Financial Aid in California (2026–27)
Your FAFSA deadline, California's grant programs, and how to get every dollar you qualify for: federal, state, and scholarships.
California FAFSA deadline for state aid
March 2, 2026 for most state programs, including Cal Grant (your school-certified GPA is also due March 2). Community college Cal Grants: September 2, 2026.
The FAFSA for 2026–27 opened October 1, 2025; the federal deadline is June 30, 2027. State and school funds often run out well before deadlines, so file early either way.
Not sure what you'll get? Estimate your federal aid in 2 minutes
California grant programs
Cal Grant
California's flagship award. Covers full systemwide tuition at UC and CSU campuses for eligible students, with awards for private and community college students too.
Middle Class Scholarship
Reduces tuition at UC and CSU for families with income and assets up to roughly $200,000.
Administered by California Student Aid Commission. Filing the FAFSA is how you're considered for most state programs.
Scholarships for California students
Grants and federal aid have income cutoffs. Scholarships don't, and they stack on top of everything above. Award Scholar matches Californiastudents with scholarships they actually qualify for (including state-specific awards) and writes the application essays. It's free.
Common questions
When is the FAFSA deadline in California?
For 2026–27 state aid: March 2, 2026 for most state programs, including Cal Grant (your school-certified GPA is also due March 2). Community college Cal Grants: September 2, 2026. The federal FAFSA deadline is June 30, 2027, but state and school money often runs out far earlier, so file as soon as you can.
What grants does California offer?
Cal Grant: California's flagship award. Covers full systemwide tuition at UC and CSU campuses for eligible students, with awards for private and community college students too. Middle Class Scholarship: Reduces tuition at UC and CSU for families with income and assets up to roughly $200,000. You're considered for most of these automatically when you file the FAFSA as a California resident.
How do I apply for financial aid in California?
File the FAFSA at studentaid.gov. It covers federal aid (Pell Grants, loans, work-study) and is how California Student Aid Commission determines state awards. Then apply to scholarships separately; they stack on top of everything else.