How to make sure you are considered for a Cal Grant

This page is about getting your Cal Grant application complete. It is general information, not financial advice. For how to fill out the aid forms, see How to apply for the CA Dream Act.

What do I need to be considered?

Two things, by the deadline:

1. An aid application. The FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. Undocumented students, DACA recipients, and students with TPS or a U visa use the California Dream Act Application. You can get a Cal Grant either way.
2. Your GPA. The state needs a Cal Grant GPA from your school. Usually your school sends it. You still need to check.

If one of the two is missing on the deadline, you may not be considered. That's why this page is a checklist.

Can I get a Cal Grant without papers?

Yes. Students who meet California's in state tuition rules, called AB 540, can get a Cal Grant through the California Dream Act Application. You do not need DACA or a Social Security number. See Who qualifies for in state tuition.

Applying as a high school senior or recent graduate is your strongest chance. The main Cal Grant for students right out of high school is open to current seniors and last year's graduates.

Which Cal Grant might I get?

The state has several kinds. You don't pick one. The state looks at your application and GPA and decides.

• High School Entitlement: for current high school seniors and last year's graduates. You need a GPA and an aid application by March 2.
• Community College Entitlement: for students enrolled at a California community college. You need an aid application and a verified Cal Grant GPA by September 2.
• Transfer Entitlement: for students who plan to transfer from a California community college to a four year university. The state lists a minimum GPA of 2.4. Apply by March 2.
• Competitive awards: for students who do not get an entitlement award. These are limited to 13,000 a year, so they are hard to get.
• Cal Grant C: for occupational or technical programs. There is no GPA requirement, but you still apply with the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application.
• Foster youth: current and former foster youth may qualify for more, and have until their 26th birthday to apply.

Every Cal Grant also has general eligibility rules. Your financial aid office can tell you which ones apply to you.

I am a high school senior: what do I do?

1. October: submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. Both opened October 1, 2026. Don't wait for March.
2. Ask your counselor about your GPA. California law requires public high schools, including charter schools, to send seniors' GPAs to the Student Aid Commission electronically by October 1, unless the student opted out. Your Social Security number is not sent with it. Ask: "Was my GPA sent, and did I or my parent opt out?"
3. If you opted out, tell your counselor you want your GPA sent now, before March 2. The opt out notice usually comes in junior year: schools must send it by January 1 of 11th grade and give at least 30 days to answer. Until you turn 18, only a parent can opt you out. After 18, only you can.
4. Make your WebGrants account once you get your ID number by email (the Dream ID for California Dream Act filers).
5. Check WebGrants for your application and your GPA. Fix anything missing before March 2, 2027.
6. Answer your colleges. They may ask for more papers. Your aid can wait until you send them.

I am in community college: what do I do?

1. Submit your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application. March 2 is still best. September 2, 2027 is the last date for the community college Cal Grant.
2. Get a verified Cal Grant GPA to the state by September 2. Ask your college financial aid office how it sends GPAs. Many colleges send it on their own once you have enough units. Palomar College, for example, sends it after 16 degree applicable units. If you have fewer units, ask the office whether your high school GPA can be used, and how.
3. Planning to transfer? The Transfer Entitlement needs a minimum 2.4 GPA and an application by March 2. Ask your transfer center and financial aid office about your GPA.
4. Check WebGrants for your status and next steps.

What if my GPA is missing?

Act now. Missing GPAs are fixable if you move before the deadline.

• Call or visit your high school counselor or registrar. Ask them to send your Cal Grant GPA to the Student Aid Commission.
• If you graduated a while ago, ask your high school or college how to send a GPA now. If your school cannot upload it, ask the California Student Aid Commission what to send. Student Support: (888) 224-7268.
• If your school closed or you studied outside California, call the Student Aid Commission at (888) 224-7268 and ask what you can use instead.
• Keep proof. If you mail anything, use a method that shows the mailing date and keep a copy.
• Check WebGrants again a few weeks later.

How do I check my status?

Use WebGrants 4 Students. There you can see your application, whether you are being considered for a Cal Grant, and your next steps. You can also change your school or address there later.

1. Go to WebGrants 4 Students.
2. Make an account. California Dream Act filers need the nine digit Dream ID the state emails after you apply.
3. Look for your GPA and your aid application.
4. Read any "next steps" and do them.

What happens after the deadline?

If you qualify, the state lists your Cal Grant in WebGrants and your college includes it in your aid offer. Each college sends its own offer, and timing differs. If you are picked to prove your income, send what your college asks for quickly. See Your Dream Act application was picked for income verification.

You must apply again every year to keep getting aid.

What if I missed March 2?

Don't give up.

• Community college students still have until September 2, 2027.
• Ask your college about campus grants and scholarships with later deadlines.
• Look for scholarships that don't ask about status. See Scholarships you can get without papers.
• Apply on time next year.

What about Cal Grant reform?

In 2022 California adopted a plan to change Cal Grants. It only starts if the state finds the money and passes a law to pay for it (Legislative Analyst's Office). The Student Aid Commission's Cal Grants page still lists the award types on this page (checked October 21, 2026). For 2027 to 2028, follow those rules and the deadlines here.

What mistakes should I avoid?

• Submitting the aid form but never checking the GPA
• Opting out of GPA sending and forgetting to opt back in
• Waiting until the last week of February
• Using the wrong form for your status
• Not making a WebGrants account
• Not answering emails from colleges or the state
• Paying anyone to fill out free forms

Who can help?

These are free. Contact them to confirm hours, languages and openings. Being listed here is not a referral or a promise of service.

• Your high school counselor or registrar: GPA sending and opt outs.
• Your college financial aid office: community college GPAs, transfer and aid offers.
• Your college's Dream Resource Center or undocumented student program.
• California Student Aid Commission: (888) 224-7268, studentsupport@csac.ca.gov.
• Cash for College workshops: free state help with the forms. Find a workshop

Questions students ask

Do I need a Social Security number for my GPA to be sent? No. State law says schools leave Social Security numbers out of the GPA upload, and the Commission matches students who file the California Dream Act Application. Ask your counselor to confirm your GPA was sent, then check WebGrants.

My parent signed an opt out form. Can I still get a Cal Grant? Yes, if your GPA reaches the state by the deadline. Ask your counselor to send it.

Is the Cal Grant a loan? No. A grant is money you do not pay back.

I'm 25 and going back to school. Can I still get one? Maybe, through the community college or competitive awards. Ask your financial aid office.

Is there a checklist I can print?

Every step you check off brings you closer. You've got this.