Published: December 30, 2025
Billions in free money sit on the table every year.
It’s not a loan. It’s not a scam. It’s California tax dollars designed to get you through college debt-free, but thousands of eligible students walk away empty-handed because they miss one paperwork deadline.
If you are a California resident planning to attend college in the 2026-2027 school year, this is your payout to lose. Here is exactly how to claim it.
The Hard Deadline
Miss this date and most four-year schools will not consider you at all.
March 2, 2026
This is the priority deadline for the Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, and most competitive state aid.
- Application Opened: October 1, 2025
- Priority Deadline: March 2, 2026
- Community College Deadline: September 2, 2026 (only for foster youth and community college students who missed the first window).
Don’t wait until March. The system crashes, forms get lost, and verification takes time. Submit by January 2026 to be safe.
Which Grant Is For You?
The state breaks the money down into three “tiers” based on your GPA and financial need. You don’t “pick” one; the state assigns you the best one you qualify for.
Cal Grant A
- For: Degree programs (Associate or Bachelor’s).
- Cover: Pays tuition and fees directly to the school.
- GPA Requirement: 3.0 High School GPA (or 2.4 College GPA).
- Target: Middle-to-low income students at UCs, CSUs, or private colleges.
Cal Grant B
- For: Very low-income students.
- Cover: Provides a living allowance (approx. $1,648/year) for books and food plus tuition assistance after your first year.
- GPA Requirement: 2.0 High School GPA.
Cal Grant C
- For: Vocational and technical training (mechanics, culinary, IT).
- Cover: Pays for books, tools, and equipment.
- GPA Requirement: No specific GPA, but recommended.
2026-2027 Income Ceilings
To qualify, your family income and assets must fall below these specific caps.
Income Limits (Dependent Students & Families of 4):
- Cal Grant A & C: $144,700
- Cal Grant B: $76,100
Asset Limits (Cash, Savings, Investments):
- Dependent Students: $111,900
- Independent Students: $53,300
> Note: These numbers are specific to the 2026-27 cycle. CSAC can update ceilings after the state budget, so re-check if you’re close to the cutoff. If you earn slightly more, you may still qualify for the Middle Class Scholarship, which has a much higher income cap (approx. $250,000).
How to Apply (3 Steps Only)
Do not overcomplicate this. You need two documents on file to get paid.
1. Submit the Federal/State Form
- Citizens/Green Card Holders: File the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
- Undocumented/Dreamers: File the CADAA (California Dream Act Application).
- You can file now through March 2, 2026 (earlier is better).
2. Verify Your GPA
- Your high school or college usually uploads this automatically.
- Check: Ask your guidance counselor, “Did you upload my GPA to CSAC?”
- If No: Download the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form, get it signed by your school, and mail it to CSAC before March 2.
3. Create a WebGrants Account
- After you apply, you must create an account at WebGrants 4 Students (mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov).
- This is where you see your award status and, most importantly, verify your high school graduation. If you don’t log in and check “Graduated,” they often won’t release the funds.
Common Pitfalls
- Applying Late: March 3 is too late for most 4-year universities.
- Ignoring WebGrants: Thousands of students are awarded money but lose it because they never logged into the portal to “claim” it.
- Wrong ID Numbers: Ensure your name on the FAFSA/CADAA matches your school records exactly.
If you’re applying for 2026–27, set a calendar reminder now and start the FAFSA or CADAA as soon as it opens. Waiting costs people real money every year.
FAQ: Cal Grant 2026–27
What is the Cal Grant 2026–27 deadline?
The priority deadline for the Cal Grant 2026–27 is March 2, 2026. Students attending four-year colleges must meet this deadline to be considered for most state aid. Missing it usually means waiting an entire year.
How much money does the Cal Grant pay?
The Cal Grant payout depends on the type you qualify for:
Cal Grant A pays tuition and systemwide fees at eligible colleges.
Cal Grant B provides a living allowance plus tuition support.
Cal Grant C helps cover books, tools, and program costs for career and technical programs.
The exact amount varies by school and enrollment status.
What are the Cal Grant income limits for 2026?
For the 2026–27 year, income limits depend on the grant type:
Cal Grant A & C: Higher income ceiling
Cal Grant B: Lower income ceiling for very low-income students
Income and asset limits are reviewed annually, so applicants should always check the current year’s thresholds.
What GPA do you need for the Cal Grant?
Cal Grant A: Minimum 3.0 GPA (or 2.4 for college students)
Cal Grant B: Minimum 2.0 GPA
Cal Grant C: No strict GPA requirement, but academic progress is reviewed
Your school must submit GPA verification for you to be considered.
How do you apply for the Cal Grant?
To apply for the Cal Grant 2026–27, you must:
Submit the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application
Ensure your GPA is verified with the state
Create and check your WebGrants for Students account
Missing any one of these steps can delay or cancel your award.
Is the Cal Grant different from the FAFSA?
Yes. The FAFSA (or Dream Act Application) is the application, while the Cal Grant is the state money awarded after your information is reviewed. Filing the FAFSA alone does not guarantee a Cal Grant.
Can undocumented students get the Cal Grant?
Yes. Eligible undocumented students can apply using the California Dream Act Application instead of the FAFSA. The same Cal Grant deadline and GPA rules apply.
What happens if you miss the Cal Grant deadline?
If you miss the Cal Grant 2026–27 deadline, most four-year colleges will not consider you for that year’s award. Some community college students may still qualify later, but funding is limited.
Sarah Johnson is an education policy researcher and student-aid specialist who writes clear, practical guides on financial assistance programs, grants, and career opportunities. She focuses on simplifying complex information for parents, students, and families.
