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. For 2025-26, the California Priority Aid Deadline has been extended on a statewide basis to April 2, 2025.
Deadline
March 2 is the deadline for submitting 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. Students can receive a Cal Grant award for a maximum of 4 years (400% eligibility). Cal Grant maximum lifetime eligibility is based on Education Level (EL) at the time of first disbursement. EL is established around completed units and maximum allowable transfer units as determined by SDSU's Office of the Registrar.
Amount
Both Cal Grant A and B provide assistance with the State Tuition Fee and are available for up to eight semesters for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. Beginning with Sophomore year, the Cal Grant B also provides an additional living allowance. Cal grant award amounts are prorated based on enrollment.
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
- First-time Cal Grant applications and renewing your Cal Grant
- Extending your Cal Grant for a teaching credential
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.
Through 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