Stay on Track With Your Financial Aid
Managing your financial aid doesn't have to be complicated. Learn how to review your financial aid offer, understand how your aid is applied to your student account, request an appeal if your circumstances change, and stay eligible throughout the academic year.
To be eligible for financial aid, you'll need to:
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) each year.
- Be admitted to and enrolled in an eligible degree or teacher credential program at CSUSB.
- Meet federal and state financial aid eligibility requirements.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while you're enrolled at CSUSB.
Review and Understand Your Financial Aid Offer
After your financial aid application is processed, you can review your financial aid offer in your MyCoyote Student Center. Your offer may include grants, scholarships, loans and Federal Work-Study, depending on your eligibility. Grants, scholarships and Federal Work-Study awards are generally accepted automatically, while student loans require you to choose whether to accept or decline them.
Explore each type of financial aid below to understand how it works and whether it needs to be repaid.
Receive Your Financial Aid
Once you've accepted your financial aid (if required), your funding is first applied to your tuition and other eligible university charges.
If there's money remaining after your university charges have been paid, you'll receive the rest as a financial aid refund via direct deposit or check.
Financial aid disbursements typically arrive just before the semester begins, but processing times vary based on when a student submits their FAFSA or CADAA and designates the university to receive their information.
You can track your financial aid disbursements, account charges and payments anytime through the Account Activity section of your MyCoyote Student Center.
Request a Financial Aid Appeal
Life doesn't always go according to plan. If your family's financial situation or educational expenses have changed since you submitted your FAFSA® or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), you may be able to request a review of your financial aid eligibility.
Depending on your circumstances, you may be able to request:
- Student Aid Index (SAI) Appeal — Request a review if your family's income or financial circumstances have changed.
- Cost of Attendance Appeal — Request an adjustment to your educational budget for eligible expenses.
- Unusual Circumstances Appeal — Request a review of your dependency status due to qualifying circumstances.
Every appeal is reviewed individually, and additional documentation may be required.
Learn About Financial Aid Appeals
Financial Aid Terms and Conditions
To receive and keep your financial aid, you'll need to continue meeting eligibility requirements throughout the academic year. This includes maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), staying enrolled in an eligible degree or credential program, and using your financial aid to pay for educational expenses.
Before accepting your financial aid, be sure to review the Financial Aid Terms and Conditions, which explain your rights, responsibilities and ongoing eligibility requirements.
View Financial Aid Terms and Conditions
More Resources to Help You Plan
Understanding your financial aid can help you make informed decisions about paying for college and staying on track. Explore these resources to learn more about your financial aid, estimate your college costs and understand the terms and conditions that come with receiving aid.
