Step 2: Cal Grant Checklist

Themes/Topics: Higher Education

Geography: California

Audience: Educator, Undocumented Youth

Verify your GPA: mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov
Priority Filing Deadline: December 2023 to April 2, 2024

Step 2: Make Sure You Are Considered for Cal Grants (GPA Verification)

Applying for the CA Dream Act as a high school senior or transfer student is the only opportunity AB 540 and undocumented students have to receive the Cal Grant. This checklist helps students identify the necessary steps to apply for the Cal Grant.

Remember: You must first complete the California Dream Act Application in order to be considered for all state financial aid, including the Cal Grant and Middle-Class Scholarship. Use Step 1: CA Dream Act Application Checklist to complete the CA Dream Act Application.
  1. Successfully submit the CA Dream Act Application by April 2, an important priority deadline for any state grants.
    NOTE: Students attending community colleges can apply until September 2, 2024.
  2. Be sure your GPA has been verified before April 2 (or September 2) at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. Your high school or community college should have verified this information with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). This is required to be considered for a Cal Grant. If not, print out the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form from CSAC and mail it with proof of mailing from the U.S. Post Office.
  3. Always check your award status online at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov and verify the school you are/will be attending.
  4. Choose the college or university you plan to attend. Cal grants will only be shown at one school. You must “change schools” if the school you are/will be attending is not listed on mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov.
  5. Complete any necessary steps or paperwork to receive financial aid at your college or university.
  6. Submit AB 540 Non-Resident Tuition Exemption form along with the final official transcripts or attendance records to prove eligibility and become classified as a student with AB 540 status. To be eligible, you must:
    • Have graduated or will graduate from a California high school, adult school, or community college.
    • Be able to meet AB 540 requirements. U visa holders or students with TPS must provide immigration documents to the admissions or registrar’s department at your school.
    • Meet all other requirements at csac.ca.gov.

Additional Checklist for Community College Students

  1. Cal Grant A will be placed on hold for two years if the student attends a community college. If you are/will be studying in a community college for more than two years, you must re-apply.
  2. Student can use Cal Grant B and Cal Grant C if they attend a community college.
  3. Community College Entitlement Grants (CCEG) do not have an age limit.

Immigrants Rising helps you make decisions based on your potential, not your perceived limits. Visit our website so you can see what’s possible: immigrantsrising.org. For inquiries regarding this resource, please contact Nancy Jodaitis, Director of Higher Education at nancy@immigrantsrising.org. Revised 1/2024.

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