Golden State Teacher Grant

Updated 8/7/2026

Greetings!

We would like to share an important update regarding the 2026–27 Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

2026–27 GSTG Application

The 2026–27 GSTG application is not yet open. CSAC currently anticipates opening the application in August or September 2026.

Students who are interested in applying are strongly encouraged to join CSAC’s Golden State Teacher Grant Interest List. Students on the interest list will receive an email directly from CSAC when the 2026–27 application becomes available.

Important Funding Update

Funding for new 2026–27 GSTG applicants is extremely limited, and submitting an application does not guarantee that a student will receive an award.

For 2026–27, funding varies depending on the type of eligible credential program:

• Special Education Credential Programs: Funding continues to be supported through IDEA funds. CSAC has identified approximately $16.15 million in funding for this category.
• High-Need Preliminary Credential and eligible PPS/PPSC Programs: Approximately $1.63 million in one-time funding is available for new applicants, which is expected to support approximately 163 awards of $10,000 each

Because funding is limited, CSAC will prioritize eligible applicants weekly based on Student Aid Index (SAI), from lowest to highest, using information from the student’s 2026–27 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).

Students may initially see their GSTG application listed as Submitted. Applications selected based on available funding may move to Pending Institution Review, at which point the school can review and certify eligibility.

Students who are not initially selected may continue to be reconsidered in future weekly prioritization cycles if additional funding becomes available.

What About Returning GSTG Recipients?

Students who previously received a GSTG award under Cohorts 1, 2, or 3 are considered renewal recipients. Renewal eligibility and service obligation requirements are based on the academic year in which the student originally applied and received their GSTG award.

Frequently Asked Questions

When can I apply for the 2026–27 GSTG?

The application is not yet open. CSAC currently anticipates opening the application in August or September 2026. We strongly encourage interested students to join the GSTG Interest List so they can be notified directly by CSAC when the application becomes available.

If I apply, am I guaranteed to receive $10,000?

No. Due to limited funding for new applicants, submitting a GSTG application and enrolling in an eligible credential program does not guarantee an award. CSAC will determine which eligible applicants are selected based on available funding and program priorities.

Should I wait for the GSTG before making plans to pay my tuition and fees?

No. Because GSTG funding cannot be guaranteed, students should make financial arrangements without assuming they will receive a GSTG award.

Students are encouraged to complete the 2026–27 FAFSA or California Dream Act Application, as applicable, and review all other financial aid, scholarship, loan, and payment plan options available to them.

What happens if I apply but am not initially selected?

CSAC will conduct weekly prioritization of eligible applicants based on SAI and available funding. Students who are not initially selected may be reconsidered in a later cycle if funding becomes available.

Stay Updated

The California Baptist University Financial Aid Office will continue to monitor guidance from CSAC and provide updates as additional information becomes available.

We encourage students interested in the GSTG to:

• Complete the 2026–27 FAFSA or CADAA, as applicable.
• Join CSAC’s Golden State Teacher Grant Interest List.
• Apply as soon as possible once the 2026–27 GSTG application becomes available.
• Remember that an application or enrollment in an eligible program does not guarantee GSTG funding.

We understand that financial aid is an important part of planning for your credential program and encourage you to explore all available financial aid and payment options while awaiting additional GSTG information.