How to Navigate Aid at CSUSB
Paying for college can feel overwhelming, especially if you’re navigating financial aid for the first time. At Cal State San Bernardino, we’re here to help make the process clearer, more manageable and centered on your success. Recognized for value, affordability and student outcomes, CSUSB combines financial support with personalized guidance every step of the way.
Apply for Financial AidNet Price Calculator – calculate your college costs
Helpful Dates and Deadlines
Stay on track with important financial aid dates. Find out when the FAFSA application opens and closes so you can plan ahead and submit your application on time.
FAFSA and CADAA applications open
California priority deadline for FAFSA and CADAA
Disbursement
Financial aid disbursement is when your awarded aid — including grants, scholarships and student loans — is applied to your CSUSB student account to help cover educational expenses. If there are remaining funds after your charges are paid, the balance will be refunded to you to use for other college-related expenses.
January
Spring aid disbursement begins
June
Summer aid disbursement begins
August
Fall aid disbursement begins
Apply for Financial Aid
Applying each year is the first step to receiving financial aid. To be considered for federal, state and institutional aid, you'll need to submit a FAFSA® or CADAA annually.
If you're a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, complete the FAFSA® to apply for financial aid; if you're an undocumented student or otherwise qualify under California's AB 540 requirements but aren't eligible for federal financial aid, complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead.
To receive the maximum financial aid you may be eligible for, submit your application by the California priority financial aid deadline: March 2.
Fill Out FAFSA FormFill Out CADAA Form
Get Help Applying for Financial Aid
You don’t have to navigate the financial aid application process on your own. Join a financial aid application workshop for guidance and support as you complete your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and get answers to your questions along the way.
Toolkit for First-Time Aid Applicants
Applying for financial aid is a process you’ll complete each year. The good news? You don’t have to figure it out alone. Use this guide to stay organized, meet deadlines, and better understand each step along the way.
Some financial aid steps may require additional forms or documentation. Use the Applications and Forms page to find current financial aid forms, verification resources and other documents you may need to complete your aid process.
If you need support along the way, CSUSB offers resources to help you stay on track academically and financially. Connecting with support services early can make a big difference.
Helpful Resources:
Questions can come up at any point in the financial aid process. Connect with the Office of Financial Aid for help understanding your next steps, completing requirements or finding the right resources.
Types of Aid
Most students use a combination of financial aid options to help pay for college. Understanding the different types of aid available can help you build a plan that works for your goals and budget.
FAFSA and CADAA Updates
Recent changes to the FAFSA and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are designed to simplify the financial aid application process. These updates include changes to the forms, how financial need is calculated and how application information is handled. Students should complete either the FAFSA or CADAA to be considered for financial aid, and CSUSB will continue to share updates as new information becomes available.
Get Ready to Complete the FAFSA
A little preparation can make the application process easier. Review these tips before you begin so you know what information to gather and what to expect when completing the FAFSA.
Frequently Asked Questions
The 2027-2028 FAFSA and CADAA are available now. They became available on October 1.
“FAFSA® Simplification Act: On Dec. 27, 2020, Congress passed the Consolidated Appropriations Act. The law includes provisions that amend the Fostering Undergraduate Talent by Unlocking Resources for Education (FUTURE) Act and includes the FAFSA Simplification Act—a sweeping redesign of the processes and systems used to award federal student aid. Specifically, the law makes it easier for students and families to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form and expands access to federal student aid.”
- The number of questions on the FAFSA has decreased from over 100 to less than 50.
- The EFC (Estimated Family Contribution) is now the Student Aid Index (SAI).
- Students can list up to 20 schools on their FAFSA via the online application.
- Applicants will be asked to report their sex, race, and ethnicity on the FAFSA itself, but students will be offered a choice of “Prefer Not to Answer”. Schools and states won’t see responses to these questions on the FAFSA.
- The Data Retrieval Tool (DRT) has been renamed the Federal Taxpayer Information (FTI)
- Students, spouses, parents, and stepparents will now need to provide their consent in the new Consent to Retrieve and Disclose Federal Tax Information section of the FAFSA for federal student aid eligibility.
- This consent will allow the IRS to share FTI.
- If any party to the FAFSA form does not provide consent, submission of the form will still be allowed. However, a Student Aid Index (SAI) will not be calculated.
The FAFSA/CADAA process is going to look a bit different than it did in the past and just like the name says, FAFSA Simplification, we expect the process to be easier for students and parents to complete.
Build Your Financial Confidence with HOWL
The HOWL Program — Helping Our Students With Financial Literacy — gives you practical tools to make informed financial decisions during college and beyond. Explore videos, workshops and resources on financial aid, scholarships, budgeting, credit scores, responsible borrowing and more. You’ll also have access to Financial Literacy 101, a personalized learning platform designed to meet you where you are.
How Aid Has Helped One Coyote
“My family was not the family that provided a college fund for me, so being able to be awarded, not only just one, but multiple scholarships over my time here at CSUSB has helped combat those costs.”
Military and Veteran Students
CSUSB proudly supports military members, veterans and their families. Our team can help you understand and maximize your education benefits while supporting your transition to campus life.
Explore Military & Veteran Benefits
Learn More About CSUSB
Your CSUSB experience is about more than affordability. Explore academic programs that match your goals, discover resources for graduate students and see how campus life can help you connect, grow and make the most of your college experience.
