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Financial Aid FAQs

Financial Aid – General Questions

What is student financial aid? 

Student financial aid is money awarded to students to help pay for their college expenses. College can be expensive. Many students and their families cannot afford tuition and fees, books, course materials, supplies and equipment, and the living expenses associated with attending college. Federal and state governments, colleges and universities, and other organizations make efforts to ensure that college is affordable for all students by providing financial aid to help meet college costs for students who have financial need.​​

What is financial need? 

Financial need is determined according to formulas established by the federal government. With those formulas, the information supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)  is used to calculate the Student Aid Index (SAI). The SAI is an eligibility index number that universities use to determine each student's financial aid award. For the 2024–25 award year, the SAI replaces what was known as the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) in previous years.​

Who should apply for financial aid? 

All students should apply for financial aid. There is no charge for filing the FAFSA or the CADAA, and more than 80% of CSU students receive financial aid. Information reported on the FAFSA or CADAA is confidential.

What is the application deadline for financial aid? 

The priority application date is typically March 2 of each year for the upcoming school year. The priority application deadline for 2025-2026 is has been extended to April 2, 2025. If you miss the priority application date, you may still be eligible for aid so submit your application as soon as possible!​​

Is financial aid available for a study abroad program? 

Federal student financial aid funds can be awarded to study abroad programs if those courses are accepted for credit in your program. If the study abroad program is not facilitated by your home institution (meaning the institution that will grant your degree or credential) or CSU International Programs (CSU IP), your home institution must determine that the courses offered by the outside study abroad program are acceptable in terms of meeting academic standards and being an appropriate substitution for the home institution's instruction.​

If you are interested in study abroad programs, request information on financial aid from the program and consult with the financial aid office and the international education and/or study abroad program office at your home institution.

Where can I get more information about applying for financial aid? 

For information about federal aid programs and the FAFSA, visit Federal Student Aid (FSA).

For information about California state aid programs and the CADAA, visit the California Student A​id Commission.​

For campus-specific information, visit the financial aid office(s) for the campus(es) you’re interested i​​n or the campus you attend:

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Types of Financial Aid

What types of financial aid are there? 

Student financial aid programs are generally classified as either gift/grant aid or self-help aid. Gift/grant aid, such as a scholarship or grant, does not have to be repaid. Self-help aid is awarded in the form of work or student employment programs and/or loans. Loans must be repaid. Most, but not all, financial aid is awarded based on financial ​need. Some programs, particularly scholarships, may be awarded on the basis of academic achievement or merit.

If I am not eligible for a Federal Pell Grant, are there other types of financial aid I can receive? 

Yes. Many undergraduates who do not qualify for a F​ederal Pell Grant may still qualify for some form of student financial aid. Grant funds are limited, which is why it is important to submit your financial aid application on time each year. Virtually all students can qualify for some form of student loan, but you should carefully consider the obligations associated with borrowing before taking out student loans.

How can I find out about scholarships? 

If you're still in high school, check with your high school guidance counselor. The reference section of your local public library can also be helpful in researching private scholarship opportunities.

The Scholarships section of Calstate.edu contains information about scholarships from the CSU Foundation, CSU International Programs and the CSU Summer Arts program, as well as links to scholarship information for every CSU campus.

Many community and service organizations also provide scholarships to students in their area. Check directly with clubs, fraternal organizations, unions, and other resources that might be relevant to your specific interests and qualifications. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information about scholarships.

Are there part-time jobs for students on campus, and how can I get one? 

The federal work-study program provides opportunities to eligible financial aid recipients to work part time to earn funds for college expenses. Many of these jobs also offer the opportunity to perform valuable community service at the same time. Students who are awarded work-study will get assistance from their campus financial aid office or student employment office to find a job suited to their interests and skills, as well as to their schedule. There are also student assistant jobs and other student employment opportunities on campus for students who are not awarded work study. Check with your campus career center for job listings.

Why was I offered a loan when I wanted grant assistance? 

Grant funds are very limited and are typically awarded to students with the greatest financial need. Loans are a form of student financial aid, and even with the comparatively low cost of studying at a public institution, approximately 40% of CSU students take out student loans to finance their college education. Student loans offer interest rates and terms that would not typically be available to first-time borrowers if it were not for their student status. ​

Do I have to take out a student loan? 

No student is required to borrow money to pay for their education. Students who apply for financial aid may be offered a student loan, but you do not have to accept it. When a student applies for financial aid, the campus evaluates the student's eligibility for all types of aid, including grants and loans. If your grants, scholarships and other financial aid resources are not enough, a student loan may be a viable option to assist you in meeting your educational expenses.

If I take out a student loan, when do I have to pay it back, how much will I pay and how long will it take? 

Students are required to attend entrance counseling prior to receiving federal student loan funds so they can be advised of the terms of the loan and their obligations for repayment.

Repayment of federal student loans typically begins six months after the student stops being enrolled on at least a half-time basis. The terms and conditions of student loans vary depending on the type of loan.

Institutions make information about the conditions and repayment of loans readily available to students. ​FinAid.org offers several calculators to assist students and families in determining how much they can afford to borrow for college expenses and for estimating what their future payments and total repayment amounts will likely be.
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Eligibility for Financial Aid

Who is eligible for financial aid? 

While eligibility for financial aid can vary between programs, the following are the basic requirements for most student aid programs:
  • have financial need (except for some scholarship and loan programs);
  • have a high school diploma or the recognized equivalent, typically a General Education Development (GED) certificate;
  • be enrolled as a matriculated student working toward a degree or certificate in an eligible program at an eligible institution;
  • ​​be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen or meet the Nonresident Tuition Exemption (AB540) eligibility criteria; and
  • make satisfactory academic progress
​ Please note that some programs have additional criteria, including GPA and income requirements.

Are grades or GPA considered in determining eligibility for financial aid? 

The Cal Grant program does have a GPA requirement during the initial awarding process, and for scholarships based on academic merit, grades are typically included in the selection criteria.

While your grades do not play a major role in determining eligibility for most types of financial aid, academic criteria do come into play. Applicants must meet the institution's admission standards, which typically include some consideration of grades or other measures of academic achievement or potential.

Continuing students are required to make satisfactory academic progress toward their degree or credential objective in order to remain eligible for financial aid. Each CSU campus establishes standards of satisfactory academic progress and monitors the progress of financial aid recipients. Standards include consideration of the number of units in which a student enrolls and satisfactorily completes each year, as well as the total number of units a student completes over their entire academic program.

According to federal regulations, financial aid recipients must have a C average, or a 2.00 GPA, at the end of their second year to maintain eligibility.

I’m not claimed on my parents’ tax return (or my parents don’t provide me with financial support). Do I need to provide information on their income?  

Yes. All students are considered “dependent​" and must report their parents' financial information unless the student belongs to one or more of the following categories: at least 24 years old; married; a graduate or professional student; a veteran; a member of the armed forces; an orphan; a ward of the court; someone with legal dependents other than a spouse; an emancipated minor; or someone who is homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

If there are other exceptional circumstances that prevent you from obtaining your parents' financial information, contact the financial aid office(s) of the campus(es) that you've applied to or the campus you attend for assistance.

What is the standard annual income for a student and their family that makes the student eligible or ineligible for financial aid? 

There is no specific income that determines a student’s eligibility for financial aid programs. The method for determining a student’s financial need attempts to assess their ability to pay for college, based on family circumstances. Virtually every student qualifies for some type of financial assistance, even if it’s in the form of a student loan.
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Applying for Financial Aid – General Questions

When is my financial aid application due? 

The priority application date for 2024-25 is May 2, 2024. If you miss this date, you may still be eligible for financial aid—submit your application as soon as possible. Some types of funding are limited, so students are encouraged to apply early.

To avoid delays in receiving your financial aid:

  • Follow the FAFSA or CADAA instructions carefully.
  • Submit accurate information in the FAFSA or CADAA.
  • File the FAFSA or CADAA on time.
  • Keep the financial aid office(s) of the campus(es) you've applied to or the campus you attend informed of your current address.

You should check with the financial aid office(s) of the campus(es) you've applied to or the campus you attend to find out about possible earlier deadlines and other procedures. ​

How do I apply for financial aid? 

​Students should file either the FA​FSA or CADAA (for undocumented students), but not both. If you’re unsure as to whether you should submit the FAFSA or the CADAA, the California Student Aid Commission provides guidance on eligibility.
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Applying for Aid with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

What is the FAFSA? 

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the online application for federal, state and institutional financial aid. The information submitted through the FAFSA is what the federal government uses to calculate each student's financial aid eligibility. Information reported on the FAFSA is confidential​.

Who should apply for financial aid with the FAFSA? 

​You are eligible to complete the FAFSA if you are:
  • a U.S. citizen or
  • a permanent resident or
  • an eligible noncitizen or
  • a T-Visa holder

If none of the above apply to you, you may be eligible to apply for financial aid with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)​​. If you're unsure as to whether you should submit the FAFSA or the CADAA, the California Student Aid Commission provides guidance on eligibility.

How do I complete the FAFSA? 

Before you can fill out the FAFSA, you must create an online account (also known as an FSA ID) on the Federal Student Aid (FSA) website. If you have filed a FAFSA in a previous year, use your existing FSA ID.

To complete the FAFSA, you may need income and tax documents. These may include:
  • Tax records
  • Records of child support received
  • Current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses and farms

You may also need income and tax information of your parents if you are considered a dependent student or your spouse if you are married.

What Federal School Code do I use for the CSU campus(es) that I’ve applied to or the campus I attend? 

The CSU maintains a list of the Fed​​eral ​School Codes​ for all 23 campuses.

What if my questions about the FAFSA aren’t answered here? 

Visit the FAFSA Help page on the Federal Student Aid website for more information.
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Applying for Aid with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA)

Who should apply for financial aid with the CADAA?  

You are eligible to apply for aid with the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) if you:
  • are undocumented or
  • hold a valid or expired Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) designation or
  • are a U-Visa holder or
  • have Temporary Protected Status (TPS)
AND If you're unsure as to whether you should submit the FAFSA or the CADAA, the California Student Aid Commission provides guidance on eligibility.

How do I complete the CADAA? 

To complete the CADAA, you may need information from your income and tax documents. This may include:
  • Tax records
  • Records of child support received
  • Current balances of cash, savings and checking accounts
  • Net worth of investments, businesses and farms
​
You may also need the income and tax information of your parents/guardians if you are considered a dependent student or your spouse if you are married.

What if my questions about the CADAA aren’t answered here? 

Consult the list of California Dream Act Frequently Asked Qu​estions on the California Student Aid Commission website for more information. ​



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After You’ve Submitted the FAFSA or CADAA

What should I do if I missed the priority filing deadline? 

​You may still be eligible for some types of financial aid. Submit your FAFSA or CADAA as soon as possible to be considered for potential sources of financial aid.​​

What should I do if I filed the wrong financial aid application? 

Whether you filed the FAFSA when you should have filed the CADAA, or you filed the CADAA when you should have filed the FAFSA, the correction process is the same. File the California Student Aid Commission's Application Conversion Form (G-55) to ​reprocess your financial aid application. It is important to make this correction as soon as possible so you can be considered for Cal Grants, the Middle Class Scholarship and/or the Chafee Grant.

What happens after I file my financial aid application (FAFSA or CADAA)?  

If you submitted the FASFA: You'll receive an email from Federal Student Aid (FSA) with instructions on how to access an online copy of your FAFSA Submission Summary—a document that summarizes the information you reported in the FAFSA. It includes your estimated eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and federal student loans, your Student Aid Ind​ex (SAI) and whether you've been selected for verification.

If you submitted the CADAA: The California Student Aid Commission will send you an email with your nine-digit Dream ID number. You will use your Dream ID number to create an online account at WebGrants 4 ​Students, where you can check the status of your Cal Grant eligibility.

Whether you submitted the FAFSA or the CADAA: The financial aid office(s) at the campus(es) you listed on your application will receive an electronic copy of the information you provided. The financial aid office(s) may contact you for additional information regarding your application for aid and/or to advise you about when to expect your financial aid award information.

I made a mistake in my financial aid application (FAFSA or CADAA). How do I correct it? 

To make corrections to the FAFSA:
  1. Log in to the Federal Student Aid website with your FSA ID.
  2. From the Status Center Dashboard, select your processed FAFSA submission from the My Activity page. This will take you to the Details page in the Status Center.
  3. If you have been notified that a correction action is required, select Start Your Correction.
  4. If you are making a voluntary correction, select Take Action, and then choose Make a Correction.
  5. Submit your corrected information. Note: Contributors can only correct their own section(s) of the FAFSA.
​ Federal Student Aid provides additional guidance on how to review and/or correct your FAFSA.

To make corrections to the CADAA: Log in to your CADAA account and navigate to the Dream Act Correction Screen to make any necessary changes.

What is verification? Why am I being asked to submit tax returns or other documents?  

Verification is the process used to confirm that the data reported on your application is accurate. If you're selected for verification, your school will request additional documentation that supports the information you reported.​

Don't assume that you're being accused of doing anything wrong; some people are selected for verification at random. Be sure to provide the documentation your school asks for as soon as possible so your financial aid application can be processed in a timely manner.

Should I keep a copy of my financial aid application?  

​Yes. It is wise to keep an electronic and/or paper copy of your FAFSA or CADAA, your FAFSA Submission Summary or California Aid Report, and the financial information you used to complete the FAFSA or CADAA, as well as any additional documents you have provided to the admissions and financial aid office(s) of the campus(es) you've applied to or the campus you attend.

What should I do after I’ve been informed about my financial aid award? 

Federal Student A​id (FSA) provides important advice about how to choose the best financial aid options for you.

Talk to the staff at the financial aid office(s) of the campus(es) that you've applied to or the campus you attend about the details of your financial aid award(s). They're the best source of information about how and when your aid will be paid out; they can also guide you in the process of completing any paperwork or other requirements your campus may have for receiving financial aid.

When it comes to student loans, only borrow what you need. You can accept a smaller student loan amount than what your campus offers, if that's the best choice for you. Federal student loans and federal parent loans offer significant advantages over loans offered by private institutions. FSA provides a detailed explanation of the different types of student loans available.

I’ve been awarded a Cal Grant. What should I do next? 

To confirm your C​al Grant award:
  • Create or log in to your online account at WebGrants 4 Students. This is a different account/website than the one you used to complete the FAFSA or the CADAA.
  • Select the tab for the appropriate academic year.
  • Select the To Do button.
  • Answer the questions or confirm the information requested.
  • Submit.
If you have received notification from the California Student Aid Commission that there are additional forms required, log in to your WebGrants 4 Students account and supply the required information by the deadline.

The campus you attend will disburse the Cal Grant to you. If you have questions about how and when you will receive your Cal Grant, contact your campus's financial aid office.
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