What is the difference between the Federal Pell Grant and Cal Grants?

Pell Grants are federal grants and Cal Grants are state grants. Both are for students with financial need. Some Cal Grants have a minimum GPA requirement while federal Pell Grants do not. You could qualify for both a Pell Grant and a Cal Grant.

To apply for a Pell Grant, you must submit the FAFSA. For the Cal Grant, you must submit both the FAFSA or CADAA and your verified Cal Grant GPA by the March 2 Cal Grant deadline.