Grants for Students in California

California students have access to federal, state, and local grants supporting education at all levels. From K-12 enrichment to college tuition, vocational training to graduate school, California offers one of the most robust grant landscapes in the nation.

Types of Grants for California Students

K-12 Education Grants

Grants for public and private K-12 students including enrichment programs, special education, STEM, arts, and extracurricular activities.

• Science, technology, engineering, math (STEM) grants
• Arts and music education funding
• Special education and disability support
• After-school program funding

Higher Education Grants

Funding for college and university students including California state grants and federal aid.

• Cal Grants (California state funding)
• Pell Grants (federal aid)
• Federal Supplemental Grants (FSEOG)
• Institutional scholarships and grants

Career & Vocational Training

Grants supporting job training, certification, and career pathway programs for career changers and workforce development.

• Community college career programs
• Workforce development funding (WIOA)
• Apprenticeship and training grants
• Industry certification funding

Special Populations

Targeted grants for underrepresented students, first-generation learners, and specific demographics.

• First-generation student grants
• Minority and underrepresented student funding
• LGBTQ+ student support
• Immigrant and refugee student programs

Major California State Grant Programs

Cal Grant A & B (California's Flagship)

Up to $12,000/year for California residents attending UC, CSU, and eligible private colleges. Cal Grant A supports tuition; Cal Grant B supports living expenses for lower-income students.

Requirements: California residency, GPA 2.0+, FAFSA completion, income limits vary

Cal Grant C (Career Training)

Up to $3,168/year for career training and workforce development programs through California community colleges and career programs.

Requirements: California residency, approved career program, FAFSA completion

California SEED Program

Award up to $2,000 to public school students in underserved areas for independent study projects, summer enrichment, and academic acceleration.

Requirements: California K-12 student, school participation

College Promise Grants

Various local and state programs offering tuition-free or reduced-cost community college for California students.

Requirements: California residency, enrollment in community college, income and academic requirements vary by program

California Board of Governors (BOG) Fee Waiver

Waives mandatory enrollment fees for California State University and community college students with financial need.

Requirements: California residency, enrollment at eligible California institution, demonstrated financial need (through FAFSA)

Eligibility for California Student Grants

California Residency

Most California grants require residency (living in California for at least 1 year). DACA students and undocumented immigrants eligible for many Cal Grants.

Academic Progress

Minimum GPA requirements (typically 2.0), high school graduation or GED, and satisfactory academic progress (SAP) in college.

Financial Need

FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) determines financial need. Cal Grants serve low-to-middle income students.

Citizenship/Immigration Status

U.S. citizens, permanent residents, and many DACA students eligible. California leads in support for undocumented students.

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for California student grants?

Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) at fafsa.gov starting October 1. California students are automatically considered for Cal Grants. For additional California state aid, complete the CalGrant GPA verification. Submit FAFSA by the March 2 priority deadline for maximum aid (though later applications accepted). Register with your college's financial aid office.

I'm undocumented or DACA—what grants are available?

California leads the nation in supporting undocumented and DACA students. Complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to access Cal Grants, Cal Grant C, BOG Fee Waivers, and state financial aid. Many California colleges offer institutional grants specifically for undocumented students. Visit kidscounts.org or cacollegeresources.org for comprehensive DACA/undocumented student resources.

What's the difference between Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B?

Cal Grant A (up to $12,000/year) covers tuition at UC, CSU, and eligible private colleges—best for higher-cost institutions. Cal Grant B (up to $12,000/year) supports living expenses for low-income students—better for students attending community college or with significant need. Both are need-based; income and asset limits apply. Complete FAFSA to be considered for both.

Are there grants for California community college students?

Yes, extensively. California community college students are eligible for: Pell Grants (federal), Cal Grant B/C (state), BOG Fee Waivers (California), institutional scholarships, and local/foundation grants. Many California community colleges offer tuition-free admission or College Promise programs. Contact your college's financial aid office to learn about local funding.

Do part-time California students qualify for grants?

Yes. Pell Grants, Cal Grants, and most state aid are available to part-time students. You must be enrolled at least half-time (6+ units) to qualify. BOG Fee Waivers are available for any enrollment level. Career training grants (Cal Grant C) often support part-time/evening programs. Financial aid amount adjusts based on part-time enrollment.

What if I don't qualify for federal grants?

California state grants (Cal Grants) may still be available even if federal FAFSA results aren't favorable—different income limits apply. Additionally, investigate: institutional scholarships from your college, private foundation grants (search FastWeb.com or College Board Scholarship Search), employer tuition assistance, and nonprofit grants for specific majors/demographics. Many California nonprofits fund underrepresented and first-generation students.

Essential Resources for California Students

California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)

csac.ca.gov - Official California state financial aid agency. Find Cal Grant info, check application status, access resources.

FAFSA (fafsa.gov)

Free federal financial aid application. Required for all federal aid, state aid, and most institutional aid.

California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

For undocumented and DACA students. Provides access to state financial aid. Available at dreamer.webgrants.org

College & Career Centers

Every California high school has a college/career center with financial aid advisors. Visit for FAFSA help, grant information, and scholarship opportunities.

California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office

cccco.edu - Information on community college grants, BOG Fee Waivers, and Career Training Grant (Cal Grant C).

California Colleges

Visit UC.edu (University of California), CSU.edu (California State University), and your local community college website for institutional scholarships and financial aid information.

Available Grants for California Students (626 grants)

NIDCD's Mentored Research Education Pathway for Otolaryngology Residents and Medical Students (R25 - Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Agency: National Institutes of Health | Level: federal

Last verified: 2/11/2026

NLM Information Resource Grants to Reduce Health Disparities and Promote Health for All (G08 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Agency: National Institutes of Health | Level: federal

Last verified: 2/11/2026

Research Experiences and/or Mentoring Networks through Research Education to Enhance Clinician-Scientists' Participation in NIDCDs Research (R25 Clinical Trial Not Allowed)

Agency: National Institutes of Health | Level: federal

Last verified: 2/11/2026

EONS 2018: Appendix E Minority University Research and Education Project (MUREP) for Sustainability and Innovation Collaborative – (MUSIC)

Agency: National Aeronautics and Space Administration | Level: federal

Last verified: 2/11/2026

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