Section 7b — California State Aid Programs

70.1 Cal Grant A: tuition coverage at four-year colleges#

What Cal Grant A is#

Cal Grant A is the California state grant program that covers tuition and fees for eligible California residents at four-year UC, CSU, and approved private and out-of-state institutions. It is the largest of the three Cal Grant award types, with maximum awards covering 100% of UC tuition (approximately $14,000 per year for 2025-26 in-state) and 100% of CSU tuition (approximately $6,000 per year for 2025-26).

For students attending eligible private or out-of-state colleges in California, Cal Grant A pays a fixed amount (approximately $9,358 for 2025-26) toward tuition, regardless of the institution's actual sticker price.

Cal Grant A is need-based AND merit-based. Both components must be met:

• Need component: Family income and assets must be at or below the published ceilings (covered in 7b.4)
• Merit component: Cumulative high school GPA of 3.00 (verified via the GPA Verification Form, covered in 7b.5)

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is Cal Grant A?"
• "How much is Cal Grant A?"
• "Do I qualify for Cal Grant A?"
• "Is Cal Grant A only for UC and CSU?"
• "Can I use Cal Grant A out of state?"

Eligibility paths: Entitlement vs Competitive#

Cal Grant A has two eligibility paths:

High School Entitlement (the main path for new high school graduates): California public or private high school graduate who:

• Files FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by March 2
• Has the GPA Verification Form on file by March 2
• Meets the income and asset ceilings
• Is a California resident
• Enrolls at an eligible college within one year of high school graduation

If all criteria are met, the student is entitled to Cal Grant A. There is no competitive selection at this stage; eligibility is automatic.

Transfer Entitlement: California Community College transfer students who:

• File FAFSA/CADAA by March 2 (or September 2 for students transferring in spring)
• Are under 28 years old at the time of transfer
• Earned a 2.4 cumulative GPA at the community college
• Meet income and asset ceilings
• Transfer to a four-year eligible institution

Competitive Awards: A separate pool of Cal Grant A awards for students who do not qualify under the entitlement paths. Available to students up to 28 months past high school graduation (5 years for community college transfers) and selected based on a composite scoring formula. Limited to a fixed number of awards each year, much smaller than the entitlement pool.

Award amounts at different institutions#

For 2025-26, Cal Grant A pays:

• UC: 100% of system-wide tuition and fees (approximately $14,400)
• CSU: 100% of system-wide tuition and fees (approximately $6,000)
• Eligible California private institutions (Stanford, USC, Pomona, Caltech, Pepperdine, etc.): Up to $9,358 toward tuition
• Eligible out-of-state institutions (a small list): Up to $9,358 toward tuition

The institutional aid office at each Cal Grant-eligible school applies the Cal Grant A award to the tuition portion of the bill. Other aid (Pell, institutional grant, federal loans) layers on top.

Renewal#

Cal Grant A is renewable for up to 4 academic years (4 years of attendance, not 4 calendar years) for students attending UC and CSU. Eligibility for renewal requires:

• Maintaining satisfactory academic progress (school's standards apply)
• Continued income and asset eligibility (re-verified each year via FAFSA/CADAA)
• Continued California residency
• Renewal FAFSA/CADAA filed by March 2 each year

A student exhausting 4 years of Cal Grant A (e.g., a fifth-year senior) loses Cal Grant for the additional time. Some students plan summer enrollment to graduate within 4 years.

Quick-reference checklist#

• File FAFSA or CADAA by March 2 of the year before fall enrollment
• Submit Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2
• Confirm income and assets are at or below the ceilings
• Enroll at a Cal Grant A-eligible institution
• Plan for 4-year graduation to use full Cal Grant A allocation

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70.2 Cal Grant B: access award plus tuition for low-income students#

What Cal Grant B is#

Cal Grant B is California's Cal Grant for very-low-income students. It provides an "access award" of approximately $1,648 per year (2025-26) intended to cover non-tuition costs (books, supplies, transportation, living expenses), plus tuition coverage starting in the second year at four-year institutions equivalent to Cal Grant A.

Cal Grant B is structured this way because the original program design assumed first-year low-income students would attend community colleges (where there is no tuition charge under the California Promise Grant) and use the access award for living costs. Starting in their second year, if the student transfers to a four-year college, the tuition coverage kicks in.

The 2024-25 Cal Grant Reform legislation expanded first-year tuition coverage for some Cal Grant B recipients at four-year colleges, but the access award remains the distinctive Cal Grant B benefit.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is Cal Grant B?"
• "How is Cal Grant B different from Cal Grant A?"
• "Who qualifies for Cal Grant B?"
• "Is Cal Grant B for community college?"
• "What is the access award?"

Eligibility#

Cal Grant B requires:

• California residency
• File FAFSA or CADAA by March 2
• Cal Grant GPA Verification Form on file by March 2
• Income and assets at or below the lower Cal Grant B ceilings (substantially lower than Cal Grant A; for 2025-26 the family income ceiling is approximately $54,300 for a family of 4 dependent students)
• Cumulative high school GPA of 2.00 or higher (lower than Cal Grant A's 3.00 requirement)
• Enrollment at an eligible California community college, UC, CSU, or approved private/out-of-state institution

Award amounts#

Access award: $1,648 per year (2025-26), paid as a stipend to support non-tuition costs. Available for the entire eligible enrollment period at any institution type.

Tuition coverage: Starts second year at four-year institutions, equivalent to Cal Grant A amounts ($14,400 at UC, $6,000 at CSU, $9,358 at eligible private/out-of-state).

Some Cal Grant B recipients also qualify for the additional Cal Grant B Service Incentive Grant (SIG), which provides an additional stipend in exchange for community service hours (covered separately in 7b.10 within CADAA).

Cal Grant B for foster youth#

The Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award is a specialized version for current and former foster youth (defined as students who were in foster care at any point on or after their 13th birthday). It provides additional support beyond the standard Cal Grant B and integrates with the Chafee Grant (covered in 7b.9).

Renewal#

Cal Grant B is renewable for up to 4 academic years total at four-year institutions (with possible additional time at community colleges for transfer-bound students). Annual FAFSA/CADAA filing and continued eligibility verification are required.

Quick-reference checklist#

• Confirm family income is at or below the Cal Grant B ceiling
• File FAFSA/CADAA by March 2
• Submit GPA Verification Form by March 2
• Plan for the access award in year 1 to cover non-tuition costs
• If foster youth, apply for the Foster Youth Award and Chafee Grant

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70.3 Cal Grant C: vocational and career education awards#

What Cal Grant C is#

Cal Grant C provides funding for students pursuing vocational, technical, or occupational training programs at California community colleges, technical schools, or vocational institutions. Award amounts include up to $1,094 per year for books, tools, and equipment, plus up to $2,462 per year for tuition at non-community-college institutions (community colleges have no tuition under the California Promise Grant).

Cal Grant C is the smallest of the three Cal Grant award types and serves students pursuing programs of 4 months to 24 months in length. Programs longer than 2 years (typically associate degrees) are usually covered by Cal Grant A or B instead.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is Cal Grant C?"
• "Who qualifies for Cal Grant C?"
• "How much does Cal Grant C pay?"
• "Can I use Cal Grant C at a trade school?"
• "Is Cal Grant C the same as Cal Grant A?"

Eligibility#

Cal Grant C requires:

• California residency
• File FAFSA or CADAA by March 2
• Income and assets at or below the published ceilings
• Enrollment in an eligible vocational or career education program of 4-24 months
• US citizenship, eligible non-citizen, or CADAA-eligible status

There is no minimum GPA requirement for Cal Grant C, distinguishing it from A and B. The award uses a composite scoring formula that considers California-specific occupational and academic factors.

Eligible programs#

Programs must lead to recognized industry credentials in fields the California Workforce Investment Board has identified as in-demand. Common eligible programs include:

• Welding, plumbing, electrical, HVAC, automotive technology
• Cosmetology, esthetics, massage therapy
• Allied health (medical assistant, dental assistant, pharmacy technician, nursing aide)
• Culinary arts
• Computer support, network administration, web development (shorter programs)
• Various trade certifications

A school's program eligibility for Cal Grant C is verified at the institution; the student should confirm with the financial aid office before enrolling.

Award amounts#

For 2025-26:

• Books, tools, and equipment: Up to $1,094 per year (paid as a stipend)
• Tuition (at non-community-college institutions): Up to $2,462 per year

Cal Grant C does not cover the full cost of most career programs, so students often supplement with Pell Grant (if Pell-eligible) and federal loans.

Renewal#

Cal Grant C is renewable annually for the duration of the eligible program (up to 24 months). Renewal requires continued program enrollment, satisfactory academic progress, and annual FAFSA/CADAA filing.

Quick-reference checklist#

• Confirm the vocational program is Cal Grant C-eligible
• File FAFSA/CADAA by March 2
• Plan to supplement Cal Grant C with Pell Grant if eligible
• Track program duration; Cal Grant C is limited to 24-month programs

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70.4 Cal Grant eligibility: GPA, income, and asset ceilings#

The three eligibility tests#

Every Cal Grant award type tests three eligibility criteria:

1. GPA: A minimum cumulative high school GPA, varying by award type
2. Income: Family adjusted gross income at or below an annually-published ceiling
3. Assets: Family non-housing, non-retirement assets at or below an annually-published ceiling

All three tests must be passed. Failure on any single test disqualifies the student.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is the Cal Grant income limit?"
• "What is the Cal Grant GPA requirement?"
• "How much can I have in savings and still get Cal Grant?"
• "Will my parents' assets count against Cal Grant?"
• "What is the income ceiling for Cal Grant A?"

GPA requirements#

For new applicants:

• Cal Grant A: 3.00 cumulative high school GPA
• Cal Grant B: 2.00 cumulative high school GPA
• Cal Grant C: No GPA requirement

For California Community College transfer students:

• Cal Grant A or B Transfer: 2.40 cumulative community college GPA

GPA is calculated by the California Student Aid Commission from the GPA Verification Form (covered in 7b.5), not the high school transcript directly. Some courses count differently for Cal Grant GPA than for the high school GPA.

Income ceilings (2025-26)#

Income ceilings are published annually by CSAC. The 2025-26 ceilings (using prior-prior-year tax data, so 2023 income) are:

Cal Grant A and C (dependent students):

• Family of 6+: $138,300
• Family of 5: $127,800
• Family of 4: $114,800
• Family of 3: $103,400
• Family of 2: $90,000

Cal Grant B and SIG (dependent students):

• Family of 6+: $66,800
• Family of 5: $61,800
• Family of 4: $54,300
• Family of 3: $49,200
• Family of 2: $42,500

Independent students have separate ceilings, typically lower than dependent-student ceilings.

These ceilings increase modestly each year. Check csac.ca.gov for the current year's published ceilings.

Asset ceilings (2025-26)#

Asset ceilings exclude:

• Primary residence value or equity
• Retirement accounts (401k, IRA, pensions)
• Cash value of life insurance
• Personal property

Reportable assets include cash, checking, savings, taxable investments, and equity in non-primary real estate. The 2025-26 asset ceilings:

• Cal Grant A and C: $97,000 for dependent students
• Cal Grant B: $74,400 for dependent students

Independent students have separate asset ceilings.

Income vs assets#

A family that exceeds either ceiling alone is disqualified. Both must be at or below the published threshold. A high-income family with low assets may still qualify if their income is below the ceiling. A high-asset family with low income may still qualify if their assets are below the ceiling.

The most common cause of disqualification: family income above the ceiling. The asset test affects fewer families because the exclusions (primary residence, retirement) eliminate most major holdings.

Quick-reference checklist#

• Identify your family size for the relevant Cal Grant ceiling table
• Confirm prior-prior-year AGI is below the income ceiling for your award type
• Calculate reportable assets and confirm below the asset ceiling
• Calculate Cal Grant GPA using the CSAC formula (not high school GPA)
• If on the boundary, submit complete documentation and consider appeals if denied

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70.5 Cal Grant GPA Verification Form#

What the GPA Verification Form is#

The Cal Grant GPA Verification Form is the document that reports the student's cumulative high school GPA to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). The GPA reported on this form is the official GPA used for Cal Grant eligibility, regardless of what appears on the school transcript.

The form must be submitted by March 2 of the year the student plans to begin college (the same deadline as the FAFSA/CADAA for high school entitlement Cal Grant). For Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement, a community college GPA Verification Form is required by March 2 (or September 2 for spring transfers).

Most California public high schools submit GPA Verification Forms electronically for all graduating seniors automatically. Private high schools and out-of-state high schools may require the student to manage submission individually.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form?"
• "How do I submit my GPA for Cal Grant?"
• "Did my high school submit my GPA?"
• "What if my GPA Verification is missing?"
• "Can I submit GPA after March 2?"

How submission works#

For California public high school students:

1. The high school's counseling office uses the WebGrants for Schools portal at csac.ca.gov to upload all senior GPAs in batch, typically in February before the March 2 deadline
2. The student verifies submission by logging into the WebGrants for Students portal at csac.ca.gov
3. If the GPA is missing, the student contacts the counseling office to request manual submission

For private high school or out-of-state high school students:

1. The student downloads the GPA Verification Form from csac.ca.gov
2. The high school's counselor or registrar completes the form with the cumulative GPA
3. The form is submitted by mail or by fax to CSAC by the March 2 deadline
4. Some private schools have started using the WebGrants portal as well

For homeschool students:

1. Use the alternative GPA verification method (typically based on standardized test scores)
2. Contact CSAC directly for the homeschool verification process

What GPA is reported#

The GPA reported is the cumulative weighted GPA from courses taken in 10th through 12th grade (the senior year is typically through fall semester at the time of submission, or projected through senior year). Some courses are excluded from the Cal Grant GPA calculation:

• 9th-grade courses
• Physical education courses
• Religion or theology courses (at religious schools)
• ROTC

Honors and AP weighting is included in the cumulative GPA calculation.

The result is often different from the school's published GPA. A student with a 3.85 school GPA might have a 3.65 Cal Grant GPA, or vice versa.

What to do if missing#

If the March 2 deadline passes and the GPA Verification Form is not on file:

1. Confirm submission status via the WebGrants for Students portal
2. Contact the high school counselor immediately if missing
3. Request late submission through the WebGrants for Schools portal (the system has a brief grace window)
4. Appeal to CSAC if the late submission is denied; appeals are reviewed case-by-case

Missing GPA submission is one of the most common reasons for Cal Grant denial. Confirming submission well before March 2 is essential.

Quick-reference checklist#

• Confirm with the high school counseling office that GPA submission is on track for the upcoming graduating class
• Verify GPA appears in the WebGrants for Students portal by mid-February
• If the GPA is missing, contact the school immediately
• Calculate your Cal Grant GPA using the CSAC formula to compare with what is reported
• Submit by March 2 for high school entitlement (September 2 for some Transfer Entitlement)

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70.6 Cal Grant Appeals (G-18 and G-46 forms)#

What Cal Grant appeals are#

The California Student Aid Commission allows appeals of Cal Grant eligibility denials. Two primary appeal forms exist:

G-18 (Cal Grant Appeal): For all Cal Grant award types when the student believes they were incorrectly denied based on income, assets, GPA, or other criteria. Submitted by the student to CSAC.

G-46 (Community College Reserve Appeal): A specialized appeal for students who attempted to use Cal Grant at a California Community College and reserved the award for later use at a four-year institution. Used to extend or activate the reserved award.

Appeals can also be submitted for missing GPA, late filing, professional judgment circumstances, and other case-specific issues.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "How do I appeal a Cal Grant denial?"
• "What is the G-18 form?"
• "Can I appeal if my GPA wasn't submitted?"
• "Is there a deadline for Cal Grant appeals?"
• "Will my appeal be approved?"

When to file an appeal#

Common grounds for appeal:

Missing GPA Verification: The most common appeal. The high school did not submit the GPA in time, or the submission was processed incorrectly. Document the high school's submission attempt and confirm with the counseling office.

Income/asset ceiling boundary: If the family's income or assets are slightly above the ceiling and circumstances justify reconsideration (one-time income event, business loss, divorce in progress), an appeal can request reconsideration with supporting documentation.

Late FAFSA/CADAA filing: If the FAFSA was filed after March 2 due to circumstances beyond the student's control (medical emergency, family crisis), an appeal can request consideration despite the late filing.

Disputed GPA calculation: If the student believes CSAC's GPA calculation incorrectly excluded eligible courses or incorrectly weighted courses, an appeal can request recalculation.

Special circumstances: Various individual circumstances that the standard process does not accommodate.

How to file#

1. Download the appropriate appeal form from csac.ca.gov
2. Complete the form with supporting documentation: Tax returns, transcripts, letters from school officials, medical documentation as relevant
3. Submit to CSAC by mail or via the WebGrants for Students portal
4. Wait for decision: CSAC review typically takes 4-8 weeks
5. If approved, the Cal Grant award is reinstated or modified
6. If denied, a second-level appeal is possible in narrow circumstances

Strategic considerations#

Appeals are often successful when:

• Documentation is complete and contemporaneous (the medical emergency happened on the date claimed, not after the deadline)
• The student or family acted in good faith and the failure was outside their control
• Supporting letters from school officials, doctors, or other third parties corroborate the claim
• The submission is timely (early in the appeal window, not at the last moment)

Appeals are unsuccessful when:

• The grounds are not among CSAC's recognized appeal categories
• Documentation is missing or insufficient
• The student waited months past the original denial to file
• The income/asset numbers exceed the ceiling by a substantial margin (small overages are sometimes accommodated; large overages rarely are)

Quick-reference checklist#

• Identify the specific reason for denial
• Determine if it falls within CSAC's recognized appeal categories
• Gather complete supporting documentation
• File the appropriate form (G-18 for general, G-46 for community college reserve) promptly
• Follow up with CSAC if no response within 6 weeks

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70.7 Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)#

What MCS is#

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) is California's program for middle-income students attending UC and CSU institutions. It was launched in 2014 to address the gap between Cal Grant ceilings (which exclude middle-income families) and the high cost of UC and CSU attendance for those families.

For 2025-26, MCS provides a "last-dollar" award covering some portion of total cost of attendance after Pell, Cal Grant, institutional aid, and an expected family contribution. The award amount varies based on family income and total cost.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is the Middle Class Scholarship?"
• "Do I qualify for the Middle Class Scholarship?"
• "How much does the Middle Class Scholarship pay?"
• "Is MCS only for UC and CSU?"
• "When do I apply for MCS?"

Eligibility#

To qualify for MCS, the student must:

• Be a California resident or AB 540-eligible (undocumented students who meet residency criteria)
• File FAFSA or CADAA by March 2
• Have family adjusted gross income and assets within the MCS thresholds (significantly higher than Cal Grant ceilings; for 2025-26, family income up to approximately $217,000 may qualify for a partial award)
• Enroll at a UC or CSU institution
• Be a full-time undergraduate student (or, since the 2022 expansion, foster youth and community college transfer students at lower enrollment levels)

The program targets students who are "too rich for Cal Grant but still need help." A family with $150,000 income at a UC may exceed Cal Grant A ceilings but still face $30,000+ in unmet need at sticker price; MCS is intended to bridge that gap.

Award amounts#

MCS uses a formula:

1. Calculate total cost of attendance at the institution
2. Subtract Pell Grant, Cal Grant, federal loans, and institutional aid
3. Calculate an expected family contribution based on income (formula sets a target percentage of family income that should be the family's share)
4. The remaining amount, after the family contribution, is the "scholarship gap"
5. MCS pays a percentage of this gap, varying by income tier

Award amounts for 2025-26 typically range from $1,000 to $7,500 per year for eligible students. The lowest-eligible-income students (just above Cal Grant ceilings) receive the largest awards.

How to apply#

The MCS application is the FAFSA or CADAA. There is no separate MCS application. The student must:

1. File FAFSA or CADAA by March 2
2. List a UC or CSU as a school on the application
3. The state automatically determines MCS eligibility from FAFSA/CADAA data and the institution's reported COA

MCS for foster youth#

The 2022 expansion added a foster youth provision: MCS for foster youth has higher award amounts and covers expanded categories of need. Foster youth attending UC, CSU, or California Community College can receive enhanced MCS awards.

Renewal#

MCS is renewable annually with continued FAFSA/CADAA filing and continued enrollment at an eligible institution. Family financial changes (income going up significantly) can reduce or eliminate the award in subsequent years.

Quick-reference checklist#

• File FAFSA/CADAA by March 2
• Confirm enrollment at an eligible UC or CSU
• Verify income is within MCS thresholds (much higher than Cal Grant)
• Plan for award size to vary year-to-year based on income changes
• If foster youth, confirm enhanced foster youth MCS eligibility

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70.8 California College Promise Grant (community college fee waiver)#

What the California College Promise Grant is#

The California College Promise Grant (formerly the Board of Governors Fee Waiver, or BOG Fee Waiver) waives the per-unit enrollment fee at California Community Colleges for eligible students. The current per-unit fee is $46 (2025-26), so a full-time student taking 12 units per semester saves $552 per semester or $1,104 per academic year.

The Promise Grant only covers enrollment fees, not other costs like books, supplies, transportation, or living expenses. Most students supplement with Pell Grant, Cal Grant B access award (if eligible), or other aid.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is the California Promise Grant?"
• "Is community college free in California?"
• "How do I get the BOG fee waiver?"
• "Do I qualify for the Promise Grant?"
• "What does the Promise Grant cover?"

Eligibility#

The Promise Grant has three eligibility pathways:

Method A: The student or family receives certain public assistance (TANF, SSI, General Assistance).

Method B: The student meets income standards based on family size. For 2025-26, the income standards are:

• Family of 1: $22,590
• Family of 2: $30,660
• Family of 3: $38,730
• Family of 4: $46,800
• Family of 5: $54,870
• Family of 6: $62,940
• Plus $8,070 per additional family member

Method C: The student demonstrates financial need through FAFSA/CADAA, with eligibility determined by demonstrated need at the community college.

Method B is the most common path. Filing FAFSA or CADAA triggers automatic Method C consideration.

How to apply#

Two paths:

1. Submit FAFSA or CADAA: This triggers automatic Method C consideration. The community college's financial aid office processes the waiver based on FAFSA/CADAA data.

2. Submit the Promise Grant application directly: Available on the community college's financial aid website. Used by students who do not file FAFSA/CADAA but qualify under Method A or B.

The Promise Grant application takes about 10 minutes. Eligibility is determined within a few weeks.

California Promise Program#

Distinct from the Promise Grant, the California Promise Program is a separate initiative at participating community colleges that combines fee waivers, support services, and guaranteed transfer pathways. The Promise Program goes beyond fee waivers to include:

• Two years of free tuition (for eligible first-time college students)
• Priority registration
• Counseling and academic support
• Guaranteed transfer to a UC or CSU upon meeting requirements

Each community college decides whether to participate in the Promise Program. Eligibility and benefits vary by college.

Quick-reference checklist#

• File FAFSA or CADAA to trigger automatic Promise Grant consideration
• Or submit the Promise Grant application directly through the community college
• Confirm income meets Method B standards if applicable
• Verify the community college participates in the Promise Program if interested in additional benefits
• Plan to supplement Promise Grant with Pell, Cal Grant B, or institutional aid for non-fee costs

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70.9 Chafee Grant for Foster Youth#

What the Chafee Grant is#

The Chafee Educational and Training Voucher Program (commonly Chafee Grant) is a federally-funded grant administered by California for current and former foster youth pursuing post-secondary education or training. The grant provides up to $5,000 per year to support college, vocational training, or job training.

The program is named for Senator John Chafee and was created by the federal Foster Care Independence Act of 1999. California was an early adopter and has the largest Chafee program in the country, serving approximately 2,000 students per year.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is the Chafee Grant?"
• "Do I qualify for the Chafee Grant?"
• "How much does the Chafee Grant pay?"
• "How do I apply for the Chafee Grant?"
• "Can I get Chafee with other aid?"

Eligibility#

To qualify for the Chafee Grant in California, the student must:

• Have been in foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 (some flexibility for documented circumstances)
• Be under 26 years old at the time of award (raised from 23 in recent years)
• File FAFSA or CADAA
• Be enrolled or planning to enroll at a Title IV-eligible postsecondary institution (college, university, vocational/trade school)
• Demonstrate financial need

The foster care eligibility includes youth in formal foster care (with a foster family or in a group home) and youth in kinship care arrangements that were court-supervised. Documentation of foster care status is required, typically through the county social services agency.

Award amount#

Up to $5,000 per academic year, for up to 5 years total. The award can be used for tuition, fees, books, supplies, transportation, room and board, and other education-related expenses. It is not limited to tuition.

Chafee plus Cal Grant B Foster Youth#

Chafee is designed to be combined with the Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award (covered in 7b.2). A foster youth receiving both Cal Grant B and Chafee can have most college costs covered: tuition (Cal Grant B), access award (Cal Grant B), additional support (Chafee). Together they create one of the most generous aid packages available to any California student.

Application process#

1. File FAFSA or CADAA
2. Submit the Chafee Grant application through the California Student Aid Commission portal at chafee.csac.ca.gov
3. Provide documentation of foster care status: Court orders, social services letters, or other verification
4. The student's college's financial aid office processes the Chafee award and incorporates it into the financial aid package

Renewal#

Annual renewal requires:

• Continued enrollment
• Satisfactory academic progress
• Annual FAFSA/CADAA filing
• Confirmation of continued eligibility

Up to 5 years of Chafee funding is available, providing substantial flexibility for students who need additional time to complete a degree.

Quick-reference checklist#

• Confirm foster care eligibility (in foster care between ages 16-18)
• File FAFSA or CADAA
• Submit Chafee Grant application at chafee.csac.ca.gov
• Provide foster care documentation from county social services
• Apply also for Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award if eligible
• Renew annually for up to 5 years of funding

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70.10 California Dream Act (CADAA) for undocumented students#

What CADAA is#

The California Dream Act of 2011 (AB 130 and AB 131, often called AB 540 colloquially though AB 540 is a related but separate residency law) made undocumented students who meet specific California residency criteria eligible for state financial aid, institutional aid at California colleges, and certain other resources. The California Dream Act Application (CADAA) is the application used in lieu of FAFSA for students who cannot file FAFSA due to citizenship status.

CADAA opens at the same time as FAFSA each year (October 1, or December 1 for OBBBA-affected years) and uses the same March 2 priority deadline for state aid (Cal Grant, MCS, etc.).

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is CADAA?"
• "Can undocumented students get financial aid in California?"
• "Do I file CADAA or FAFSA?"
• "What is AB 540?"
• "Does DACA matter for CADAA?"

AB 540 (residency) vs CADAA (financial aid application)#

These are two different things often confused:

AB 540 is a 2001 California law that made certain undocumented students eligible for in-state tuition at California public colleges (UC, CSU, community colleges). To qualify, the student must:

• Have attended a California high school for 3 or more years (or attained the equivalent through credits)
• Have graduated from a California high school or attained an equivalent diploma
• Register or enroll at a California public college
• File an AB 540 affidavit certifying their intent to apply for legal status as soon as eligible

AB 540 covers the tuition rate (in-state vs out-of-state). It does NOT itself provide financial aid.

CADAA is the financial aid application that allows AB 540-eligible students to receive state aid (Cal Grant, MCS, Chafee Grant, etc.) and institutional aid. Without CADAA, AB 540 students would pay in-state tuition but receive no aid from public sources.

Eligibility#

To file CADAA, the student must:

• Meet AB 540 criteria (California high school attendance and graduation)
• Be unable to file FAFSA due to citizenship status (undocumented, DACA recipient, T-visa holder, U-visa holder, or other categories)
• Be a California resident as defined by AB 540

US citizens and permanent residents file FAFSA, not CADAA. The applications are mutually exclusive.

What aid is available through CADAA#

CADAA-eligible students can receive:

• Cal Grant A, B, or C
• Middle Class Scholarship
• Chafee Grant (if foster youth)
• California Promise Grant (community college fee waiver)
• Most institutional aid at UC, CSU, and California community colleges
• Some private scholarships restricted to AB 540 students

CADAA does NOT provide federal aid (Pell Grant, federal loans, federal Work-Study). Federal aid requires US citizenship or eligible non-citizen status, which most CADAA filers do not have.

CADAA mixed-status families#

Some families have a mix of US citizens and undocumented members. For these families:

• Students who are US citizens or permanent residents file FAFSA, even if their parents are undocumented
• Students who are undocumented file CADAA, even if some siblings or parents are US citizens
• Parents' citizenship status does not affect the student's filing choice; only the student's status matters

The 2024-25 FAFSA changes allow undocumented parents to obtain FSA IDs and complete FAFSA for their US citizen children using login.gov verification, without an SSN. This was a significant change that removed a major barrier for mixed-status families.

Information safety#

A common concern: does filing CADAA expose the family to immigration enforcement? CADAA data is protected under California state law and is not shared with federal immigration authorities. The California Student Aid Commission has explicit policies prohibiting such sharing. The federal government has no automated access to CADAA data.

This protection is governed by California state law and could in principle change, but as of 2025-26 the protection is in effect and has been throughout the program's history.

Quick-reference checklist#

• Confirm AB 540 eligibility (3+ years California high school)
• File CADAA, not FAFSA, if undocumented
• File by March 2 for state aid priority
• Submit Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2 (same as FAFSA filers)
• Identify all CADAA-eligible aid (Cal Grant, MCS, Chafee, institutional)
• If parents are undocumented but student is a citizen, parents can now obtain FSA IDs via login.gov

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70.11 Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG)#

What GSTG is#

The Golden State Teacher Grant Program (GSTG) is a California state grant for students enrolled in approved teacher preparation programs who commit to teaching in a California priority school for 4 years after credentialing. The grant provides up to $20,000 toward the costs of the teacher preparation program.

The program addresses California's chronic teacher shortage, particularly in high-need subject areas and high-poverty schools. Like the federal TEACH Grant (covered in 4.5), GSTG is a service-conditional grant: failure to complete the teaching service converts the grant into a loan.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is the Golden State Teacher Grant?"
• "How do I qualify for GSTG?"
• "How much is GSTG?"
• "What is the GSTG service obligation?"
• "What if I change my mind about teaching?"

Eligibility#

To qualify for GSTG, the student must:

• Be enrolled in an eligible teacher preparation program at a California college (UC, CSU, or approved private institution)
• Be working toward a California teaching credential (multi-subject, single-subject in a high-need area, or special education)
• Commit in writing to teach in a California priority school for 4 of the first 8 years after credentialing
• File FAFSA or CADAA
• Meet other program-specific criteria

Priority schools are defined as schools with high percentages of low-income students, low-income communities, or other characteristics indicating high need. The California Commission on Teacher Credentialing maintains the list of priority schools.

Award amount#

Up to $20,000 per recipient, paid as a one-time or installment grant during the teacher preparation program. The program funds approximately 4,500 to 5,000 students per year.

Service obligation#

The recipient must:

• Complete the teaching credential
• Teach for at least 4 of the first 8 years after credentialing in a California priority school
• Teach in a high-need subject area (math, science, special education, bilingual, English learner support, or other designated areas)

Failure to complete the service obligation converts the grant into a loan that must be repaid with interest. The loan terms are similar to federal student loans but are administered by the California Student Aid Commission.

Conversion risk#

Like the federal TEACH Grant, GSTG has a meaningful conversion risk. Students who change career plans, leave teaching for non-priority schools, or fail to complete the credential face loan repayment. Before accepting GSTG, students should:

• Be confident in the teaching career path
• Be willing to teach at a priority school (often urban, often more challenging working conditions than wealthier suburban schools)
• Understand the priority subject requirements

Quick-reference checklist#

• Confirm enrollment in an eligible teacher preparation program
• Sign the GSTG service agreement before accepting the grant
• Plan to teach in a California priority school for 4+ years
• Maintain documentation of teaching service for the duration of the obligation
• Understand conversion to loan if the service obligation is not met

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70.12 CalKIDS savings program#

What CalKIDS is#

The California Kids Investment and Development Savings Program (CalKIDS) is a state-funded savings account program that automatically opens a 529 college savings account for eligible California children. Launched in 2022, it is one of the largest universal college savings programs in the US.

CalKIDS automatically deposits an initial seed amount into a ScholarShare 529 account for:

• All California babies born on or after July 1, 2022
• All low-income public school first-graders (added in 2023)
• All eligible foster youth at certain transition points

Initial deposits range from $25 (newborns) to $1,500 (low-income first-graders, particularly those who are foster youth, English learners, or homeless), with possible additional deposits as the child meets program milestones.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is CalKIDS?"
• "Does my child have a CalKIDS account?"
• "How do I claim my CalKIDS account?"
• "How much is in my CalKIDS account?"
• "Can I add money to my CalKIDS account?"

Eligibility#

CalKIDS automatically enrolls eligible children. There is no application; eligibility is determined from state records.

Newborns born on or after July 1, 2022 in California are automatically enrolled. The state opens the account; the family does not need to do anything to receive the initial $25 deposit (or up to $100 for lower-income families).

Low-income first-graders in California public schools are automatically enrolled starting from the 2022-23 school year. The state identifies eligible children based on free/reduced lunch status, and deposits range from $500 to $1,500 depending on additional risk factors.

Foster youth receive enhanced CalKIDS deposits at certain transition points (entering 1st grade, foster care entry, etc.).

Claiming the account#

The CalKIDS account exists in the state's records, but the family must "claim" it to gain visibility and add additional deposits. Claiming:

1. Visit calkids.org and create a parent or guardian account
2. Verify identity with the child's information (name, date of birth, school enrollment)
3. The CalKIDS account is linked to the parent's view, showing current balance and deposit history

Once claimed, the parent can:

• View the account balance
• Add personal contributions (the account is now the parent's ScholarShare 529 with the initial state deposit)
• Track investment performance
• Use the funds for qualified education expenses when the child reaches college age

Using CalKIDS funds#

CalKIDS funds (and any additional family contributions) can be used for:

• Tuition and fees at any accredited college or university
• Room and board (within published limits)
• Books, supplies, and equipment
• Other qualified higher education expenses as defined by IRC Section 529

Funds are tax-free for qualified expenses (federal and California state). Non-qualified withdrawals incur tax and a 10% federal penalty on the earnings portion.

What if the child does not attend college#

CalKIDS funds remain in the account if the child does not enroll in college immediately. The funds can be used:

• Up to age 26 for the original beneficiary's education
• Transferred to another eligible family member
• Withdrawn (with tax and penalty on earnings) if no education use materializes
• Rolled over to a Roth IRA in some configurations under SECURE 2.0 Act provisions

Quick-reference checklist#

• Visit calkids.org to check if your child has an account
• Claim the account to gain visibility and add personal contributions
• Plan to use the funds for qualified education expenses when the child reaches college
• Understand the funds remain available even if the child delays college
• Add personal contributions to grow the account beyond the state seed amount

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70.13 Cash for College workshops#

What Cash for College is#

Cash for College is California's free FAFSA and CADAA workshop program, organized by the California Student Aid Commission and partner organizations. Workshops are held at high schools, libraries, community centers, and online throughout California from October through March each year. Trained financial aid professionals walk students and families through the FAFSA or CADAA application step by step.

The program serves approximately 50,000 students each year, focusing on first-generation college students and families who would benefit from in-person guidance through the financial aid process.

How students and parents typically ask this#

• "What is Cash for College?"
• "Where can I get free help filing FAFSA?"
• "Are there FAFSA workshops near me?"
• "Can I get FAFSA help in Spanish?"
• "Do Cash for College workshops cost anything?"

How workshops work#

A typical Cash for College workshop:

• 2-3 hours in length
• Conducted by trained volunteers from local colleges, financial aid offices, and community organizations
• Available in English and Spanish (and sometimes other languages depending on location)
• Free of charge
• Walk-in or pre-registered

Workshops cover:

1. Overview of financial aid (federal, state, institutional)
2. Documents needed for FAFSA/CADAA filing
3. Step-by-step assistance completing the application
4. Submission and confirmation
5. Follow-up resources (state aid programs, scholarships, appeals)

Students typically leave the workshop with FAFSA submitted, FSA IDs created, and questions answered.

Where to find workshops#

Workshop locations and dates are listed at:

• icangotocollege.com: California's main college information portal, includes a workshop finder
• csac.ca.gov: California Student Aid Commission, lists workshops by region
• High school counselor offices: Most California high schools host or partner with Cash for College workshops

Online webinars are also offered for students who cannot attend in person. Webinars typically last 60-90 minutes and provide similar guidance through screen-share.

Who should attend#

Cash for College workshops benefit:

• First-time FAFSA filers (especially first-generation college families)
• Families uncertain whether to file FAFSA or CADAA
• Students with complicated family situations (divorced parents, mixed citizenship, foster youth)
• Students who have started FAFSA online but encountered errors
• Families who prefer in-person guidance over self-service online

Students who have filed FAFSA before and are renewing typically do not need a workshop, though they are welcome.

What to bring#

Students and families should bring:

• Social Security card or ITIN documentation
• Driver's license or state ID
• Federal tax returns from the prior-prior tax year (for parents and student if filed)
• W-2 forms for both parent and student from the prior-prior tax year
• Bank statements showing current account balances
• Investment account statements
• Records of any untaxed income (Social Security, child support, veteran benefits, etc.)
• For undocumented families: passport or other identity documents for login.gov verification

The workshop staff will help families work through what they have; missing documents can be added later.

Quick-reference checklist#

• Find a workshop at icangotocollege.com or csac.ca.gov
• Register in advance if required
• Bring required documents
• Allow 2-3 hours for the workshop
• Plan to leave the workshop with FAFSA/CADAA submitted