Cal/Chafee Grant

State Aid Programs

Students may qualify for additional grants from their state governments. To learn about available grants, visit the following websites: https://www.csac.ca.gov/students

Cal Grant Programs

Complete either a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or CADAA (California Dream Act Application). Students are recommend to complete their applications as soon as possible beginning October 1st, but no later than the March 2nd PRIORITY deadline. For more information about the Cal Grant, please visit https://www.csac.ca.gov/cal-grants

The State of California administers Cal Grant A, B, and C grant programs, which are available to eligible undergraduate students and do not require repayment. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program.  The California Student Aid Commission must approve student eligibility. Recipients do not have to repay grants, which are based on funds available from the State. The system credits all Cal Grant payments to the student’s account to cover outstanding tuition fees and supplies. However, a student may request direct payment of his or her Cal Grant B & C access funds up to the date the fund transaction actually occurs.

Cal Grant Programs (A, B, or C)

The State of California administers Cal Grant A, B, and C grant programs, which are available to eligible undergraduate students and do not require repayment. Cal Grant applicants must apply using the FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program.  The California Student Aid Commission must approve student eligibility. Recipients do not have to repay grants, which are based on funds available from the State. All Cal Grant payments are credited to the student’s account to cover outstanding tuition fees, and supplies. However, a student may request direct payment of his or her Cal Grant B access funds up to the date the fund transaction actually occurs.

Chafee Grant Program

The California Student Aid Commission and the state Department of Social Services sponsor the California Chafee Grant Program for eligible foster youth and former foster youth. Students who qualify may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year if enrolled in an eligible program. In general, students must:

  • Not have reached age 26 as of July 1 of the award year
  • Have not participated in the program for more than 5 years (cumulative)

Funding from the Chafee Grant is intended to supplement any grant funds that a student may otherwise be eligible to receive; however, the total grant funding may not exceed the student’s cost of attendance. Chafee Grant benefits must be coordinated with a student’s other financial aid. In some instances, remaining loan disbursements or work-study awards may need to be cancelled to allow maximum Chafee Grant awards to be received.

For more information about the Chafee Grant, please visit: https://chafee.csac.ca.gov/