Get Help Paying for College With Grants
Grants are one of the best ways to help pay for college because they generally don't need to be repaid. By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) each year, you'll automatically be considered for many federal, state and university grant programs.
Not every student qualifies for every grant, and each program has its own eligibility requirements. Explore the grant opportunities below to learn more.
Most Common Undergraduate Grants
The Federal Pell Grant helps undergraduate students with financial need pay for college.
At a Glance
Who can receive it?
Undergraduate students working toward their first bachelor's degree.
How do I apply?
Complete the FAFSA®.
Do I have to repay it?
Generally, no—unless you withdraw from school and become ineligible.
Maximum Award
Up to $7,395 (2026-27 academic year).
Lifetime Limit
Up to 600% of your Pell Grant eligibility (generally about six years of full-time enrollment).
Requirements
- Demonstrate financial need.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Award amounts are based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), Cost of Attendance (COA) and enrollment status each term.
Cal Grants are state-funded grants that help eligible California students pay for college. CSUSB participates in Cal Grant A and Cal Grant B.
At a Glance
Who can receive it?
Eligible California undergraduate students who meet California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) requirements.
How do I apply?
Complete the FAFSA® and any required GPA verification.
Do I have to repay it?
No.
Award Types
Cal Grant A
- Helps pay tuition and fees.
- Eligibility is based on GPA, financial need and enrollment.
Cal Grant B
- First-year students receive a living allowance for educational expenses such as books and supplies.
- Continuing students may receive both the living allowance and assistance with tuition and fees.
Requirements
- California resident.
- Meet CSAC income and asset limits.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Enroll at least half time (6 undergraduate units each term).
- Students enrolled less than full time (fewer than 12 units) may receive a reduced award.
The State University Grant (SUG) helps eligible California undergraduate students pay for tuition and mandatory fees.
At a Glance
Who can receive it?
Eligible California undergraduate students pursuing their first bachelor's degree.
How do I apply?
Complete the FAFSA® or CADAA.
Do I have to repay it?
No.
Award Amount
Up to the cost of tuition and mandatory fees.
Requirements
- Meet California residency requirements.
- Enroll at least half time (6 undergraduate units each term).
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Pursue your first undergraduate degree.
- Not exceed 225 combined transfer and CSUSB earned units.
- Meet the required Student Aid Index (SAI) range.
- Funding is limited and based on availability.
- Campus-based fees are not covered.
- Students receiving other tuition-covering financial aid may not qualify.
- Students enrolled through the College of Extended Learning are not eligible.
The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) helps eligible undergraduate students and teacher credential students attend a California State University or University of California campus.
At a Glance
Who can receive it?
Eligible California undergraduate and teacher credential students.
How do I apply?
Complete the FAFSA® or CADAA by the March 2 priority deadline.
Do I have to repay it?
No.
Requirements
- Family income and assets up to $217,000.
- California resident or approved AB 540 student.
- U.S. citizen, eligible non-citizen or eligible under the California Dream Act.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Enroll at least half time (6 units).
Award Information
- Award amounts vary by student.
- Awards are based on your Cost of Attendance and other financial aid received.
- Awards may be adjusted if additional financial aid is received.
- Scholarships are disbursed after census each term.
- Eligible students generally receive their refund 7-10 business days after census.
- Award amounts may be reduced if statewide funding is insufficient.
Additional Grant Opportunities
The following grant programs have their own eligibility requirements and may be available to students who meet specific criteria.
Provides additional grant funding to undergraduate students who are Pell Grant eligible and demonstrate exceptional financial need.
Provides financial assistance to economically or academically disadvantaged students admitted through CSUSB's Educational Opportunity Program (EOP).
Available to eligible student-athletes through the CSUSB Athletics Department.
Educational grants that provide college funding for eligible members of federally recognized Native American tribes. Students may apply directly through their Native American tribe.
Provides financial assistance to eligible current and former foster youth. To apply students must submit a FAFSA or CADAA application and submit the one-time California Chafee Grant Application .
Provides educational assistance to eligible members of the California National Guard, State Guard and Naval Militia. For further information visit: www.nationalguard.csac.ca.gov
Provides grants to eligible dependents and spouses of qualifying California public servants killed or totally disabled in the line of duty. For further information visit: www.csac.ca.gov/faforfirst
Questions?
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can help you understand which grant programs you may qualify for and guide you through the application process.
