CollegeLens
FAFSA deadlines for California
2027-28 FAFSA · opened September 23, 2026 · federal deadline June 30, 2028
File as early as you can. State and college deadlines come long before the federal one, and some state aid is awarded until the money runs out.
State Financial Aid Programs
March 2, 2027
For most state financial aid programs, submit your FAFSA form no later than March 2, 2027 (date postmarked).
Confirmed with the California Student Aid Commission, September 2026
Cal Grant
March 2, 2027
Cal Grant requires submission of a school-certified GPA by March 2, 2027.
Confirmed with the California Student Aid Commission, September 2026
September 2, 2027
For additional community college Cal Grants, submit your FAFSA form by Sept. 2, 2027 (date postmarked).
Confirmed with the California Student Aid Commission, September 2026
State grant programs to ask about
- Cal Grant A · Need and merit
- Cal Grant B · Need-based
- Cal Grant C · Need-based
- Middle Class Scholarship · Need-based
- California Chafee Grant for Foster Youth · Service commitment
Eligibility and award amounts change each year; confirm on the program's own page.