Cal Grant

Cal Grant A and B Awards are available for up to four years to students pursuing a bachelor's degree.

Cal Grant A

  • At the California State University, the Cal Grant A assists with tuition fees.
  • This grant is for undergraduate students who are California residents.
  • The amount of the Cal Grant A cannot exceed the current tuition fees. 

Cal Grant B

  • Cal Grant B provides a living allowance and tuition fee assistance. 
  • Awards for most first-year students are limited to an allowance of up to $1,648 for books and living expenses.
  • When renewed or awarded beyond the freshman year, the award also helps pay for tuition fees. The awards for tuition fees are the same as those for Cal Grant A.
  • Cal Grant B pays only an allowance amount for the first-year awards, and allowance and tuition fees for second, third and fourth-year recipients.

Entitlement and Competitive Grants

  • Every graduating high school senior who has at least a 2.0 GPA, meets the financial and eligibility requirements and applies on time will receive a Cal Grant B Entitlement award.
  • Other eligible students who have at least a 2.0 GPA may apply for a Cal Grant B Competitive award.
  • Selection is based on a composite score that takes into consideration your family's income, parents' educational level, GPA, time out of high school, and other factors, such as whether you come from a single-parent household or are a former foster youth.

How to Apply and Other Information

  • To be eligible for a Cal Grant, you must first complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act application by the filing deadline of March 2.
  • Cal Grants are for undergraduate students who are California residents. Eligibility is based on GPA and financial need. Eligibility criteria is established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).
  • In the awarding process, Cal Grants supersede the State University Grant (SUG). Therefore, recipients of the Cal Grant cannot be awarded SUG, as both grants assist with tuition fees.
  • Students who are auditing classes or taking classes for "no credit" are not eligible for any financial aid towards those registration fees.  For cross enrollment, these funds can only be used for the units taken at SJSU. 
  • View the CSAC WebGrants 4 Students web page for additional information about Cal Grants.

Fall 2023 - Spring 2024 Awards 

Cal Grant A/B Fees

Enrollment Status Amount
Full Time: 12 units $5,742 ($2,871/semester)
Three-Quarter Time: 9-11 units $4,306 ($2,153/semester)
Half Time: 6-8 units $2,872 ($1,436/semester)
Less than Half Time: 1-5 units Ineligible

 

Cal Grant B Access

Enrollment Status Amount
Full Time: 12 units $1,648 ($824/semester)
Three-Quarter Time: 9-11 units $1,236 ($618/semester)
Half Time: 6-8 units $824 ($412/semester)
Less than Half Time: 1-5 units Ineligible