Awarding Process
Financial aid applications are processed centrally by federal Central Processing Services (CPS). The processor does not award or deny funds. They assist in calculating financial need. Awards are based on the following:
If a student's financial aid application is selected for review by the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Quality Assurance Program, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships must receive all supporting documentation from applicant and parents (or spouse if married). This involves cross-checking information from all documentation (including the application) related to earned income, untaxed income, expenses, assets, liabilities, and household size. This process is called Verification.
A Standard Nine-Month Student Cost of Attendance (budget) which includes basic costs of tuition fees, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, living expenses, transportation, and personal expenses is established for financial aid students.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships verifies parent and student contribution as calculated by the Federal need analysis formula. This family contribution is the amount which the family may reasonably be expected to contribute toward meeting the student's college expenses. Details about how the family contribution is calculated are located under the Eligibility section. The formula process is called need analysis. The theory of need analysis is based on the following assumptions:
- Students have primary responsibility to pay for their education.
- Parents, to the extent that they are able, have responsibility to pay for their children's education.
- Parents will contribute, as they are able, funds for their children's education.
- Families should be evaluated in a consistent and equitable manner while recognizing that special circumstances can alter a family's ability to contribute.
All students (dependent and independent) are expected to contribute toward their education. Your expected contribution is determined by adding together all resources which include:
- Earnings from employment;
- All other assistance such as Aid to Families with Dependent Children (AFDC), Social Security and Veterans' Benefits;
- A percentage of assets such as savings and investments.
From the need analysis, we are able to determine the relative financial strength or ability of the student/applicant and/or their parent(s) to pay for postsecondary educational expenses. Financial need is determined by subtracting the amount of the expected contribution from the standard budget. The remainder equals financial aid eligibility or financial need.
Award Samples
The federal Central Processing Services will inform the student and CSUSB about the student's Student Aid Index (SAI). Then CSUSB will tell the student how much - and what sorts of - aid she or he qualifies for. Federal student aid may not cover all college expenses.
Financial aid is awarded in the form of a package or combination of different types of assistance. Awarding priority is given to undergraduate students who have the greatest financial aid eligibility and who have a completed file in the CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships by April 15, prior to the start of the new academic year.
CSUSB defines an academic year as two terms, the first begins in August, the second in January. There are approximately 15 weeks of instruction per term.
All financial aid awards are subject to change based on new financial information or changes in federal or state funding.
| Package | Amount |
|---|---|
| Cost of Attendance (on Campus) | $23,607 |
| Parental Contribution | $800 |
| Student Contribution | $0 |
| Financial Aid Eligibility | $22,807 |
| Financial award | Amount |
|---|---|
| Federal Pell Grant | $5,065 |
| State University Grant | $5,472 |
| Federal Work Study | $4,000 |
| Federal Subsidized Direct Loan | $3,500 |
| Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan | $4,770 |
In the above example, the SAI amounted to $800 ($800 from parents and $0 from the student). The student's need of $22,807 was met through the Pell Grant, State University Grant, Federal Work Study and Federal Subsidized Direct Loan. The student's remaining budget was met through Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan.
| Package | Amount |
|---|---|
| Expenses (Living at home with parents) | $15,879 |
| Parental Contribution | $0 |
| Student Contribution | $0 |
| Financial Aid Eligibility | $15,879 |
Review the Financial Aid Adjustments, Cancellations, and Awarding Policies
California State University, San Bernardino reserves the right to adjust or cancel financial aid awards at any time without notice and you are responsible for repayment if adjustment or cancellation of financial aid causes a balance due on your student account.
Adjustments or cancellation of financial aid can be caused by, but are not limited to, one or all of the following reasons:
- Eligibility error either by student or the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships
- Changes in availability of funding
- Changes in a student’s financial need
- Changes in state residency
- Changes in marital or academic status
- Changes in enrollment or non-attendance in any or all courses during a term aid is awarded and/or disbursed
- Student’s failure to comply with state, federal and/or university regulations
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships has established the following awarding policies:
- California State University, San Bernardino reserves the right to review, adjust or cancel financial aid awards at any time because of changes in federal, state or CSUSB availability of funds. You are responsible for repayment if adjustment or cancellation of financial aid causes a balance due on your student account.
- State University Grant (SUG) funds are awarded based on need and on a first come, first served basis to cover tuition fees only.
- To be eligible for State University Grant, you must enroll in a minimum of 6 units of undergraduate course work or credential courses as listed in the “Types of Aid, Grants/Credential Students” section. Students cannot receive State University Grant and another type of tuition fee benefit for the same period of enrollment.
- Pell Grant is based on academic year eligibility and will be adjusted each semester according to the number of units in which you enroll. Pell Grant eligibility has a lifetime limit of 600%, and a student’s award amount may be adjusted if they are close to this limit.
- Teaching Credential students: To receive a Federal Pell Grant, you must be classified as a “PBAC” (post-baccalaureate credential) AND you must be a credential student. In addition, you must be enrolled in at least 6 units of teaching credential courses. Prerequisite or “waiver” courses are not included in calculating your enrolled units for purposes of the Federal Pell Grant program.
- You are responsible for paying registration fees if you do not receive enough financial aid to cover your university charges in full. Failure to pay your remaining balance on time may result in you being dropped from your courses and/or being unable to register for future terms.
- If you stop attending a class, you are responsible for following the official withdrawal procedures and deadlines. Withdrawal from one or more courses may result in cancellation or repayment of part or all of your aid.
- If you received a grant payment and your enrollment status is reduced during a term, you may be billed for any overpaid amount.
- If you withdraw from the university, any fee refund due will be returned to the appropriate financial aid account.
- When the university prepares your disbursement, your aid will be applied toward your university account for allowable institutional charges. Any funds remaining will be issued to your bank account through direct deposit or to you via U.S. Mail in the form of a check.
- Your eligibility is based on enrollment and educational expenses. You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for a Federal loan: 6 units of undergraduate, credential or second bachelor’s degree course work, or a minimum of 4 units of classified graduate course work numbered 5000 or higher.
- Graduate master’s degree students must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 units of courses numbered 5000 or higher or 6 units of lower-division courses that meet their master’s degree program requirement. Aid awarded is based on 3 or more units of anticipated enrollment. If you will enroll in fewer than 3 units, you must complete a Change of Status Form to notify us of your enrollment.
- Your eligibility for financial aid programs is contingent upon your meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) policies. You must meet the academic requirements described in the SAP Policy.
- If you are awarded an outside resource or an off-campus scholarship, you must notify our office so the awarded funds can be coordinated with your other aid. Receipt of external funds for your education may result in an adjustment to the aid offered.
Confirm the Assumptions Used to Prepare Your Financial Aid Award
Review the section that applies to you. If your circumstances differ from the assumptions listed, notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships as directed.
For TUITION FEE WAIVERS, we have assumed:
The student who received full or partial tuition fee assistance in the prior award year through a program such as Cal Grant, Military Tuition Assistance, etc., will continue to receive those funds for the current award year.
Students who receive tuition fee waivers or any other type of scholarship or grant that pays the tuition fee are not eligible to receive State University Grant.
If this assistance has changed or if the student will have assistance from any source not listed on their Financial Aid Award Email Notification, the student must notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
For UNDERGRADUATE STUDENTS, we have assumed:
- The student will carry a full-time load of 12 or more units per term.
- A minimum of 6 units per semester is required to receive financial aid.
- The student will attend all terms of the academic year.
If the student graduates at the end of a term and plans to return to CSUSB to pursue another degree, the student must notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
We have also assumed that:
- The student has declared a degree objective with the Office of the Registrar.
- The student will attend CSUSB during the current academic year.
If a student attends another college during the year, the student must notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships. Attendance at another college may affect the student’s financial aid award.
For PELL-ELIGIBLE CREDENTIAL STUDENTS, we have assumed:
- The student will carry a full-time load of 12 or more Pell-eligible units per term.
- The student is clearly admitted into a Credential Program.
- The student is pursuing a single-subject, multiple-subject or special education credential.
Please view the list of Pell-eligible courses located on the “Types of Aid – Teacher Credential Students” page.
For SECOND BACHELOR’S DEGREE STUDENTS, we have assumed:
- The student will enroll in 12 or more units per term.
- The student will only be eligible for a maximum of one year of financial aid.
- The student will attend all terms of the academic year.
If the student graduates at the end of a term and plans to return to CSUSB to pursue another degree, the student must notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
For CREDENTIAL STUDENTS, we have assumed:
- The student will carry a minimum load of 6 or more units per term.
- The student is clearly admitted into a Credential Program.
- The student is pursuing a single-subject, multiple-subject or special education credential.
For GRADUATE STUDENTS, we have assumed:
- The student will enroll in 3 to 6 units per term of courses numbered 5000 or higher.
- This assumption reflects a lower tuition charge and cost of attendance.
- The student is clearly admitted into a master’s degree program on file with the Office of the Registrar.
If you will enroll in 6.1 or more units, you must complete a Change of Status Form to notify us of your enrollment.
If you are a dependent student as defined by FAFSA requirements, we have assumed your housing status is commuter or living with parents.
If you are an independent student as defined by FAFSA requirements, we have assumed your housing status is living off campus.
If you reside on campus, we will confirm your housing status with the Office of Housing and Residential Life.
If your housing status differs from the assumption, you must complete a Change of Status Form to notify us of your housing status.
Census is the date CSUSB finalizes your enrollment for the semester and uses your enrolled units to confirm your financial aid eligibility. It is important to finalize your class schedule by the census date because changes in your enrollment may reduce your financial aid or require you to repay funds already received.
Your financial aid award is prepared based on anticipated full-time enrollment, and the funds disbursed to you are based on your enrollment at the time of disbursement.
Census is the date CSUSB locks a student’s enrollment and the Add/Drop Enrollment period ends. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will take a snapshot of your enrollment at census for the semester. If your actual enrollment status — full-time, three-quarter time, half-time, etc. — changes, your awards will be adjusted accordingly.
2026-27 Census Dates
- Fall 2026: September 21, 2026
- Spring 2027: February 16, 2027
Additionally, the tuition and fees calculated in your Cost of Attendance are based on enrollment in 6.1 or more units. At census, if your enrollment falls below 6.1 units, the tuition and fees calculated in your Cost of Attendance will be adjusted.
The adjustment to your tuition and fees may result in an over award of financial aid, and your award will be adjusted accordingly. Additional information about tuition and fee amounts is available from Student Financial Services.
To ensure receipt of the maximum aid for which you are eligible and avoid having to repay funds already posted to your account, you are STRONGLY encouraged to:
- Finalize your course schedule no later than the Census Date.
- Notify the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships of anticipated enrollment changes through a Change of Status form as early as possible.
If you drop classes after Census Day, as long as you do not drop all your classes, you will not owe money back to CSUSB.
However, dropping too many classes could affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress status by lowering your completion rate.
If you add a class after the Census Date for the semester, enrollment adjustments will not be considered.
Appeals may be accepted for late adds if an extenuating circumstance or institutional error caused the late addition.
If you initially enroll for the semester after the semester’s Census Date, your Census Date will be the date of your initial enrollment.
80% of CSUSB Students Receive Financial Aid
Financial aid can help make your CSUSB education more affordable and your goals more achievable. You’ll have access to grants, scholarships and other resources designed to help reduce financial barriers. With support along the way, you can stay focused on earning your degree and building your future.
Request a Review for Special Circumstances
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) uses the Student Aid Index (SAI) to determine your eligibility for federal financial aid. The SAI is calculated using information you provide on your FAFSA, including prior-year income and other financial information. The SAI is the figure used to determine financial aid eligibility.
On occasion, unusual circumstances may warrant a reevaluation of a student’s financial aid eligibility. On a case-by-case basis, these special circumstances may include changes that occurred in your family situation after you filed the FAFSA or unusual family circumstances that were not accounted for on the FAFSA.
- Reduction or loss of income or benefits
- Elementary or secondary school tuition
- Medical, dental or nursing home expenses not covered by insurance
- High childcare costs
- Homelessness or dislocated-worker status
- Other changes in the family’s income or assets
- Change in marital status
- Loss of untaxed income or benefits
- Death of a parent or spouse
- Lump-sum payment
- Estrangement or abandonment by a parent
- Inability to obtain parental information
Requests for review of special circumstances require an appointment with a Financial Aid Advisor. Complete the Advising Request Form for consideration.
Understand What Happens if You Stop Attending or Withdraw
Before failing to attend your courses, withdrawing from the university or changing your enrollment status, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to discuss how your decision may affect your aid.
If you fail to attend all courses, withdraw from the university during the period of your award or have your registration canceled, all or a portion of the funds you received must be repaid.
The refund will be prorated according to your:
- Date of withdrawal
- Course-load reduction
- Canceled registration
Student aid funds credited to your student account will be adjusted. There will likely be an outstanding balance on your student account that you will be obligated to pay.
If you fail to attend all courses, withdraw or cancel enrollment during the first term of an award, your subsequent term or terms of aid will be canceled.
You must submit a Change of Status Form to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to reinstate aid for any remaining term or terms in the award year.
Review the Official Return of Title IV Aid Policy
Please read the following Official Return of Title IV Aid policy carefully.
In the event that a student who received Federal Title IV funds completely withdraws, is expelled, drops out or otherwise fails to complete a period of enrollment for which charges are incurred, the University will first determine whether:
- The student did not attend any class and overpayment provisions apply. In this situation, 100% of the aid funds would be returned to the Title IV, state or institutional programs; or
- The student attended at least one class and regulatory repayment requirements apply. In this situation, the university must calculate the amount of aid that was “unearned” at the time of departure from the University.
Unearned Title IV funds, other than Federal College Work-Study, must be returned to the appropriate financial aid program.
A student “earns” Title IV funds in direct proportion to the length of time the student remains enrolled. The percentage of time during the period that the student remained enrolled is the percentage of aid the student earned.
For example, if a student remains enrolled for 37 out of 73 calendar days in a term, the student has earned 50% of their aid. Therefore, using this example, 50% of the aid must be returned to the appropriate aid program or programs.
A student who remains enrolled for at least 60% of the term — 44 out of 73 calendar days — earns all of their aid for that term.
A student who fails to attend all classes or abandons, or drops out of, their classes without officially notifying the University will have all or a portion of their aid canceled and returned to the appropriate program.
The beginning or midpoint of the term may be used as the withdrawal date for students who fail to provide official notification.
If a student can document classroom-related activity after the midpoint of the term, a later date may be used in the calculation.
According to federal guidelines, responsibility for repaying unearned aid may be shared by the university and the student in proportion to the aid each is assumed to possess.
The university’s share is the lesser of:
- The amount of unearned aid; or
- Institutional charges multiplied by the percentage of aid that was unearned.
The student’s share is the difference between the total unearned amount and the institution’s share.
Unearned Title IV aid will result in a reduction to each aid program in the following order:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan
- Federal Direct Subsidized Loan
- Federal PLUS/Grad Loan
- Federal PLUS Loan
- Federal Iraq and Afghanistan Service Grant
- Federal TEACH Grant
- Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
- Federal Pell Grant
Reductions in aid from these programs may create a balance due from the student to the university.
Your share of a federal grant will be reduced by half per federal law. Your share of an unearned federal loan will be returned by the university to the Department of Education.
You may owe the university for any balance due as a result of the return of federal grants or loans to the Department of Education.
You are responsible for repaying federal student loans that you otherwise receive and retain according to the terms of the promissory note.
Calculate Earned and Unearned Funds After Withdrawing
When you drop all your classes after a term has begun, the number of days you were enrolled before dropping your classes is translated into Earned Funds.
The number of days remaining in the term is considered Unearned Funds.
Number of days enrolled ÷ Number of calendar days in the term = Percentage of aid earned
100% − Percentage of aid earned = Percentage of unearned aid
Example
Suppose you drop all your classes for the spring term on the 36th day of a term consisting of 78 calendar days.
You have earned 46% of your funds for the term. The remaining 54% consists of unearned funds that must be repaid within 45 days.*
This repayment must be made before you can receive financial aid for the next term.
Although the federal government does not require repayment after the 60% point of a term, you will still be required to meet federal Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
*You are encouraged to contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships before dropping all classes to determine whether you will be required to make a financial repayment to the federal government.
Understand Your Financial Aid and College Costs
Knowing what to expect can help you make confident decisions about paying for college. Use these resources to understand your financial aid award, explore the cost of attending CSUSB and estimate what you may pay after grants and scholarships.
