Understand What Can Change Your Financial Aid
Accepting financial aid comes with certain rights and responsibilities. Understanding these terms can help you receive and keep your financial aid, avoid unexpected changes to your eligibility, and make informed decisions throughout the academic year.
Eligibility and Enrollment
Staying eligible for financial aid means meeting academic and enrollment requirements throughout the year. Review the information below to understand what can affect aid and what to consider before making changes to enrollment.
To continue receiving federal, state and institutional financial aid, FAFSA applicants must:
- Be admitted to and enrolled in an eligible degree or teacher credential program.
- Meet federal and state financial aid eligibility requirements.
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Use your financial aid only for educational expenses.
- Provide complete and accurate information to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
To continue receiving federal, state and institutional financial aid, CADAA applicants must:
- Be admitted to and enrolled in an eligible degree or teacher credential program.
- Meet state financial aid eligibility requirements.
- Meet AB 540 Residency criteria
- Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP).
- Use your financial aid only for educational expenses.
- Provide complete and accurate information to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.
If you no longer meet these requirements, your financial aid may be adjusted or canceled.
Your financial aid is based in part on your enrollment status. Undergraduate financial aid awards are generally based on full-time enrollment (12 or more units) unless otherwise noted. Graduate students are based on half-time enrollment (3 graduate level units), and if you have a different unit of enrollment as a graduate student, you will need to notify the Office of Financial Aid.
If you add, drop or withdraw from classes, your financial aid eligibility or award amount may change.
If you completely withdraw from all classes before completing 60% of the term, federal regulations may require you to repay a portion of your financial aid under the Return to Title IV policy.
Before making changes to your class schedule, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships or review the Withdrawal from Classes information to understand how your financial aid may be affected.
To be eligible for federal and state financial aid, you must generally:
- Be admitted to and enrolled in an eligible degree or teacher credential program.
- Demonstrate financial need when required by the financial aid program.
- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.
- Have a Social Security number, when required.
- Have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent.
- Not be in default on a federal student loan or owe repayment on a federal grant.
- Meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) requirements.
- Submit complete, accurate and truthful information on all financial aid applications and documents.
How Financial Aid Is Determined
Staying eligible for financial aid means meeting academic and enrollment requirements throughout the year. Review the information below to understand what can affect aid and what to consider before making changes to enrollment.
Financial aid eligibility is determined using the following formula:
Cost of Attendance − Student Aid Index (SAI) = Financial Need
Each year, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships develops a Cost of Attendance using average educational expenses for CSUSB students. These budgets are designed to cover the typical costs of attending the university.
Some students may have educational expenses that differ from the standard budget. In certain situations, the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships may consider individual circumstances, such as academic programs that require additional books, supplies or equipment.
The formula that the CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships uses in determining a student's financial aid eligibility is:
Cost of education minus expected family contribution (EFC) = financial eligibility.
To figure the cost of education at CSUSB each year, the CSUSB Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships develops a set of standard budgets (see cost of attendance). These budgets are based on average costs and are intended to provide sufficient funds for the majority of students in most circumstances.
An effort is made to consider the situation of the individual student. For example, certain majors may require more books, course materials, supplies, and equipment than other majors. The student is expected to contribute an amount computed by formula based on the previous year's income. This amount is used in calculating financial aid eligibility. If a student is dependent as defined by federal regulations, his/her parents are expected to contribute to the educational costs to the extent of their ability. The parents' contribution takes into account the family's income, net worth, number of dependents, untaxed income, and number of siblings attending college. The parents' contribution is considered an available resource whether or not the student receives this amount from his/her parent(s).
Financial aid eligibility is based on the financial information reported on your FAFSA® or California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
If you're considered a dependent student under federal guidelines, your parent(s)' financial information is used to help determine your financial aid eligibility. This calculation considers factors such as:
- Family income
- Assets (net worth)
- Untaxed income
- Family size
- The number of family members attending college
Federal regulations require colleges and universities to consider these financial resources when determining financial need, even if your parents are unable or choose not to contribute toward your educational expenses.
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships uses this information, along with your Student Aid Index (SAI) and Cost of Attendance, to determine your financial aid eligibility.
Federal law determines whether you're considered a dependent or independent student for financial aid purposes.
Most students are required to provide parent information on the FAFSA® or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Dependency status is determined using the questions on the FAFSA or CADAA and the eligibility requirements established by the U.S. Department of Education.
Congress established these eligibility criteria through federal law. Because these requirements are set by law, colleges and universities cannot change them.
In certain special or unusual circumstances, a financial aid administrator may determine that a student qualifies as independent. These decisions must comply with federal regulations, be supported by documentation, and cannot be appealed to the U.S. Department of Education.
If you're considered a dependent student, you'll generally be required to provide parent information on your FAFSA or CADAA, even if your parents are not contributing toward your educational expenses.
Verification
Your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application may be selected for verification, which means your financial aid information needs an additional review. You may be asked to provide documents confirming details such as family size, college enrollment, income, high school completion or identity. Review the information below to understand what may be required and how to complete the verification process.
Your family size and the number of individuals attending college are a factor in calculating your Student aid index. When selected for Verification, we will generally need to confirm your family size and how many of them are attending a degree-granting program in college. We do this by asking you to complete a Verification form.
The financial aid application has very specific guidelines on who they consider as part of your family. For Dependent Students, the following people should be counted and reported on your Verification form:
Dependent Student Guidelines
- Yourself: Make sure to include yourself, even if you don't live in your parents' house.
- Your Parents: Include all parents listed on the FAFSA. This might include step-parents and adoptive parents. Do not include your non-custodial parent. Find out who counts as your parent on your financial aid application.
- Your Parents' other children: Include siblings that your parents provide more than 50% financial support to during the academic year, even if they don't currently live with your parents.
- Other people: Include any other people who live in your parents' house and who receive more than 50% of their financial support from your parents.
If any of the family members listed on your Verification form, other than your parents, are attending college, you'll need to tell us what school they are attending. If they are a CSUSB student, make sure to also include their CSUSB ID on the form. Note that "attending college" means that the family member is enrolled in a program that will lead to a degree; auditing courses does not count.
For Independent Students, the following people should be counted and reported on your Verification form:
Independent Student Guidelines
- Yourself: Make sure to include yourself.
- Your Spouse: Include your spouse.
- Your children: Include children that you provide more than 50% financial support to during the academic year, even if they don't live in your house.
- Other people: Include any other people who live with you and who receive more than 50% financial support from you or your spouse.
If any of the family members listed on your Verification form, are attending college, you'll need to tell us what school they are attending. If they are a CSUSB student, make sure to also include their CSUSB ID on the form. Note that "attending college" means that the familymember is enrolled in a program that will lead to a degree; auditing courses does not count.
If we are asking you to complete and submit a Dependent Student Income Verification form on your To Do List in your MyCoyote Student Center, you will need to let us know whether you worked; how much income you made; and whether you filed. Depending on your answers to those questions, you might need to provide additional documents along with the Income Verification form.
If you filed a federal tax return
If you filed a tax return, you will need to provide additional documentation confirming your tax return information.
If you filed a federal tax return with a Social Security Number, this will either be in the form of a signed and dated Tax Return, Tax Return Transcript, or successfully using the FA-DDX (Future Act Direct Data Exchange) to transfer your information from the IRS to your FAFSA.
If you filed a federal tax return using an ITIN, you should submit a signed and dated 1040 income tax return form. Please review the sections below on these methods.
If you didn't file a tax return
If you were not required to file a tax return, whether you worked or not, you only need to submit the Dependent Student Income Verification form. Make sure that the entire form is completed. If you did work, you will need to provide a W-2 statement or 1099 statement for each source of income.
If you filed a federal tax return
If you filed a tax return, you will need to provide additional documentation confirming your tax return information.
If you filed a federal tax return with a Social Security Number, this will either be in the form of a signed and dated Tax Return, Tax Return Transcript, or successfully using the FA-DDX (Future Act Direct Data Exchange) to transfer your information from the IRS to your FAFSA.
If you filed a federal tax return using an ITIN, you should submit a signed and dated 1040 income tax return form. Please review the sections below on these methods.
If you were married and filed separately, you will need to provide documentation for each taxpayer. If you were married and filed jointly and are now separated; divorced; or widowed, submit your W-2 statements for us to separate your income.
If you didn't file a tax return
If you did work, you will also need to provide a W-2 statement or 1099 statement for each source of income.
If we are asking you to complete and submit an Independent Student Income Verification form on your To Do List on your MyCoyote Student Center, you will need to let us know whether you worked; how much income you made; and whether you filed. Depending on your answers to those questions, you will need to provide additional documents along with the Income Verification form.
If you filed a federal tax return
If you filed a tax return, you will need to provide additional documentation confirming your tax return information.
If you filed a federal tax return with a Social Security Number, this will either be in the form of a signed and dated Tax Return, Tax Return Transcript, or successfully using the FA-DDX (Future Act Direct Data Exchange) to transfer your information from the IRS to your FAFSA.
If you filed a federal tax return using an ITIN, you should submit a signed and dated 1040 income tax return form. Please review the sections below on these methods.
If you were married and filed separately, you will need to provide documentation for each taxpayer. If you were married and filed jointly and are now separated; divorced; or widowed, submit your W-2 statements for us to separate your income.
If you didn't file a tax return
If you did work, you will also need to provide a W-2 statement or 1099 statement for each source of income.
Verifying Your Income
As part of the verification process, you may need to confirm the income information reported on your financial aid application. Review the instructions below to learn what documents or steps may be required. The Future Act Direct Data Exchange (FA-DDX) is available only to FAFSA filers.
Note: Due to limited in-person resources, the IRS is unable to provide any documents by mail. You may only access your transcripts via the IRS system. If you are unable to access your documents via the IRS site, please see your alternatives at the top of this page.
If you are unable or don't want to use the FA-DDX (Future Act Direct Data Exchange), you may submit a Tax Return Transcript. This is a document obtained from the IRS that confirms that information that you filed on your tax return. You will be submitting the Transcript to our office along with the requested Income Verification form.
To get a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS:
Request online. Use the "Get Transcript" tool available at the IRS website
You will need to confirm your identity with the IRS through information found on your tax return, such as your Social Security Number, name, and address.
Make sure to submit your Transcripts with any requested CSUSB forms for accurate processing. Do not send any transcripts directly to the University, as we are unable to process them and they will be shredded.
Note: Due to limited in-person resources, the IRS is unable to provide any documents by mail. You may only access your transcripts via the IRS system. If you are unable to access your documents via the IRS site, please see your alternatives at the top of this page.
If you are unable or don't want to use the FA-DDX (Future Act Direct Data Exchange), you may submit a Tax Return Transcript. This is a document obtained from the IRS that confirms that information that you filed on your tax return. You will be submitting the Transcript to our office along with the requested Income Verification form.
To get a Tax Return Transcript from the IRS:
Request online. Use the "Get Transcript" tool available at the IRS website
You will need to confirm your identity with the IRS through information found on your tax return, such as your Social Security Number, name, and address.
Make sure to submit your Transcripts with any requested CSUSB forms for accurate processing. Do not send any transcripts directly to the University, as we are unable to process them and they will be shredded.
If you filed a tax return, you may submit a signed, dated copy of your income tax return. This will satisfy the income verification documentation for the verification process.
Dependent Students
If you filed a tax return, submit a signed and dated copy of your tax return.
Parents
A signed and dated tax return is required for all parents listed on the FAFSA. If your parents filed separately, each parent must submit their tax return.
Independent Students
If you filed a tax return, submit a signed and dated copy of your tax return. If you are married and your spouse filed separately from you, they will also need to submit a signed and dated copy of their tax return.
Your Rights and Responsibilities
Understanding your rights and responsibilities can help you make informed decisions throughout the financial aid process. Review what you can expect from CSUSB, what is expected of you and where to find help with refunds or appeals.
As a financial aid applicant, you have the right to:
- Be considered fairly for available financial aid using established eligibility requirements.
- Receive information about the financial aid programs available at CSUSB.
- Learn how your financial aid eligibility is determined.
- Have your financial aid information kept confidential, except when disclosure is authorized or required by law.
- Request consideration through established financial aid appeal procedures when appropriate.
As a financial aid recipient, you are responsible for:
- Completing all required financial aid applications and forms accurately.
- Responding promptly to requests for additional information.
- Monitoring your CSUSB email and MyCoyote Student Center for updates or required actions.
- Maintaining your financial aid eligibility throughout the academic year.
- Reporting changes that may affect your financial aid eligibility.
Your financial aid is first applied to your tuition, fees and any other eligible charges on your student account. If funds remain after those charges have been paid, the excess will be issued to you as a financial aid refund through direct deposit or by check.
Students who withdraw from the university before established refund deadlines may be eligible for a prorated refund of certain mandatory tuition and fees. Refund eligibility is determined according to university and state policies. Contact Student Financial Services for additional information.
If you believe your financial aid eligibility should be reconsidered because of special or unusual circumstances, you may request a financial aid appeal. Appeals are reviewed individually according to applicable federal and state regulations and university policy.
Glossary of Terms
The difference between what you and your parents can contribute to the cost of your education (as determined by the federal needs analysis system) and the cost of going to the post-secondary institution of your choice.
Award that does not require repayment.
All students who are age 24 by December 31st of the award year, Students who are veterans, orphans, wards of the court, married, classified graduate students (does not include unclassified graduate students or credential students), students who have legal dependents other than a spouse, student who have children to whom they provide more than half of their support.
An agency such as the federal Government, a bank, savings and loan association, or credit union that participates in loan programs for students' parents.
Costs incurred by the student for transportation, clothing, living expenses, and personal miscellaneous expenses during the students period of attendance.
A form of financial aid that must be repaid.
Parent of a student's household and financial information (derived from the financial aid application) to calculate the amount the family can be expected to contribute to college costs.
Any funds disbursed in excess of the student's financial need.
Financial aid offered to student by the institution which is usually made up of a combination of grants, loans and/or employment.
A grant awarded on the basis of need and/or merit that does not have to be repaid.
The California agency that administers the Cal Grant Programs.
Address: P.O. Box 419027 Rancho Cordova, CA 95741-9027
Phone: (916) 526-7590
The report generated by the FAFSA which is sent to the student from the Federal process or which gives an indication of the student's eligibility for a Federal Pell Grant and other Financial Aid.
The total amount it will cost a student to go to college. The COA (COA) includes tuition fees, food and housing, books, course materials, supplies, equipment, transportation, personal miscellaneous expenses and if applicable, loan fees.
The amount charged by a post-secondary school to attend their institution.
Questions?
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is here to help you understand your financial aid eligibility and responsibilities. If you have questions about these terms or how they apply to your situation, please contact our office.
