{"content_id":"gk2ttzsdck","slug":"california-community-college-cal-grant-2026-27-deadline","locale":"en","schema_type":"HowTo","category":"how_to","category_name":"How-to","title":"2026-27 Cal Grant Application Process for California Community College Students","summary":"To receive additional consideration for a 2026-27 Cal Grant, California community college students must submit the appropriate FAFSA or CADAA by September 2, 2026, and verify their GPA submission status. After applying, check your school and award eligibility status through WebGrants 4 Students.","sponsorship_disclosure":null,"affiliate_disclosure":null,"commerce_disclosure":null,"author":{"name":"Injoys Editorial Team","url":"https://injoys.com/ko/about"},"key_points":["Determine whether to submit the FAFSA or CADAA based on your residency and citizenship eligibility.","Prepare your application account, 2024 income and tax information, household information, and details about the community college you plan to attend.","Submit the FAFSA or CADAA through the official application system by September 2, 2026, and keep the confirmation.","Confirm with your school's financial aid office that your high school or college electronically submitted your Cal Grant GPA.","After your application is processed, check your school, GPA, and award eligibility status through WebGrants 4 Students and correct any necessary errors."],"content_markdown":"The additional Cal Grant deadline for California community college students for the 2026-27 academic year is **September 2, 2026**. By this date, you must submit the **FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)** that applies to you and confirm that the GPA required for Cal Grant consideration was transmitted successfully.\n\nThis deadline provides an additional opportunity to apply; it does not guarantee that you will receive aid. Actual award eligibility is determined by whether you meet each requirement, including competitive selection criteria, financial need, academic record, and your school and program of enrollment.\n\n## Pre-Application Overview\n\n| Item to Check | What to Do |\n|---|---|\n| Eligibility | Confirm that you will be enrolled in a California community college for the 2026-27 academic year and wish to be considered for a Cal Grant. |\n| Deadline | Submit the FAFSA or CADAA by September 2, 2026. Completing it early is safer to avoid account or signature errors on the deadline. |\n| Application Selection | U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens under federal student aid rules generally use the FAFSA. Students who are not eligible for the FAFSA, such as undocumented students, but may meet California Dream Act requirements use the CADAA. |\n| GPA | Confirm that your school electronically transmitted your Cal Grant GPA. Do not assume this happens automatically. |\n| Post-Application Check | Check your school, GPA, and award eligibility status in WebGrants 4 Students. |\n\nYour school’s own scholarships or financial aid may have separate, earlier deadlines. Be careful not to miss the financial aid office’s schedule by focusing only on the September 2 Cal Grant deadline.\n\n## Step 1: Choose the Correct Application—FAFSA or CADAA\n\nThe two applications are not alternative forms that the same person should submit in duplicate. You must select one based on **the student’s own eligibility**.\n\n### When to Submit the FAFSA\n\nGenerally, use the FAFSA if you are:\n\n- A U.S. citizen or U.S. national\n- A permanent resident\n- An eligible noncitizen under federal student aid rules\n\nA student should not submit the CADAA solely because a parent does not have a Social Security number. If the student is eligible for the FAFSA, required contributors, including parents, may create StudentAid.gov accounts and participate in the FAFSA by following the provided process even if they do not have an SSN.\n\nThe FAFSA is used to determine eligibility not only for the federal Pell Grant, federal student loans, and work-study, but also for California state aid.\n\n### When to Submit the CADAA\n\nThe CADAA is generally used by undocumented students and others who are not eligible for the federal FAFSA but may apply for state financial aid under the California Dream Act. Even if you were issued an SSN under DACA, that number alone does not make you eligible for federal student aid, so you must choose an application based on your immigration status.\n\nSubmitting the CADAA alone does not automatically establish eligibility for a nonresident tuition exemption such as AB 540. If applicable, you may need to submit a separate exemption form or affidavit to the college you will attend.\n\n### If You Are Unsure Which Application to Use\n\nCheck in the following order:\n\n1. Review the FAFSA criteria for eligible noncitizens.\n2. If you do not meet those criteria, review CSAC’s CADAA eligibility guidance.\n3. If it is difficult to determine, ask your school’s financial aid office “which application you should submit,” rather than asking it to determine your immigration status.\n4. Instead of submitting both applications incorrectly, obtain guidance from the responsible agency and then complete one application.\n\n## Step 2: Gather the Information Needed to Apply\n\nThe 2026-27 application generally uses **2024 income and tax information**. Additional information may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances.\n\n### FAFSA Preparation Checklist\n\n- The student’s StudentAid.gov account\n- Separate accounts for contributors designated by the application, such as a spouse or parents\n- The student’s and contributors’ names, dates of birth, contact details, and requested identity information\n- 2024 federal tax and income information\n- Current asset information required by the application\n- Information about the community college you attend or plan to attend\n- Consent required for electronic signatures and the transfer of tax information\n\nContributors vary depending on the student’s dependency status and family circumstances. Being designated as a contributor on the FAFSA does not by itself obligate that person to pay tuition or make that person a borrower on a federal loan.\n\n### CADAA Preparation Checklist\n\n- The student’s CADAA account\n- Household and contact information for the student and parents or spouse\n- 2024 income and tax filing information\n- Asset information required by the application\n- Information about the California community college you attend or plan to attend\n- Electronic signature methods for the student and any required parent or spouse\n\nMatching may be delayed if the student’s or parents’ names, dates of birth, or school records differ from the application. Use legal names and ask the financial aid office about any discrepancies with school records.\n\n## Step 3: Submit the FAFSA or CADAA\n\n### FAFSA Submission Process\n\n1. Start the 2026-27 FAFSA at StudentAid.gov.\n2. Enter the student’s information and the school the student plans to attend.\n3. Invite the contributors designated by the application.\n4. Have each contributor provide the required information and complete the necessary consent.\n5. Confirm that all required signatures have been entered and submit the application.\n6. Keep the submission confirmation screen and email.\n7. After processing, check the FAFSA Submission Summary for errors and requests for additional action.\n\n### CADAA Submission Process\n\n1. Start the 2026-27 application in CSAC’s official CADAA system.\n2. Enter the student’s personal details, household information, and income information.\n3. Accurately add the community college the student attends or plans to attend.\n4. Complete the required student, parent, or spouse signatures.\n5. Submit the application by September 2, 2026.\n6. Save the submission confirmation and check the processing status again.\n\nEven if you clicked the submit button, the application status may not be complete if a required signature is missing. Be sure to check the confirmation number, submission date, and processing status.\n\n## Step 4: Confirm Submission of the Cal Grant GPA\n\nSubmitting only the FAFSA or CADAA does not complete the entire Cal Grant process. A GPA that can be used for Cal Grant consideration must be provided to CSAC.\n\nMany California high schools and community colleges electronically submit GPAs for eligible students, but you cannot assume that every student’s record is transmitted automatically. Separate verification may be needed if you transferred schools, changed your name, have insufficient credits, have an older graduation record, or have discrepancies in your school records.\n\n### Questions to Ask Your School\n\n- Was my 2026-27 Cal Grant GPA electronically submitted to CSAC?\n- Which school’s GPA was used?\n- Is a consent form or separate form required to transmit my GPA?\n- If I do not have enough current college credits, is another record, such as my high school GPA, required?\n- Do the name and date of birth in my school records match the application information?\n\nDo not assume that sending a transcript on your own can substitute for GPA certification. Confirm the applicable type of GPA and submission method with your school’s financial aid office or CSAC.\n\n## Step 5: Check the Results in WebGrants 4 Students\n\nOnce the FAFSA or CADAA has been processed, create or log in to your CSAC WebGrants 4 Students account and check the following:\n\n- Whether the application year is shown as 2026-27\n- Whether the FAFSA or CADAA record has been linked\n- Whether the Cal Grant GPA has been received\n- Whether the school you will attend is designated correctly\n- Award eligibility or non-selection status\n- Any holds or verification requests that still need to be resolved\n\nIf you changed schools, check your school-of-attendance information in WebGrants 4 Students in addition to adding the school to your FAFSA or CADAA. Even if award eligibility is displayed, final disbursement is processed only after the school confirms enrollment status and other eligibility requirements.\n\n## Why the Federal FAFSA and California Deadlines Differ\n\nThe FAFSA is a common financial aid application administered by the federal government. However, each state government and college that uses information entered in the FAFSA may establish earlier deadlines based on its own budget, selection cycle, and disbursement schedule.\n\nThe federal submission deadline for the 2026-27 FAFSA is generally **June 30, 2027**, but this date does not extend California’s September 2, 2026 Cal Grant deadline. Even if you submit the FAFSA after September 2 and may still be considered for federal aid, you could miss that Cal Grant selection opportunity.\n\nThe distinctions are as follows:\n\n| Deadline | Scope |\n|---|---|\n| California State Deadline | Connected to the consideration period for state aid, including Cal Grant, for the applicable academic year. |\n| Federal FAFSA Deadline | The final FAFSA submission deadline for federal student aid. |\n| School-Specific Deadline | May apply separately to the college’s own scholarships, verification documents, and term-by-term disbursements. |\n\nTherefore, you should act based not on the latest of the various deadlines, but on the **earliest date** that applies to the aid for which you are applying.\n\n## Limitations to Note for the September 2 Additional Deadline\n\nSeptember 2 provides an additional application opportunity for community college students who missed the general priority deadline, but you should note the following:\n\n- Competitive awards may be affected by the budget and the number of available awards.\n- Even if you submit the application by the deadline, you must meet all requirements, including income, assets, GPA, and enrollment status.\n- The specific type and coverage of the Cal Grant vary depending on the student’s eligibility, school, and educational program.\n- Students in career and technical education programs may be considered for Cal Grant C, but not every short-term program is automatically recognized.\n- The California College Promise Grant and Cal Grant are different programs, so applying for one does not automatically substitute for applying for the other.\n\n## Managing Easily Overlooked Information Matches and Proof of Submission\n\nIn addition to application eligibility, you should prepare for possible processing delays caused by information that does not match across different systems. Keep the following records in one folder:\n\n- FAFSA or CADAA submission confirmation\n- The list of schools entered on the application\n- An email or school response confirming GPA transmission\n- WebGrants 4 Students status screen\n- The date and details of any error corrections\n- Records of inquiries to the school’s financial aid office\n\nConfirm that the student’s name, date of birth, and school identification information are the same in the application, school, and CSAC records. Keep records showing that you submitted before the deadline, but do not assume that a screenshot alone will be accepted as proof of receipt; also verify the processing status in the official system.\n\n## Final Pre-Submission Checklist\n\n- [ ] I selected the one application, either the FAFSA or CADAA, that applies to me.\n- [ ] I selected 2026-27 as the application year.\n- [ ] I prepared 2024 income and tax information.\n- [ ] I completed the accounts and signatures for the student and required contributors.\n- [ ] I entered the community college I attend or plan to attend.\n- [ ] I submitted the application by September 2, 2026.\n- [ ] I kept the submission confirmation number or confirmation email.\n- [ ] I confirmed with the school whether the Cal Grant GPA was transmitted.\n- [ ] I checked the school and award eligibility status in WebGrants 4 Students.","content_html":"\u003cp\u003eThe additional Cal Grant deadline for California community college students for the 2026-27 academic year is \u003cstrong\u003eSeptember 2, 2026\u003c/strong\u003e. By this date, you must submit the \u003cstrong\u003eFAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA)\u003c/strong\u003e that applies to you and confirm that the GPA required for Cal Grant consideration was transmitted successfully.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis deadline provides an additional opportunity to apply; it does not guarantee that you will receive aid. Actual award eligibility is determined by whether you meet each requirement, including competitive selection criteria, financial need, academic record, and your school and program of enrollment.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#pre-application-overview\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"pre-application-overview\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003ePre-Application Overview\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eItem to Check\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eWhat to Do\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to Check\"\u003eEligibility\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to Do\"\u003eConfirm that you will be enrolled in a California community college for the 2026-27 academic year and wish to be considered for a Cal Grant.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to Check\"\u003eDeadline\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to Do\"\u003eSubmit the FAFSA or CADAA by September 2, 2026. Completing it early is safer to avoid account or signature errors on the deadline.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to Check\"\u003eApplication Selection\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to Do\"\u003eU.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens under federal student aid rules generally use the FAFSA. Students who are not eligible for the FAFSA, such as undocumented students, but may meet California Dream Act requirements use the CADAA.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to Check\"\u003eGPA\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to Do\"\u003eConfirm that your school electronically transmitted your Cal Grant GPA. Do not assume this happens automatically.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Item to Check\"\u003ePost-Application Check\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"What to Do\"\u003eCheck your school, GPA, and award eligibility status in WebGrants 4 Students.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eYour school’s own scholarships or financial aid may have separate, earlier deadlines. Be careful not to miss the financial aid office’s schedule by focusing only on the September 2 Cal Grant deadline.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#step-1-choose-the-correct-applicationfafsa-or-cadaa\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"step-1-choose-the-correct-applicationfafsa-or-cadaa\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eStep 1: Choose the Correct Application—FAFSA or CADAA\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe two applications are not alternative forms that the same person should submit in duplicate. You must select one based on \u003cstrong\u003ethe student’s own eligibility\u003c/strong\u003e.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#when-to-submit-the-fafsa\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"when-to-submit-the-fafsa\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhen to Submit the FAFSA\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eGenerally, use the FAFSA if you are:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA U.S. citizen or U.S. national\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA permanent resident\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn eligible noncitizen under federal student aid rules\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA student should not submit the CADAA solely because a parent does not have a Social Security number. If the student is eligible for the FAFSA, required contributors, including parents, may create StudentAid.gov accounts and participate in the FAFSA by following the provided process even if they do not have an SSN.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FAFSA is used to determine eligibility not only for the federal Pell Grant, federal student loans, and work-study, but also for California state aid.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#when-to-submit-the-cadaa\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"when-to-submit-the-cadaa\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhen to Submit the CADAA\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe CADAA is generally used by undocumented students and others who are not eligible for the federal FAFSA but may apply for state financial aid under the California Dream Act. Even if you were issued an SSN under DACA, that number alone does not make you eligible for federal student aid, so you must choose an application based on your immigration status.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubmitting the CADAA alone does not automatically establish eligibility for a nonresident tuition exemption such as AB 540. If applicable, you may need to submit a separate exemption form or affidavit to the college you will attend.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#if-you-are-unsure-which-application-to-use\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"if-you-are-unsure-which-application-to-use\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eIf You Are Unsure Which Application to Use\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eCheck in the following order:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eReview the FAFSA criteria for eligible noncitizens.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf you do not meet those criteria, review CSAC’s CADAA eligibility guidance.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf it is difficult to determine, ask your school’s financial aid office “which application you should submit,” rather than asking it to determine your immigration status.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInstead of submitting both applications incorrectly, obtain guidance from the responsible agency and then complete one application.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#step-2-gather-the-information-needed-to-apply\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"step-2-gather-the-information-needed-to-apply\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eStep 2: Gather the Information Needed to Apply\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 2026-27 application generally uses \u003cstrong\u003e2024 income and tax information\u003c/strong\u003e. Additional information may be required depending on the applicant’s circumstances.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#fafsa-preparation-checklist\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"fafsa-preparation-checklist\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFAFSA Preparation Checklist\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe student’s StudentAid.gov account\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSeparate accounts for contributors designated by the application, such as a spouse or parents\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe student’s and contributors’ names, dates of birth, contact details, and requested identity information\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2024 federal tax and income information\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCurrent asset information required by the application\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation about the community college you attend or plan to attend\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConsent required for electronic signatures and the transfer of tax information\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eContributors vary depending on the student’s dependency status and family circumstances. Being designated as a contributor on the FAFSA does not by itself obligate that person to pay tuition or make that person a borrower on a federal loan.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#cadaa-preparation-checklist\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"cadaa-preparation-checklist\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCADAA Preparation Checklist\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe student’s CADAA account\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHousehold and contact information for the student and parents or spouse\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e2024 income and tax filing information\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAsset information required by the application\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInformation about the California community college you attend or plan to attend\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eElectronic signature methods for the student and any required parent or spouse\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMatching may be delayed if the student’s or parents’ names, dates of birth, or school records differ from the application. Use legal names and ask the financial aid office about any discrepancies with school records.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#step-3-submit-the-fafsa-or-cadaa\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"step-3-submit-the-fafsa-or-cadaa\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eStep 3: Submit the FAFSA or CADAA\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#fafsa-submission-process\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"fafsa-submission-process\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFAFSA Submission Process\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart the 2026-27 FAFSA at StudentAid.gov.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnter the student’s information and the school the student plans to attend.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eInvite the contributors designated by the application.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eHave each contributor provide the required information and complete the necessary consent.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eConfirm that all required signatures have been entered and submit the application.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eKeep the submission confirmation screen and email.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAfter processing, check the FAFSA Submission Summary for errors and requests for additional action.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#cadaa-submission-process\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"cadaa-submission-process\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eCADAA Submission Process\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003col\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStart the 2026-27 application in CSAC’s official CADAA system.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEnter the student’s personal details, household information, and income information.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAccurately add the community college the student attends or plans to attend.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eComplete the required student, parent, or spouse signatures.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSubmit the application by September 2, 2026.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eSave the submission confirmation and check the processing status again.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ol\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eEven if you clicked the submit button, the application status may not be complete if a required signature is missing. Be sure to check the confirmation number, submission date, and processing status.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#step-4-confirm-submission-of-the-cal-grant-gpa\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"step-4-confirm-submission-of-the-cal-grant-gpa\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eStep 4: Confirm Submission of the Cal Grant GPA\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSubmitting only the FAFSA or CADAA does not complete the entire Cal Grant process. A GPA that can be used for Cal Grant consideration must be provided to CSAC.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMany California high schools and community colleges electronically submit GPAs for eligible students, but you cannot assume that every student’s record is transmitted automatically. Separate verification may be needed if you transferred schools, changed your name, have insufficient credits, have an older graduation record, or have discrepancies in your school records.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch3\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#questions-to-ask-your-school\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"questions-to-ask-your-school\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eQuestions to Ask Your School\u003c/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWas my 2026-27 Cal Grant GPA electronically submitted to CSAC?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhich school’s GPA was used?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIs a consent form or separate form required to transmit my GPA?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eIf I do not have enough current college credits, is another record, such as my high school GPA, required?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eDo the name and date of birth in my school records match the application information?\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDo not assume that sending a transcript on your own can substitute for GPA certification. Confirm the applicable type of GPA and submission method with your school’s financial aid office or CSAC.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#step-5-check-the-results-in-webgrants-4-students\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"step-5-check-the-results-in-webgrants-4-students\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eStep 5: Check the Results in WebGrants 4 Students\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOnce the FAFSA or CADAA has been processed, create or log in to your CSAC WebGrants 4 Students account and check the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether the application year is shown as 2026-27\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether the FAFSA or CADAA record has been linked\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether the Cal Grant GPA has been received\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWhether the school you will attend is designated correctly\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAward eligibility or non-selection status\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAny holds or verification requests that still need to be resolved\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIf you changed schools, check your school-of-attendance information in WebGrants 4 Students in addition to adding the school to your FAFSA or CADAA. Even if award eligibility is displayed, final disbursement is processed only after the school confirms enrollment status and other eligibility requirements.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#why-the-federal-fafsa-and-california-deadlines-differ\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"why-the-federal-fafsa-and-california-deadlines-differ\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eWhy the Federal FAFSA and California Deadlines Differ\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe FAFSA is a common financial aid application administered by the federal government. However, each state government and college that uses information entered in the FAFSA may establish earlier deadlines based on its own budget, selection cycle, and disbursement schedule.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe federal submission deadline for the 2026-27 FAFSA is generally \u003cstrong\u003eJune 30, 2027\u003c/strong\u003e, but this date does not extend California’s September 2, 2026 Cal Grant deadline. Even if you submit the FAFSA after September 2 and may still be considered for federal aid, you could miss that Cal Grant selection opportunity.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe distinctions are as follows:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"overflow-x-auto\"\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003cthead\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDeadline\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eScope\u003c/th\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/thead\u003e\n\u003ctbody\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Deadline\"\u003eCalifornia State Deadline\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Scope\"\u003eConnected to the consideration period for state aid, including Cal Grant, for the applicable academic year.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Deadline\"\u003eFederal FAFSA Deadline\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Scope\"\u003eThe final FAFSA submission deadline for federal student aid.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Deadline\"\u003eSchool-Specific Deadline\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003ctd data-label=\"Scope\"\u003eMay apply separately to the college’s own scholarships, verification documents, and term-by-term disbursements.\u003c/td\u003e\n\u003c/tr\u003e\n\u003c/tbody\u003e\n\u003c/table\u003e\u003c/div\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTherefore, you should act based not on the latest of the various deadlines, but on the \u003cstrong\u003eearliest date\u003c/strong\u003e that applies to the aid for which you are applying.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#limitations-to-note-for-the-september-2-additional-deadline\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"limitations-to-note-for-the-september-2-additional-deadline\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eLimitations to Note for the September 2 Additional Deadline\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eSeptember 2 provides an additional application opportunity for community college students who missed the general priority deadline, but you should note the following:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCompetitive awards may be affected by the budget and the number of available awards.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eEven if you submit the application by the deadline, you must meet all requirements, including income, assets, GPA, and enrollment status.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe specific type and coverage of the Cal Grant vary depending on the student’s eligibility, school, and educational program.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eStudents in career and technical education programs may be considered for Cal Grant C, but not every short-term program is automatically recognized.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe California College Promise Grant and Cal Grant are different programs, so applying for one does not automatically substitute for applying for the other.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#managing-easily-overlooked-information-matches-and-proof-of-submission\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"managing-easily-overlooked-information-matches-and-proof-of-submission\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eManaging Easily Overlooked Information Matches and Proof of Submission\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eIn addition to application eligibility, you should prepare for possible processing delays caused by information that does not match across different systems. Keep the following records in one folder:\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFAFSA or CADAA submission confirmation\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe list of schools entered on the application\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eAn email or school response confirming GPA transmission\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eWebGrants 4 Students status screen\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eThe date and details of any error corrections\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eRecords of inquiries to the school’s financial aid office\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eConfirm that the student’s name, date of birth, and school identification information are the same in the application, school, and CSAC records. Keep records showing that you submitted before the deadline, but do not assume that a screenshot alone will be accepted as proof of receipt; also verify the processing status in the official system.\u003c/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003e\n\u003ca href=\"#final-pre-submission-checklist\" class=\"anchor\" id=\"final-pre-submission-checklist\"\u003e\u003c/a\u003eFinal Pre-Submission Checklist\u003c/h2\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I selected the one application, either the FAFSA or CADAA, that applies to me.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I selected 2026-27 as the application year.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I prepared 2024 income and tax information.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I completed the accounts and signatures for the student and required contributors.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I entered the community college I attend or plan to attend.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I submitted the application by September 2, 2026.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I kept the submission confirmation number or confirmation email.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I confirmed with the school whether the Cal Grant GPA was transmitted.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e I checked the school and award eligibility status in WebGrants 4 Students.\u003c/li\u003e\n\u003c/ul\u003e\n","tags":["Student loans","FAFSA","tuition","Pell Grant"],"faqs":[{"question":"Who does the September 2, 2026 Cal Grant deadline apply to?","answer":"This deadline applies to students who plan to enroll in a California community college for the 2026-27 academic year and seek consideration for an additional competitive Cal Grant award. Submitting an application alone does not guarantee an award; students must meet financial need, GPA, enrollment status, and other eligibility requirements."},{"question":"Do I need to submit both the FAFSA and CADAA?","answer":"No. U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible noncitizens generally submit the FAFSA, while undocumented students and others who are not eligible for federal aid but may meet California Dream Act requirements submit the CADAA. If you are unsure, check with your school's financial aid office or CSAC before submitting both."},{"question":"Do I need to submit the CADAA if my parent does not have a Social Security number?","answer":"If the student is eligible for the FAFSA, the choice of application is not based solely on whether the parent has an SSN. Parents without an SSN can also create a StudentAid.gov account and participate as contributors by following the FAFSA instructions. The application should be selected based on the student's own citizenship or immigration status."},{"question":"Is submitting only the FAFSA or CADAA by September 2 enough?","answer":"Cal Grant consideration may require an eligible GPA record along with the application. Schools often submit GPAs electronically, but you should confirm with your school's financial aid office and through WebGrants 4 Students whether yours was submitted automatically."},{"question":"Can I still receive a Cal Grant if I submit by the federal FAFSA deadline?","answer":"The federal FAFSA deadline and the California Cal Grant deadline are different. Even if you submit by the federal deadline, you may miss the opportunity to be considered for the applicable Cal Grant award if you miss California's September 2, 2026 deadline."},{"question":"Can I still apply by September 2 if I missed the March priority deadline?","answer":"Community college students may be eligible for the additional competitive award opportunity with a September 2 deadline. However, the number of available awards and funding may be limited, and students must meet all requirements, including community college enrollment and GPA requirements."},{"question":"What should I do if I change schools after applying?","answer":"Update the school list on your FAFSA or CADAA, and also verify in WebGrants 4 Students that the school you actually attend is correctly listed. It is safest to contact your new school's financial aid office about how changing schools may affect disbursement."},{"question":"Does submitting the CADAA automatically establish AB 540 eligibility?","answer":"No. The CADAA is an application for state financial aid, while eligibility for a nonresident tuition exemption such as AB 540 may be verified separately by the college. Students to whom this applies should check whether they need to submit an exemption application or affidavit required by the school."},{"question":"Are the Cal Grant and the California College Promise Grant the same type of aid?","answer":"They are separate programs. The Cal Grant is state financial aid administered by CSAC, while the California College Promise Grant is a separate program related to enrollment fee waivers for eligible community college students. Applying for one program does not automatically apply you for the other."}],"sources":[{"url":"https://www.csac.ca.gov/","title":"California Student Aid Commission","type":"source"},{"url":"https://csac.ca.gov/cadaa-faq","title":"CADAA FAQs | California Student Aid Commission","type":"source"},{"url":"https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa","title":"FAFSA Application | Federal Student Aid","type":"source"},{"url":"https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing","title":"California Dream Act Application","type":"source"},{"url":"https://studentaid.gov/sites/default/files/2026-27-fafsa-form.pdf","title":"2026-27 FAFSA Form","type":"data_point"}],"images":[{"id":893,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTE5NjYsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--9fd63aa4f747e6811dc89fe9690f4c0c826280fd/ai-b84b4153.webp","is_representative":true,"generation_method":"ai_photo","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"상담 창구에서 서류를 든 학생이 노트북 화면을 보며 직원의 설명을 듣는 모습","caption":"학생이 상담 직원과 함께 노트북으로 지원 신청 서류를 확인하고 있다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Student holding forms as an adviser points to an application on a laptop","caption":"A student reviews application paperwork on a laptop with an adviser.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"書類を持つ学生が、職員の指すノートパソコンの申請画面を確認する様子","caption":"学生が相談員と一緒にノートパソコンで申請書類を確認している。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Estudiante con formularios mientras una asesora señala una solicitud en una computadora portátil","caption":"Una estudiante revisa los documentos de solicitud en una computadora portátil con una asesora.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Mahasiswi memegang formulir saat petugas menunjuk aplikasi di laptop","caption":"Seorang mahasiswi meninjau dokumen pengajuan di laptop bersama petugas.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Estudante segura formulários enquanto uma orientadora aponta para uma solicitação no notebook","caption":"Uma estudante confere os documentos de solicitação no notebook com uma orientadora.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"學生手持表格，聽取工作人員指著筆電申請頁面說明","caption":"學生與諮詢人員一起在筆電上核對申請文件。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Studentin mit Formularen, während eine Beraterin auf einen Antrag am Laptop zeigt","caption":"Eine Studentin prüft gemeinsam mit einer Beraterin Antragsunterlagen am Laptop.","description":null}}},{"id":894,"url":"https://injoys.com/rails/active_storage/blobs/proxy/eyJfcmFpbHMiOnsiZGF0YSI6MTE5NzIsInB1ciI6ImJsb2JfaWQifX0=--7781fa2ffce470c6eb9ea2c96aae69bb8939c4b5/ai-7666d175.webp","is_representative":false,"generation_method":"ai_image","license":"ai_generated","mime_type":"image/webp","translations":{"ko":{"alt":"학생과 온라인 신청서, 대학 건물, 일정표로 표현한 캘리포니아 학자금 지원 절차","caption":"학생이 온라인 양식 제출부터 대학 확인과 일정 관리까지 Cal Grant 신청 단계를 살펴보는 모습입니다.","description":null},"en":{"alt":"Student with online forms, a college campus, calendar, and financial aid application dashboard","caption":"The illustration outlines the Cal Grant process from online forms and verification to college review and deadline tracking.","description":null},"ja":{"alt":"学生、オンライン申請書、大学校舎、カレンダーで示す学資援助の申請手続き","caption":"オンライン入力から確認、大学の審査、期限管理までのCal Grant申請手順を示しています。","description":null},"es":{"alt":"Estudiante con formularios en línea, campus universitario, calendario y panel de ayuda financiera","caption":"La ilustración muestra el proceso de Cal Grant, desde los formularios y la verificación hasta la revisión y los plazos.","description":null},"id":{"alt":"Mahasiswa dengan formulir daring, kampus, kalender, dan dasbor pengajuan bantuan keuangan","caption":"Ilustrasi ini menunjukkan proses Cal Grant dari pengisian formulir dan verifikasi hingga peninjauan kampus dan tenggat.","description":null},"pt":{"alt":"Estudante com formulários online, campus, calendário e painel de solicitação de auxílio financeiro","caption":"A ilustração mostra o processo do Cal Grant, dos formulários e da verificação à análise da faculdade e aos prazos.","description":null},"zh-hant":{"alt":"學生、線上申請表、大學校舍、行事曆與助學金申請儀表板","caption":"插圖呈現Cal Grant從填寫表格、資料確認到學校審核與期限管理的申請流程。","description":null},"de":{"alt":"Student mit Onlineformularen, Collegegebäude, Kalender und Übersichtsseite für Studienförderung","caption":"Die Illustration zeigt den Cal-Grant-Ablauf von Formularen und Prüfung bis zur Hochschulbearbeitung und Fristenplanung.","description":null}}}],"published_at":"2026-08-26T02:32:07+09:00","updated_at":"2026-08-26T02:32:07+09:00","license":"cc_by","translation_status":"reviewed","available_locales":["ko","en","ja","es"],"data_locales":["ko","en","ja","es","id","pt","zh-hant","de"],"url":"https://injoys.com/en/articles/california-community-college-cal-grant-2026-27-deadline"}