Summer Financial Aid
All continuing and fully admitted students may be eligible for summer financial aid. Students admitted through the Early Start Program or Early Summer Admissions do not qualify for summer financial aid.
Summer financial aid may include grants, student loans and fee waivers, depending on your eligibility and remaining aid for the academic year. Your award will vary based on the type of aid you qualify for and your summer enrollment.
Grants
Federal Pell Grant
If you're an undergraduate or credential student at CSUSB and received a Federal Pell Grant during the academic year, you may also qualify for Pell Grant funding during Summer 2026 in either of these cases:
- You were not enrolled full-time during both the fall and spring semesters, which may leave you with unused Pell Grant funds you can apply to summer.
- You received your full Pell Grant award for fall and spring but may still qualify for additional summer funding through Year-Round Pell.
Keep in mind that any summer Pell Grant funds you receive count toward your Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). You can check your current Pell Grant usage by logging into the Federal Student Aid website.
The CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will determine your exact Pell Grant eligibility, and any awards will be visible in your myCoyote Student Center.
For Summer 2026, there's no separate application for summer grant aid. If you're enrolled in summer classes and meet eligibility requirements, grants will be awarded starting late April 2026.
Your eligibility for a Pell Grant during Summer 2026 depends on a few factors, including your summer course enrollment, how much Pell Grant you used during the academic year and your remaining lifetime eligibility.
If you were eligible for Pell Grant funding during the 2025–2026 academic year but were not enrolled full-time, you may be able to use your remaining funds during the summer.
Even if you were enrolled full-time and received your full Pell Grant award in the fall and spring semesters, you could still qualify for additional summer Pell funds. However, your total lifetime Pell Grant usage may limit your eligibility. Federal regulations cap Pell Grant funding at the equivalent of six years of full-time awards (600%). You can review your current usage on the Federal Student Aid website.
The CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will determine your final Pell Grant eligibility. Once processed, your award information will be available in your myCoyote Student Center.
Your Pell Grant eligibility is based on your summer course enrollment. If you make any changes—such as adding or dropping classes—your Pell Grant amount may be adjusted.
- Pell Grant awards are reviewed and updated weekly throughout the summer term.
- Changes in your enrollment can result in increases or reductions to your award.
- Stay informed by checking your financial aid status in your myCoyote Student Center.
If you're considering adjusting your schedule, we recommend contacting the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships to understand how it might impact your aid.
State University Grant
If you received the State University Grant (SUG) during the fall or spring semesters, you may also qualify for a partial SUG award to help cover your summer tuition fees only.
- Summer SUG funding is limited and depends on the availability of state funding.
- You must be enrolled at least one unit during the summer term to be considered.
- No separate application is required. As long as you meet the eligibility criteria and enroll in at least one unit, you’ll be automatically considered.
Be sure to check your financial aid status regularly in your myCoyote Student Center.
- You may be required to repay financial aid funds back if you adjust your unit enrollment. (Remember, State University Grants pay tuition fees only — see Summer Tuition Fees for details.)
- Withdrawals: If you withdraw during any session and have already received a financial aid disbursement, you may be required to repay those funds. Unit enrollment is reviewed at census.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
This grant provides financial assistance to undergraduate students demonstrating significant financial need. Because funding is limited, priority is given to students with the lowest Student Aid Index (SAI), especially students who are Pell Grant recipients and who submit their applications by the priority deadline.
Student Loans
Federal Direct Loans
Your eligibility for federal student loans during the summer is based on two key factors:
- The unused portion of your federal loans from the fall and spring semesters
- Your summer cost of attendance
Annual and lifetime federal loan limits apply to both Subsidized and Unsubsidized Direct Loans.
To qualify for a summer loan, you must be enrolled at least half-time, based on your program level:
- Undergraduate students: Minimum of six (6) units
- Master’s and Doctoral Students: Minimum of three (3) units of 5000+ level coursework
Be sure to monitor your financial aid eligibility and loan status in your myCoyote Student Center.
Federal Direct Loans have annual borrowing limits, and how much you’re eligible for in summer depends on how much you already borrowed during the 2025–2026 academic year. To see your loan history and current borrowing limits, visit the Federal Student Aid website.
If you’ve already used your full annual Direct Loan eligibility during the academic year:
- Graduate students may apply for a Grad PLUS Loan.
- Dependent undergraduate students may have their parent apply for a Parent PLUS Loan.
Keep in mind that your total loan amount for summer cannot exceed your summer cost of attendance, and any loan funds awarded must also account for other financial aid you’ve received. In addition, your eligibility may be limited by federal lifetime loan caps.
Federal Grad PLUS loans (Graduate Students)
To request a Graduate PLUS Loan for the summer term, follow these steps:
- Submit the 2025–2026 FAFSA and complete all required financial aid processes.
- Log in to your myCoyote Student Center to check for any outstanding items on your To Do List.
- Complete the Grad PLUS Loan application and select the summer term as your enrollment period.
- Watch for notification from the CSUSB Financial Aid Office regarding your loan eligibility.
- You’ll typically receive an update within two weeks of submitting your application.
- Complete Graduate PLUS Loan Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students if you haven’t already.
- These steps are only required the first time you borrow a PLUS Loan at CSUSB.
For more details on each step, visit our PLUS loan Information page or contact the Financial Aid Office for assistance.
If your Graduate PLUS Loan Application is denied, the CSUSB Financial Aid Office will notify you within two weeks. If your application is denied, you have several options to consider:
- Reapply with an endorser (a credit-worthy co-signer)
- Appeal the credit decision directly with the U.S. Department of Education
- Cancel the loan and explore alternative funding options, such as private loans or payment plans
For detailed guidance on what to do next, please visit our Loan Information page, or contact our office for personalized support.
Federal Parent PLUS loans
Federal Parent PLUS Loans are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students to help cover summer educational expenses that go beyond the aid already awarded. These credit-based loans are only available to applicants who do not have an adverse credit history.
The amount you can borrow through a Parent PLUS Loan is limited to your student’s estimated summer cost of attendance minus any other financial assistance they receive. This loan can be a useful option for families whose students have already received the maximum amount available through the Federal Direct Student Loan program.
To apply for a Parent PLUS Loan for the summer session at CSUSB, please follow these steps:
- Make sure your student has submitted the 2025–2026 FAFSA and completed all required financial aid steps. (They can check their To Do List in the myCoyote Student Center for anything outstanding.)
- Submit the Parent PLUS Loan application — be sure to select the summer term as the period of enrollment.
- Complete the Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN) online, if this is your first time borrowing a Parent PLUS Loan at CSUSB.
Note: These application steps are only required once, the first time you borrow a Parent PLUS Loan.
You will have the opportunity to complete a credit check when submitting your application on StudentAid.gov. If your application is denied, you have several options:
- Reapply with a credit-worthy endorser (co-signer)
- Appeal the credit decision with the U.S. Department of Education
- Cancel the loan and explore alternative funding options, such as private loans or payment plans
For more guidance, visit our PLUS Loan Information page or reach out to the CSUSB Financial Aid Office.
California Dream Loan
The California Dream Loan is borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. The interest rate for the California Dream Loan matches the rate on a Federal Direct Subsidized loan and is subject to change annually. The California Dream Loan does not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time, during periods of approved deferment, and during the 6-month grace period before you enter repayment. You are responsible for the interest charged at all other times.
CA Dream Loan borrowers have a standard repayment and income-based repayment plan available. For more information visit heartland.ecsi.net. Under Download Forms, search for California State University (Dream Loans).
Private Loans
If you’ve already used all available federal financial aid options and still need additional funding for the summer term, a private education loan may be an option. CSUSB does not endorse or recommend specific lenders, but general information is available on our Private Loan Information Page to help guide you through the process.
Summer Award Process
- The awarding process begins after you’ve enrolled in summer courses. The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships will determine if you’re eligible for summer aid.
- You’ll be notified of your eligibility by email, and you can view your award in MyCoyote.
- If your summer enrollment changes after the initial award, you’re responsible for notifying the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships immediately by completing a Change of Status form.
- Changes to your summer unit enrollment may result in your award being adjusted or cancelled, and you may be required to repay any funds you already received.
Your summer aid was awarded based on the number of units you were enrolled in at the time of packaging. If you make any changes in your summer enrollment, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will adjust your financial aid award as of Summer Census.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will be reviewing your summer enrollment on July 16, 2026. To keep the summer aid you were initially awarded, you must remain enrolled in the required number of units for each aid type. If you’re enrolled in fewer units than your aid requires (or was disbursed for), your financial aid will be reduced or cancelled — and you’ll owe a repayment to the university.
To remain eligible for Pell Grant, you must remain enrolled in at least one (1) unit during the summer. Your Pell grant will be cancelled at Census if you are not enrolled in at least one (1) unit. If it’s cancelled, you must return the Pell grant you received as a refund (direct deposit or check) and you will be required to pay the university for any balances due.
GIG will be cancelled at Census if you’re no longer enrolled in the approved courses towards graduation. Please contact your GRS if there are any changes in your summer enrollment status — you’ll be required to pay the university for any balance due.
You must remain enrolled in a minimum of 1 unit during the summer. If you reduce your summer enrollment, your SUG may be reduced. If you remain enrolled in less than one (1) unit, your SUG will be cancelled. You must return any summer funds you received as a refund (direct deposit or check) and you’ll be required to CSUSB for any balance due.
To remain in good standing with your current and future loan status, you must stay enrolled in the minimum units for your program:
- Undergraduate, Teacher Credential or 2nd BA students: at least six (6) units
- Master’s or Ed.D students: at least three (3) graduate-level summer courses (5000+ level)
If you withdraw (zero units) during any session(s) prior to 60% of the term and have received a financial aid disbursement, you’ll be subject to a federal regulation recalculation to determine what percentage of your summer aid you earned versus did not earn. This is called the Return of Title IV (R2T4). You may need to repay any unearned portion of your financial aid and pay CSUSB for any resulting balance.
Please be aware that if your aid is reduced or cancelled, you’re responsible for paying the balance on your account. Failure to pay your balance may result in a hold on your university record — this can prevent you from registering for future semesters, obtaining transcripts or diplomas, and from receiving future financial aid in the future.
Summer Aid Disbursements
Financial aid disbursements are determined by the sessions you’re enrolled in and your total number of units. Based on federal regulations, Summer financial aid disbursements occur after Spring final grades are posted and after Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) has been processed.
- Undergraduate students must be enrolled in at least one (1) unit for the Pell Grant to disburse.
- Classified credential students must be enrolled in at least six (6) units of Pell- eligible teaching credential courses.
Loan funds are issued once your enrollment is confirmed. Undergraduate and credential students must meet the minimum six (6)-unit requirement and graduate students must meet the three (3)-unit requirement of 5000+ level coursework before funds will disburse.
Withdrawals: If you withdraw during any session and have received a financial aid disbursement, you may be required to repay financial aid funds. Unit enrollment will be reviewed at census.
Summer Aid FAQ
To be considered for summer aid, you must:
- Be admitted to CSUSB in an eligible degree program during the summer, and enrolled in at least one (1) unit.
- Have a completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act application on file by June 15 so your summer eligibility can be determined. The FAFSA application deadline is June 30.
The awarding process begins up to four weeks after enrollment starts. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will determine if you are eligible for summer aid. You’ll be notified of your eligibility by email, and your award can be viewed via MyCoyote.
You are responsible for paying all or a part of your summer tuition fees if either of these apply:
- Your summer award isn’t enough to cover your full fees — you must pay the balance by the published drop dates.
- You don’t qualify for any type of summer financial aid — you’re responsible for paying your fees by the published drop dates.
Financial aid disbursements are determined by your total number of enrolled units. Grants disburse after Spring 2026 Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is evaluated and loans disburse during the first week of July, based on six (6) units of enrollment. You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). See SAP Policy for more information.
You must be enrolled in at least one (1) unit for SUG.
If you withdraw during the summer term, you may be required to repay financial aid funds.
Summer aid is limited. If your aid isn’t enough to cover both tuition fees and campus housing costs, then you’re responsible for paying the remaining balance.
Summer Office Hours: Monday - Thursday, 7 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
Plan Ahead for Summer Costs
Summer financial aid is only one part of planning for your education. Explore additional resources to understand your overall costs, estimate what you may pay and learn how financial aid could support opportunities beyond the classroom.
