September 2026

Financial Aid

Changes in California Student Aid Commission General Fund Spending

Reflects September Budget Plan, 2025-26 and 2026-27 (In Millions)

2025-26 Enacted Spending $2,542
Cal Grants $112
Golden State Teacher Grants 11
Other adjustments —a
Total 2025-26 Changes $124
2025-26 Revised Spending $2,665b
Ongoing Spending  
Cal Grants $301
State operationsc 3
Subtotal ($304)
One-Time Initiatives  
Golden State Teacher Grants $10
Financial aid application outreach and support 2
Workforce Pell Grant implementation 1
Whittier College's Robinson Theater fire-safety upgrades —d
Subtotal ($13)
Other Actions  
2025-26 Middle Class Scholarships awardse $959
Remove 2025-26 one-time funding -112
Technical adjustments 1
Subtotal ($848)
Total 2026-27 Changes $1,165
2026-27 Enacted Spending $3,830
a Includes $306,000 upward adjustment for employee compensation, $52,000 upward adjustment for Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Scholarships, and $164,000 downward adjustment to reflect vacancy savings pursuant to Control Section 4.12 in the 2024-25 Budget Act.
 b Includes technical correction that revises CSAC's local assistance funding upward by $21 million.
c Consists of $3 million for operating expenses and equipment (part of a 2025-26 budget agreement) and $40,000 for employee compensation adjustments.
d Budget includes $120,000 for these upgrades.
e The state changed its budgetary approach for the Middle Class Scholarship program by appropriating funding one year in arrears. The state is paying for 2025-26 awards in 2026-27.