Cal Grants are administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). To be eligible for a Cal Grant, you must:
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Be eligible for Financial Aid
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Be a California resident or AB540 eligible student attending an eligible school in California on at least a half-time basis
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Not have received a prior Bachelor's degree
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Meet the satisfactory academic progress standards as determined by the institution
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Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe a refund on a federal or state grant
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Demonstrate financial need
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Meet the minimum GPA requirement as determined by CSAC
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Not exceed the income and asset ceilings established by CSAC
Types of Cal Grants
Cal Grant A is awarded to students from low and middle income families. It provides tuition assistance only. At a UC, it pays the mandatory fees charged to all UC students. It does not cover the campus-based fees (or "student services fees") that vary from campus to campus.
Cal Grant B is awarded to students from disadvantaged and low income families. In the first year of eligibility, it only provides a $1672 Access Grant. In the second through fourth years, it provides fee assistance in addition to the Access Grant.
Students enrolled less than full-time (12 units) on census date (one day after the last day to add classes on GOLD) will have their Cal Grant for that quarter reduced to a level that reflects their enrollment level. For example, a student enrolled in 10 units will have that quarter’s Cal Grant reduced to a 3/4-time award. This may necessitate billing back Financial Aid already received.
Cal Grant B recipients may elect to receive the full disbursement of their Access award to use towards educational expenses or have it applied to any outstanding balances on the student's BARC account. By choosing the first option, Cal Grant B recipients are responsible to resolve any account balances with BARC. Please contact the Cal Grant Coordinator for more information.
How to Apply
New Applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application and a GPA Verification Form (if required, see below) by March 2 prior to the academic year for which the award is intended. CSAC determines eligibility for new awards and notifies the eligible institution(s) listed on the FAFSA of these awards.
If you have not attended UCSB or you have completed less than 36 units at UCSB, you will be required to submit a GPA Verification Form.
If you have completed more than 36 units at UCSB, you will not be required to submit a GPA Verification Form. Our office will verify your GPA.
Renewal Applicants must file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, demonstrate financial need, and not exceed the income and asset ceilings established by CSAC. You can check the status of your Cal Grant at WebGrants 4 Students