Explore Ways to Fund Your Graduate Education
Graduate students may be eligible for grants, fellowships, loans and other funding opportunities to help pay for their education. Explore the options below to learn what's available and determine which programs may be right for you.
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Graduate Grants and Fellowships
Graduate students may be eligible for grants and fellowships that can help reduce the cost of earning an advanced degree. Explore the opportunities below to learn about eligibility requirements, award amounts and available funding.
The CSU Graduate Equity Fellowship supports graduate students with financial need who have overcome educational or economic disadvantages. Awards range from $500 to $2,000 and do not need to be repaid.
Am I Eligible?
- California resident or eligible AB 540 student
- Admitted to or enrolled in an eligible CSUSB master's program
- Submitted a FAFSA or CADAA
- Demonstrated financial need
- Enrolled at least half time (3 graduate units)
- Graduate GPA of 3.0 or higher
- Demonstrated potential for success in graduate study
Eligible graduate students with financial need may qualify for a State University Grant (SUG) to help pay for tuition fees.
Things to Know
- Awards can cover up to the cost of tuition fees. The grant does not cover additional campus charges.
- Funding is limited. Awards are based on available funding at the time your financial aid eligibility is reviewed.
- Other financial aid may affect your eligibility. If you're receiving another type of financial aid that covers your tuition and mandatory fees, you may not qualify for a State University Grant.
- Second bachelor's or master’s degree students are not eligible for a State University Grant.
Graduate students enrolled in the Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Science in Accountancy (MSA) programs may be eligible for a Graduate Business Grant (GBG) to help offset the cost of graduate professional program fees.
Things to Know
- You must demonstrate financial need by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
- You must meet the same eligibility requirements as students considered for a State University Grant (SUG), including being classified as a California resident for tuition purposes.
- You must be enrolled in an eligible MBA or MSA program and paying the required graduate professional program fees.
- Awards can cover up to the cost of your graduate professional program fees. CSUSB may award less than the maximum amount.
- Grants are awarded after the census date each semester.
Students enrolled in CSUSB's Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program may be eligible for an Education Doctorate Grant to help pay for mandatory systemwide tuition fees.
Things to Know
- You must demonstrate financial need by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
- You must meet the same eligibility requirements as students considered for a State University Grant (SUG), including being classified as a California resident for tuition purposes.
- You must be enrolled in the Doctor of Education (Ed.D.) program and paying the required Education Doctoral Tuition Fee.
- Awards can cover up to the cost of your mandatory systemwide tuition fees. CSUSB may award less than the maximum amount.
- Grants are awarded after the census date each term.
Planning to Earn a Doctorate?
If you're thinking about earning a doctoral degree after completing your bachelor's or master's degree, the California State University offers programs that can help you prepare for the next step.
The Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP) helps prepare future CSU faculty by providing financial assistance in the form of loans and faculty mentorship.
The program is open to:
- Full-time doctoral students
- Undergraduate and master's students preparing to apply to doctoral programs
- CSU lecturers enrolled in a full-time doctoral program
The California Pre-Doctoral Program, also known as the Sally Casanova Scholars Program, helps students explore and prepare for doctoral study.
Funding may be used for activities such as:
- Visiting doctoral-granting universities
- Graduate school application fees
- GRE preparation
- Professional organization memberships
- Academic journals
Eligible juniors, seniors and graduate students who are interested in pursuing a doctoral degree are encouraged to apply.
Support for Your Graduate Journey
Raised in Mexico City, Pablo Gutierrez came to the United States determined to build a brighter future. Scholarships helped make it possible for him to earn both his MBA and Ed.D. at CSUSB, and today, the two-time alumnus is dedicated to helping other students succeed. “No matter how hard things are, there is a lot to be thankful for,” Gutierrez said. “I’m always grateful for the opportunities I’ve had and the people who’ve supported me.”
Graduate Student Loans
Graduate students may be eligible for several loan programs to help cover educational expenses not paid by other financial aid.
Because loans must be repaid, it's important to understand your options before borrowing. There are many different types of loans. Below is a brief description of each.
Before You Borrow
A student loan is a form of financial aid that must be repaid. Before accepting a loan, be sure you understand:
- How much you're borrowing
- Interest rates and fees
- When repayment begins
- Your rights and responsibilities as a borrower
Graduate PLUS Loans can help cover remaining educational expenses after you've exhausted your Federal Direct Loan eligibility.
Beginning with the 2026-2027 year, Graduate PLUS Loans are no longer available to new borrowers under federal law. Graduate and professional students who have borrowed Federal Direct Loan their current program during the 2025-2026 academic year, may be eligible for a Graduate PLUS Loan.
Key Details
- You must complete a FAFSA® each year to determine your eligibility for other federal financial aid.
- You must first apply for your annual maximum Federal Direct Loan eligibility before applying for a Graduate PLUS Loan.
- You must complete the Graduate PLUS Loan application via studentaid.gov and have a successful federal credit check
- You must enroll at least half-time in an eligible graduate program.
- Must complete a required Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling.
A Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is available to eligible graduate students to help pay for educational expenses. Unlike subsidized loans, interest begins accruing as soon as your loan is disbursed.
Key Details
- You are responsible for paying the interest while you're enrolled in school.
- You may choose to pay the interest while you're in school, during your grace period or during a deferment, or allow the unpaid interest to be capitalized (added to your loan balance).
- You may borrow up to the difference between your Cost of Attendance and your other available financial aid, up to the annual federal loan limits.
- Repayment of both principal and interest begins six months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time.
- A loan fee of up to 4% will be deducted from your loan before your funds are disbursed.
If you still have educational expenses after using your federal financial aid, you may want to consider a private (alternative) loan offered by a private lender.
Key Details
- Private loans are credit-based and are offered through banks and other lending institutions—not CSUSB.
- Students with remaining educational expenses who meet a lender's eligibility requirements may qualify for additional loan funding.
- Loan terms and conditions vary by lender.
- Interest rates, repayment options and eligibility requirements may also vary if you borrow with a co-signer.
- Carefully compare lenders and review all loan terms before deciding to borrow.
CSUSB offers short-term emergency loans to help eligible students with unexpected educational expenses.
Key Details
- Emergency tuition loans may cover up to 100% of your tuition costs.
- The Bailey Emergency Loan provides up to $600 for eligible non-tuition expenses.
- Emergency loans are available throughout the academic year.
- Repayment is due by the last lecture day of the term.
- To be eligible, you must:
- Have completed the registration process at CSUSB.
- Have a minimum 2.5 GPA.
- Applications are submitted online through Student Financial Services – Emergency Loan.
Common FAQs About Graduate Loans
Borrowing for college is an important financial decision. Before accepting a student loan, it's helpful to understand how loans work, what you'll be responsible for repaying and what to expect after graduation.
Maximum loan eligibility depends on your year in college, dependency status, units enrolled for each term, and financial need.
A promissory note is the legal agreement between you and your lender. By signing it, you agree to repay the money you borrow, along with any interest and fees, according to the loan's terms and conditions.
You'll complete a promissory note before receiving your first federal student loan.
Interest begins to accrue on some student loans while you're enrolled in school.
If you don't pay the interest as it accrues, it may be capitalized, which means the unpaid interest is added to your original loan balance. Once interest is capitalized, future interest is charged on the larger balance, increasing the total amount you'll repay over time.
Some federal student loans have a small percentage charged for processing; this fee is deducted from your loan before your funds are disbursed.
For example, if you're approved for a $10,000 loan and your loan includes a fee, the amount you receive will be slightly less than $10,000, even though you're still responsible for repaying the full loan amount plus any applicable interest.
Federal loan eligibility is based on your Cost of Attendance minus any other financial aid you've already been awarded.
Other financial aid may include:
- Grants
- Scholarships
- Fellowships
- Work-Study
- Other student loans
- Tuition or educational assistance from other sources
The remaining amount determines how much you may be eligible to borrow, up to federal loan limits.
Repayment depends on the type of loan you borrow.
For example, Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans enter repayment six months after you graduate, leave school or drop below half-time enrollment. During that six-month grace period, you won't be required to make payments, although interest may continue to accrue.
Your lender or loan servicer will provide information about your repayment schedule, monthly payment amount and available repayment options.
As a student loan borrower, you have the right to receive clear information about your loan, including interest rates, repayment terms and fees.
You are responsible for:
- Borrowing only what you need.
- Understanding the terms of your loan before accepting it.
- Completing any required loan counseling.
- Repaying your loan according to the terms of your promissory note.
- Keeping your loan servicer informed if your contact information changes.
Tips for Borrowing Responsibly
Before accepting a loan, consider these best practices:
- Borrow only what you need to cover your educational expenses.
- Explore grants, scholarships and other gift aid first.
- Pay interest while you're in school if you're able to reduce the total amount you'll repay.
- Keep track of how much you've borrowed each year.
- Understand your repayment options before you graduate.
