Think college is too expensive? Think again.

At Cal State San Bernardino, earning a degree may cost less than you think. In fact, more than half of CSUSB students who receive financial aid pay no tuition or fees! Financial aid programs can make earning a college degree a lot more affordable than you might imagine. 

Financial aid comes in four main categories — grants, scholarships, loans and work-study — covering dozens of federal, state, institutional and private programs. Two of the biggest opportunities are federal Pell Grants and California Cal Grants, which can help cover tuition and other college expenses.

And the best part is, unlike student loans, grants are money you usually don't have to pay back.

Jennifer Cornejo knows firsthand what a difference these grants can make. She earned a bachelor’s degree in administration with a concentration in management from CSUSB in 2025. She’s now pursuing a Master of Public Administration degree with a concentration in leadership while working as a graduate assistant in the Business Graduate Programs Office at Jack H. Brown College of Business and Public Administration. 

Without both Pell and Cal grants, she said, “My college experience would have looked different. They helped me because I definitely wanted to get my bachelor's degree without having to work more than half time.” 

She continued on to graduate school “because I graduated debt-free during my bachelor’s. I owed nothing and was able to take on the financial side of my master's degree.”

What's a Pell Grant?

A federal Pell Grant helps undergraduate students with significant financial need pay for college. Eligibility depends primarily on your family's financial circumstances, and the amount you receive can vary — from the minimum of $740 to a maximum of $7,395. In fact, 59 percent of CSUSB undergraduate students receive Pell grants. 

Pell Grants help cover tuition, books, supplies and living costs, and you don't need perfect grades to qualify.  

What about Cal Grants?

Cal Grants are financial awards from the state of California that help eligible students pay for college. There are different types: Cal Grant A helps cover tuition, while Cal Grant B helps with living expenses and, after the first year, tuition.

Your eligibility depends on a few factors, such as financial need, California residency or other qualifying status and academic requirements.

Can you receive both?

Yes. Like Jennifer, eligible students may receive both federal Pell Grants and California Cal Grants. Together, these awards can significantly reduce out-of-pocket costs, depending on your eligibility, enrollment and the overall financial aid package.

“Applying for financial aid not only gives you options to study debt-free, it also allows you to have more time to focus on studying and classwork, while still having a means to get some financial help in your life,” Jennifer said.

How do you get started?

Visit CSUSB's Financial Aid and Scholarships website to learn more.

You can also call the Office of Financial Aid at 909-537-5227, email them at  financialaid@csusb.edu, or visit them at University Hall, room 150. 

Don't assume college is beyond your budget before exploring your options. It could cost a lot less than you think!