California Student Aid Commission Notifies High School Seniors Early About Cal Grant Eligibility to Make College Affordable

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Thousands of California seniors to receive award communications informing them of preliminary Cal Grant selection

SACRAMENTO, Calif., December 09, 2025 — The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) announced today that it began sending communications to high school seniors across the state notifying them of their preliminary Cal Grant eligibility, the state’s premier financial aid grant that helps students pay for college or career training.

This early communication which had been postponed for the past three years due to federal FAFSA delays, is now moving forward. Award notifications will be sent directly to approximately 78,000 high school seniors who have already applied for financial aid for the 2026-27 cycle. Students will be recognized for their academic accomplishments and informed of their preliminary selection for a Cal Grant award. Like scholarships, Cal Grants do not need to be repaid and can substantially reduce the cost of college covering full tuition at a California State University or University of California campuses.

“California high school students will be receiving communications notifying them of their preliminary eligibility for California’s top financial aid grant known as a Cal Grant. This early alert is our effort to let students know California leaders want them to enroll and succeed in higher education, said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission. “We know financial aid is the front door to higher education for many populations including low-income students, students with dependent children, foster youth, and veterans. Our unified message is clear; we want students to enroll and claim their Cal Grant award in California.”

The communication guides students to claim their award by creating an account on WebGrants for Students at mygrantinfo.csac.ca.gov. Through the portal, students can select the college they plan to attend and access details about their financial aid. Research shows that a perception of lack of affordability is the primary reason students of all ages choose to forgo higher education. CSAC is sending these communications early to help assuage these fears and show students their dreams are possible with financial aid. 

“We are proud to partner with the California Student Aid Commission in ensuring that a college degree is affordable for every Californian,” said Yvette Gullatt, University of California Vice President for Graduate, Undergraduate and Equity Affairs. “The Cal Grant is the most important source of financial aid for UC students and when coupled with the University’s aid programs, ensures that more than half of California undergraduates pay no tuition. We celebrate the return of early notifications from CSAC about state financial aid eligibility, removing a barrier for low- and middle-income students to apply for college.”

“Financial aid programs like the Cal Grant Program are essential to making higher education accessible, ensuring cost is not a barrier to opportunity,” said Dilcie D. Perez, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Strategic Enrollment Management and Student Success for the California State University. “With assistance from state-funded aid like Cal Grants and California State University aid programs, more than half of CSU undergraduate students receive enough grant aid to fully cover their tuition. The CSU welcomes the news that students will receive earlier Cal Grant award notifications this year and we hope students continue to be empowered to apply and pursue their college goals.”

“Our goal is to ensure every eligible California student has access to the financial resources they need to pursue higher education,” said Tae Kang, Deputy Director of Program Administration & Services for the California Student Aid Commission. “By notifying students early about their Cal Grant award, we’re helping them and their families plan with confidence as they make important decisions about college, especially those students that are unsure about applying for college before the deadline.  CSAC hopes the early Cal Grant award notification will ease their financial concerns and gives them the confidence to apply for college.”  

This correspondence also emphasizes that Cal Grant amounts may differ based on a student’s college choice and cost of attendance. Students are encouraged to use each college’s Net Price Calculator to better understand how Cal Grants may contribute to their full financial aid package. In addition to Cal Grants, the communication directs students to explore other forms of financial aid available through the state. More information is available at csac.ca.gov/cal-grants or by calling (888) CA-GRANT (888-224-7268).