Basic Eligibility Requirements

•  Submit the FAFSA or CDA application  and GPA verification by May 2, 2024
• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria
• Be a California resident for 1 year
• Attend a qualifying California University or College
• Not have a bachelor's or professional degree
• Have financial need at the institution of your choice
• Have family income and assets below the minimum levels (Determined by the California Student Aid Commission)
• Be enroll or plan to enrolled in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
• Be enroll or plan to enrolled at least half-time
• Have registered with the U.S. Selective Service , if required to do so
• Not owe a refund on any state or federal grants or be in default on a student loan
• Not be incarcerated
• Maintain the Satisfactory Academic Program standards as established by the institution. Recipients who do not meet the standards are ineligible for a Cal Grant payment and will not use eligibility during the terms they are ineligible for payment.
• Received at least one payment in the Cal Grant A or B program as an undergraduate.
• Have received a bachelor’s degree, or completed all required coursework for their bachelor's degree.
• Are accepted and enrolled in a professional teacher preparation program at a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved institution within 15 months of the end of the term for which the recipient last received a Cal Grant payment.
• Have not received or submitted an application for a Teaching Credential, such as a Preliminary or Clear Credential. • Maintain financial need for a Cal Grant renewal.