Cal Grant for Teaching Credentials

Funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). A Cal Grant is money for college you don't have to pay back. To qualify, you must apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)Opens in new window or California Dream Act Application (CDA)Opens in new window by the deadline and meet the eligibility and financial requirement as well as any minimum GPA requirements.

Undergraduate Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a teaching credential program (TCP) after they receive their bachelor's degree may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate level courses of study

IMPORTANT NOTE - Credential students need to complete a request with CSAC to be eligible for a one year Cal Grant award.

Request for Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program BenefitsOpens in new window

Basic Eligibility Requirements

  •  Submit the FAFSAOpens in new window or CDAOpens in new window application  and GPA verificationOpens in new window by March 2
  • Be a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen or meet AB540 eligibility criteria
  • Be a California resident for 1 year
  • Attend a qualifying California University or College
  • Not have a bachelor's or professional degree
  • Have financial need at the institution of your choice
  • Have family income and assets below the minimum levels (Determined by the California Student Aid Commission)
  • Be enroll or plan to enrolled in a program leading to an undergraduate degree or certificate
  • Be enroll or plan to enrolled at least half-time
  • Have registered with the U.S. Selective ServiceOpens in new window , if required to do so
  • Not owe a refund on any state or federal grants or be in default on a student loan
  • Not be incarcerated
  • Maintain the Satisfactory Academic Program standards as established by the institution. Recipients who do not meet the standards are ineligible for a Cal Grant payment and will not use eligibility during the terms they are ineligible for payment.
  • Received at least one payment in the Cal Grant A or B program as an undergraduate.
  • Have received a bachelor’s degree, or completed all required coursework for their bachelor's degree.
  • Are accepted and enrolled in a professional teacher preparation program at a California Commission on Teacher Credentialing approved institution within 15 months of the end of the term for which the recipient last received a Cal Grant payment.
  • Have not received or submitted an application for a Teaching Credential, such as a Preliminary or Clear Credential. • Maintain financial need for a Cal Grant renewal.

Cal Grant Award Amounts at CSUF

Cal Grant Award Amounts
Award Type Amount
Cal Grant A and B Fee $6,660
Cal Grant B Access $1,648

Cal Grant Award Life Time Limits **

Undergraduate Cal Grant A and B recipients who plan to enroll in a teaching credential program (TCP) after they receive their bachelor’s degree may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate level courses of study.

Awarding Requirement

Disbursement for Cal Grant
Enrollment Status Number of Units Enrolled Percentage of Disbursed Amount
Full-Time 12 or more units 100%
Three-Quarter-Time 9-11 units 75%
Half-Time 6-8 units 50%
Less-Than-Half-Time 1-5 units 0%