Cal Grant Eligibility Estimator
Each Cal Grant type has its own GPA, family income and family size requirements. See which one you're likely to fit for the 2027-28 award year.
Cal Grant A/C requires a 3.00 high school GPA and a higher income ceiling; Cal Grant B requires just a 2.00 GPA but uses a lower income ceiling. Both have separate asset limits.
Enter your GPA, family income, and family size to see your likely Cal Grant type.
Cal Grant Eligibility Estimator
Your Likely Cal Grant Result
How this is calculated
The tool checks your GPA against both the Cal Grant A/C threshold (3.00) and the lower Cal Grant B threshold (2.00), and separately checks your family income against each grant type's income ceiling for your family size (Cal Grant B's ceiling is lower/more restrictive than Cal Grant A/C's for the same family size, since it targets lower-income students).
| 2027-28 family size | Cal Grant A and C | Cal Grant B |
|---|---|---|
| Six or more | $175,500 | $96,400 |
| Five | $162,700 | $89,300 |
| Four | $151,800 | $79,800 |
| Three | $139,700 | $71,800 |
| Two | $136,400 | $63,700 |
| Independent, single, no dependents | $55,700 | $55,700 |
| Independent, married, no other dependents | $63,700 | $63,700 |
These are the California Student Aid Commission's 2027-28 income ceilings, for the award year that starts July 1, 2027. The Commission notes they can change until the state budget is passed. If you're being paid for 2026-27, that year's ceilings applied to you:
| 2026-27 family size | Cal Grant A and C | Cal Grant B |
|---|---|---|
| Six or more | $167,200 | $91,900 |
| Five | $155,000 | $85,100 |
| Four | $144,700 | $76,100 |
| Three | $133,200 | $68,400 |
| Two | $130,000 | $60,700 |
| Independent, single, no dependents | $53,000 | $53,000 |
| Independent, married, no other dependents | $60,700 | $60,700 |
You must meet both the GPA and the income requirement for a grant. A high GPA doesn't help if your income is over the Cal Grant A/C ceiling, and a low income doesn't help if your GPA is under the minimum. This tool doesn't check the asset ceiling ($117,500 for dependent students and independent students with dependents, $55,900 for other independent students; $111,900 and $53,300 for 2026-27) or Cal Grant C's career and technical program requirements. Confirm those with the California Student Aid Commission.
You don't apply for each type separately. Filing the FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application puts you in consideration for whichever grant you qualify for.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the GPA requirement for a Cal Grant?
Cal Grant A and C require a minimum 3.00 high school GPA (or a 2.40 college GPA for transfer applicants). Cal Grant B requires less: a 2.00 high school GPA, or a 2.0 to 2.40 college GPA depending on the award type.
What's the difference between Cal Grant A, B, and C?
Cal Grant A covers tuition/fees at a UC, CSU, or qualifying private/independent college for students with a higher GPA and income ceiling. Cal Grant B is for lower-income students and includes an access stipend for living expenses in addition to tuition help in later years. Cal Grant C is for career/technical training programs.
Are Cal Grant A and B income ceilings the same?
No. Cal Grant B uses a lower (more restrictive) income ceiling than Cal Grant A/C for the same family size, since it's specifically targeted at lower-income students.
Is there an asset limit for Cal Grants?
Yes. For the 2027-28 award year, dependent students (and independent students with dependents other than a spouse) face an asset ceiling of $117,500, and other independent students face a lower ceiling of $55,900. Certain assets, like a primary home and retirement accounts, are generally excluded.
Do I need to fill out a separate application for Cal Grant?
In most cases there is no separate application. You are considered for a Cal Grant when you file the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by the deadline and your school submits your GPA.
This tool provides an educational estimate only and is not affiliated with the California Student Aid Commission. Confirm your exact eligibility, deadlines, and asset ceilings at csac.ca.gov.