California Military Department GI Bill Award Program (CMD GI Bill)
Pays up to 100 percent of tuition and fees at a University of California, California State University, or California community college campus for qualifying members of California's Guard forces. It can also be used at some private California schools.
Who it is for
Qualifying members of the California Army or Air National Guard, California State Guard, or California Naval Militia. Full eligibility rules, including the service commitment that comes with the award, are in the fact sheet on the program page.
Focus: National Guard and Reserve
Before you start
How you apply: Apply directly to the program.
How to apply
- Fill out the FAFSA for the school year you are applying for.
- Submit the CMD GI Bill application through the California Student Aid Commission website.
- Email the Statement of Understanding and Service Commitment Acknowledgement forms, plus a letter of recommendation if you are a new applicant. The letter becomes optional if you apply after the priority deadline.
Deadline: For the 2026-27 school year the priority deadline was April 30, 2026, and renewing students must apply by June 1, 2026. After the priority date, applications are taken first come, first served until the money runs out, and no later than April 30, 2027. (Annual cycle)
Verified as of 2026-07-05. Resources are checked periodically against their official source. Details, amounts, and deadlines change. Confirm the current information on the official page before you rely on it.