California Student Aid Commission

The Commission is the principal state agency responsible for administering financial aid programs for students attending public and private universities, colleges, and vocational schools in California. The Commission has never wavered from its central mission to make education beyond high school financially accessible to Californians. Below are financial aid resources available for students who live or attend school in California.

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Cal Grant Programs

The Cal Grant is a California-specific financial aid allocation that does not need to be paid back. Cal Grant applicants must apply for the FAFSA or CADAA by the deadline and meet all eligibility, financial, and minimum GPA requirements of either program. Grants are for students attending the University of California, California State University, California Community College, or qualifying independent and career colleges or technical schools in California.

• CAL GRANT HIGH SCHOOL ENTITLEMENT AWARD - For current High School Seniors and Recent High School Graduates
• Cal Grant Transfer Entitlement Award - For students who plan to transfer directly from a California Community College to a 4-Year University
• ‍Cal Grant Competitive Awards - For students who are not eligible for the Cal Grant Entitlement awards
• ‍Cal Grant B Foster Youth Award - For Current and Former Foster Youth
• ‍Cal Grant C Award - Free Money For students who are pursuing an Occupational or Technical Program

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WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S)

The WebGrants 4 Students (WG4S) portal provides students with the resources, information, and tools needed to assist with the college financial aid process. (WG4S) will allow you to manage your Cal Grant and/or Chafee account(s) online by letting you view updates, make school changes, address changes, and post leave of absence requests. Note: your WGS account does not replace your School or FAFSA accounts. Each account must be monitored and managed independently.

Website: https://mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov/

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California Student Opportunity and Access Program (CAL-SOAP)

The state legislature established the California Student Opportunity and Access Program (Cal-SOAP) in 1978. Today, Cal-SOAP is instrumental in improving the flow of information about postsecondary education and financial aid while raising the achievement levels of low-income, elementary, and secondary school students or geographic regions with documented low-eligibility or college participation rates which are first in their families to attend college.

If you have any questions, please email calsoap@csac.ca.gov.

California Student Aid Commission

Attn: Specialized Programs/ Cal-SOAP

P.O. Box 419026

Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9026

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Institutional Scholarships

Colleges provide institutional grants and scholarships to help make up the difference between college costs and what a family can be expected to contribute through income, savings, loans, and student earnings. Awards may be based on academic merit, artistic or athletic talent, financial need, or other factors. You can learn more about the types of institutional grants and scholarships awarded by checking each college's financial aid website.

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Private Scholarships

Private scholarships provide funding for students who meet the requirements specified by the donor organization. Local organizations or businesses may offer scholarships to students who plan to study at a regional college or plan to pursue a degree in a particular field of study.

Check with your High School Guidance Counselor office for details about local and regional scholarships.

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