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Cal Grants A and B

All undergraduate California residents should apply for the Cal Grant programs.

How to apply: first-time Cal Grant applicant

By March 2, submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (for Dream Act-eligible students) and a GPA Verification Form. Get full GPA verification form instructions.

Deadline

March 2 is the deadline for submitting the FAFSA and a GPA Verification Form.

Eligibility

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) selects undergraduate California residents for Cal Grants A and B. The SDSU Financial Aid office must verify the financial information you provided on your FAFSA to determine if you are eligible. Please note that unmet need, living arrangements, or income and assets fluctuations can impact Cal Grant eligibility.

Amount

Grants A and B assist with different expenses:

  • Cal Grant A provides funds for a portion of your basic tuition and fees.
  • Cal Grant B provides funds to assist with living expenses. The amount is reduced if you are not enrolled full time. During your second year of receiving Cal Grant B, you also may be able to receive additional assistance for a portion of your basic tuition and fees.

Amount and disbursement of your grant

If Cal Grant is part of your financial aid award, disbursement of the funds may be delayed until the university receives funds from the State Controller's Office through the California Student Aid Commission. Funds may be delayed or reduced depending on action of the Governor and the California State Legislature.

Your Cal Grant award cannot exceed the cost of basic tuition and fees when combined with other financial assistance designated to pay basic tuition and fees, such as:

  • State University Grant
  • Vocational rehabilitation
  • Fee waiver
  • Some veteran’s tuition and fee benefits
  • Other programs specifically designated to pay tuition fees

Find out about

WebGrants for students

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) selects undergraduate California residents for the Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B programs.

WebGrants for Students is CSAC’s secure website where you can monitor the processing of your Cal Grant application and award information.

WebGrants for StudentsThrough WebGrants you can:

  • Confirm that CSAC received your application
  • Check your award status and award history
  • Change your address and other demographic information with CSAC
  • List SDSU as the first school to receive your Cal Grant award information