March 2 - Cal Grant Deadline

Final deadline for Cal Grant applications. Must have FAFSA completed and GPA submitted.

Requirements:FAFSA + verified GPA from high school

April - Award Letters

Receive financial aid award letters from colleges. Compare packages and make informed decisions.

Action Item:Accept aid awards by May 1 deadline

Additional Financial Aid Resources

Dream Act Application

California Dream Act allows eligible AB 540 students to apply for state financial aid.

  • • Cal Grant eligibility
  • • State university grants
  • • Institutional aid access
Work-Study Programs

On-campus employment opportunities to help finance your education.

  • • Federal Work-Study
  • • Campus employment
  • • Flexible scheduling
Private Scholarships

External scholarship opportunities from organizations, foundations, and corporations.

  • • Merit-based awards
  • • Need-based grants
  • • Specialty scholarships

Continue Your California College Planning Journey

With funding secured, now learn about the application process

Back: Explore Your Options

Return to explore California colleges and universities

View Universities

Step 3: College Applications

Navigate UC, CSU, and Common App systems with expert guidance

Learn About Applications

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