Overview
A Cal Grant is a California state grant for students at an eligible California college. The California Student Aid Commission decides who receives it. VVC does not.
You can receive only one Cal Grant. File the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application. There is no separate Cal Grant form at VVC.
The 2026-27 Cal Grant deadline has passed. The dates below are for 2027-28.
Types of Cal Grants
These are the amounts the California Student Aid Commission lists for 2027-28. The final amounts depend on the state budget. Your Offer Letter shows what can be paid.
Cal Grant A:
Cal Grant A helps pay tuition at a university. At a community college there is usually no tuition award to pay, because the enrollment fee is handled by the California College Promise Grant. A Cal Grant A can be held for you until you transfer. The program must be at least two academic years. Students with dependent children, and current or former foster youth, may qualify for an access award of up to $6,000.
Cal Grant B:
Cal Grant B adds an access award for books, supplies, and living costs. At VVC that award is up to $1,648** for the year. Students with dependent children, and current or former foster youth, may qualify for an access award of up to **$6,000. You must be in at least 6 units.
Cal Grant C:
Cal Grant C is for students in a career or technical program. At a community college it pays books and supplies, up to $1,094** for the year. Students with dependent children, and current or former foster youth, may qualify for an access award of up to **$4,000. If you are selected, complete the Cal Grant C Supplement in WebGrants for Students.
California Student Aid Commission
When to Apply
File the 2027-28 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by March 2, 2027. That date gives you the best chance at a Cal Grant and at the other aid that depends on it.
If you miss March 2, the community college Cal Grant deadline is September 2, 2027. Filing later can mean less aid.
If you already have a Cal Grant, file the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application again each year on time. That is how it is renewed.
Check the status in WebGrants for Students. (Link above)
Cal Grant Eligibility
• Be a California resident or meet AB 540 requirements.
• Be a U.S. citizen, an eligible non-citizen, or meet AB 540 requirements.
• Be enrolled in at least 6 units at an eligible California college.
• Be in a program that leads to an undergraduate degree or certificate.
• Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress at VVC.
• Have financial need, and have income and assets under the limits for that year.
• Must not hold a bachelor's degree.
• Must not be in default on any student loans.
• Must not owe a refund on federal or state grants.
Income and asset limits are set by the California Student Aid Commission for each year. They are listed on the commission's Cal Grant page linked above.
GPA Verification
The commission also needs a verified GPA. Who sends it depends on how many units you have finished at VVC.
- If you have 24 or more completed units posted at the end of winter, VVC sends the GPA before March 2. You still have to file the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application by March 2.
- If you have fewer than 24 completed units at VVC at the end of fall, your previous high school or college sends the GPA. You still have to file by March 2.
- If you have been out of school for 5 years or more and you have at least 16 completed units but fewer than 24, call the office before February 15, 2027. VVC may be able to send a reestablished GPA for a Cal Grant B. You still have to file by March 2.
The live page says 15 units for that third case. The commission's rule is 16 units. If the office says to keep 15, change the bullet.
Need help?
Call (760) 245-4271 or email Financialaid@vvc.edu.
A paid Cal Grant B or C is what makes a student eligible for the Student Success Completion Grant.
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Information & Resources
Have questions about the Cal Grant, what it is, how to apply, requirements, and eligibility? The information provided here will answer those questions for you and more.
What is It?
Visit the California Student Aid Commission Website Here
State Grant
How to Apply for State Grants
To apply for a Cal Grant or Graduate Fellowship, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or DreamAct and file it between January 1 and the Cal Grant March 2 deadline. Also complete any additional application requirements such as providing the Student Aid Commission with a verified grade point average of test scores. The Financial Aid Office has complete application materials and information. Remember that for special aid programs some schools may have other application requirements and filing dates. Start your research early to be sure you have complete details and can meet the various deadlines.
GPA Verification
If you do not have at least 24 units completed at the end of the semester, prior to submission, at VVC, you would need to have your GPA submitted by your prior high school (or college) that you attended. If your former school does not submit GPAs electronically (find out!), you can you log into WebGrants through California State Aid Commission (CSAC).
If you have 24 or more completed (posted) units at the end of Winter Intersession, VVC will submit your GPA for you electronically, prior to the March 2nd deadline. You only need to complete and submit your FAFSA/DreamAct by March 2nd in order to be considered for a Cal Grant.
If you have less than 24 completed units at VVC at the end of the Fall Semester, you will need to complete a GPA Verification form and submit to your high school or institution where you have the units completed. The form is available from the button above. You must also submit the FAFSA/DreamAct on or before March 2nd.
If you have been out of school 5 years or more, and have completed at least 15 but less than 24 units, VVC may submit a re-established GPA on your behalf. Please contact our office before February 15th in order to do so. You must also submit the FAFSA/DreamAct on or before March 2nd.
General Cal Grant Eligibility Requirements
All Cal Grant applicants must:
- Be California residents or AB 540 eligible
- Be U.S. citizens, eligible non-citizens or AB 540 eligible
- Meet U.S. Selective Service requirements
- Attend an eligible California qualifying post-secondary institution.
- Be enrolled at least half-time
- Maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined at school of attendance
- Have family income and assets below the established ceilings
- Not have earned a Bachelor's Degree
- Not be in default on any student loan
- Not own any federal or state grant refund
Cal Grant A, B or C
Cal Grant A, B, or C applicants must have financial need, be legal California residents attending and eligible school in California, be in a program of study leading directly to an undergraduate degree or certificate, and not possess a baccalaureate degree prior to receiving an award. A student can accept only one Cal Grant. The Financial Aid Office has complete Cal Grant eligibility and application information.
- Cal Grant A helps low-and middle-income students with tuition / fee costs. The minimum eligible course length is two academic years. Cal-Grant A Access awards will be available Spring 2020 for those that qualify. Currently at $1656. Students with qualifying dependent(s) may receive up to $6000*.
- Cal Grant B provides a living allowance for very low-income students. More than half of all new Cal Grant B recipients begin at a public community college. The Cal Grant B award for freshmen is usually limited to the nontuition costs of attending college such as living expenses, books and supplies, transportation, etc. When renewed by sophomores and above, a Cal Grant B may also cover all or part of tuition / fee costs. There are 250 special Cal Grant B awards authorized for community college students transferring to four-year colleges. The minimum eligible course length is 12 months. Currently at $1,656. Students with qualifying dependent(s) may receive up to $6008*.
- Cal Grant C helps vocational schools students with tuition and training costs. Recipients must be enrolled in a vocational program at a community or independent college or a vocational school course of study from four to 24 months in length. Graduate Fellowships are open to those who demonstrate their intent to become college or university faculty members. About 500 awards annually assist with tuition and fees at independent and public colleges and universities, current payment amount not to exceed $1,094. Students with qualifying dependent(s) may receive up to $4000*.
- *Updated Cal-Grant awards will be available Spring 2020
Cal Grant B Entitlement Awards
(New for High School Students)
Award Description: Provide grant funds for access costs for low-income students in an amount not to exceed $1672. This grant is to be used for living expenses and expenses related to transportation, supplies and books. Beginning with the second year of Cal Grant B benefits, Cal Grant B also helps pay for tuition / fees for California residents attending qualifying institutions offering undergraduate academic programs of not less than one academic year.
Awards are guaranteed for those who meet the program eligibility criteria.
NEW STATE GRANT
Resources for Dreamers:
DreamAct Application for Financial Aid/ab540/