If I am not eligible for aid based on need, is anything else available?
Answer: Yes, some scholarships are not based on need. A student with at least a 3.0 GPA should apply. Also, there are two federal non-need based loans:
- Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan
- Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students
These loan programs require the submission of the Free Application For Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), and a separate loan application and/or promissory notes. In addition, all first time CSUSB students who borrow MUST complete an on-line Entrance Loan Counseling session. A reminder: first time, first year Freshmen borrowers will not receive their Unsubsidized Direct loan checks until 30 days after the start of their first term.
How are my grants and loans applied towards my semester registration?
Grants/Scholarships are automatically credited towards your registration fees and applicable housing bill. Federal Loans ARE NOT automatically credited towards your registration fees and applicable housing bill. You must accept your loans on-line through myCoyote. After loans are accepted through myCoyote, they are credited towards your registration and applicable housing bill. If your grants and/or loans are less than your registration fees and applicable housing bill, you are responsible for payment of the balance. Failure to pay balance, may result in your classes being administratively dropped.
Will I receive an Award Letter by U.S. Mail?
No. Nearly all financial aid notifications are sent to new admit and continuing students via their CSUSB email address.
When will I hear about my financial aid?
You will be notified about your financial aid (file status, document requested, award notification, award revisions, etc.) by email at your CSUSB email address that was assigned to you by the IRT Support Center. Please check your CSUSB email address regularly for official university updates.
How do I apply for a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan?
Answer: Eligibility for the Federal direct Subsidized Loan is based on need and is computed in the same way as eligibility for other need-based aid. The Free Application For Federal Aid (FAFSA) must be completed. Documents requested by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships must be submitted by the student and a Master Promissory Note must be completed. It is important to start this process early.
First time borrowers at CSUSB must complete an on-line Entrance Loan Counseling Session. First-time, first-year Freshmen borrowers will not receive their loan checks until 30 days after the start of their first term. All borrowers must attend an Exit Counseling Session upon exiting CSUSB.
Do I need to reapply each year?
Yes. Each year you must file the Free Application For Federal Aid (FAFSA) for the appropriate academic year and submit any documents that are requested. You must also meet the satisfactory academic progress requirements in order to qualify for aid each year.
Why should I apply before the March 2 priority filing date?
Students who apply by the March 2 date and submit all requested documents and information by April 15 are more likely to receive funds by the time school starts in the fall. Applications filed after the March 2 date may not have funds ready for disbursement by the fall instruction start date.
Students who apply by the priority date are also more likely to receive all funds for which they are eligible. After the priority dates, funding in many programs may be exhausted. Applying early is always to the student's advantage.
When will my aid be disbursed?
Approximately ten days prior to the first day of each quarter. This is the earliest timeframe allowable per federal regulations. Aid disbursement methods are via Direct Deposit or mailed check. Note: Financial aid direct deposits/checks are issued to students for grants/loans with an excess credit reflected on their account balance.
I plan to live on-campus, will my financial aid cover my on-campus housing costs?
The amount and type of aid offered to you is determined by your eligibility as a result of your FAFSA information and review of your file by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. If your aid is not enough to cover both your registration fees and campus housing costs, then you are responsible for payment of the balance. Contact Campus Housing and Student Accounts for payment of balance.