California Military Department GI Bill ®Award Program
The California Military Department GI Bill® Award Program—formerly the California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program—is a California state-funded education award for eligible members of the California Army National Guard, California State Guard, and California Naval Militia.
Eligible participants may use the award toward the cost of attendance at qualifying California colleges and universities, including eligible California State University campuses and programs. Students attending CSUSB should verify that their specific degree program is eligible. Most CSUSB main-campus undergraduate and graduate programs may qualify; however, Extended Education, Continuing Education, and University Extension programs may have different eligibility rules. Cal Guard
How CSUSB students may use the program
The award may help cover remaining educational costs after other educational benefits are considered. These costs may include:
- Tuition and fees
- Books and supplies
- Housing and food
- Transportation
- Personal educational expenses
- Certain computer, childcare, or disability-related expenses when included in the school’s official cost of attendance
The CMD GI Bill® is not the same as the federal VA GI Bill®. Students must report federal education benefits—including Chapters 30, 31, 33, 35, 1606, Federal Tuition Assistance, and other veteran education benefits—because those benefits may reduce the CMD GI Bill® award. Students generally cannot receive both a Cal Grant payment and a CMD GI Bill® payment for the same academic year. calguard.ca.gov
General eligibility requirements
Applicants generally must:
- Be an active member of the California Military Department.
- Maintain California residency.
- Attend a qualifying institution and eligible program.
- Enroll in at least three academic units per term.
- Maintain a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA.
- Pursue a certificate, degree, or diploma that leads to a bachelor’s, graduate, or doctoral degree.
- Complete the program within the required time period.
- Remain in the California Military Department during participation.
New participants entering the program during or after the 2020–2021 academic year must agree to serve an additional two years after completing their final academic period using the program. Dependents are not eligible for this state award. calguard.ca.gov
How to apply
New applicants generally need to:
- Complete the FAFSA.
- Submit the CMD GI Bill application through the California Student Aid Commission.
- Submit the required Statement of Understanding.
- Submit the Service Commitment Acknowledgement.
- Submit a letter of recommendation when applying by the priority deadline.
Renewing participants must complete the annual renewal application and required renewal documents. Priority deadlines, funding availability, and application requirements may change each academic year. Students should review the official California Military Department GI Bill® website for current deadlines and instructions.
Important information for CSUSB students
Awards are subject to eligibility, available funding, enrollment status, cost of attendance, and other education benefits received. The institution reports enrollment after the applicable census date, and award checks are generally issued after the term begins. Students should not assume that funds will be available before tuition is due and should contact CSUSB Financial Aid regarding payment timing or possible payment arrangements. Cal Guard
For current eligibility requirements, application instructions, and program contacts, visit the California Military Department GI Bill® Award Program website or email cmd.gi.bill@cmd.ca.gov.
California Military Department GI Bill® Award Program
Video- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IRd-EX_QyF8
This information is provided for general guidance. The California Military Department and California Student Aid Commission determine eligibility and award amounts.