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Financial Aid, Scholarships & Grants

Your Guide to Financial Aid at CSUSB

We know paying for college can feel overwhelming, but you don’t have to figure it out alone. At CSUSB, there are many resources to help you fund your education and keep costs manageable. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships is here to guide you and your family—making the process clear, supportive, and focused on minimizing debt after graduation. You’ll find workshops on FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), CADAA (California Dream Act), and scholarships, along with the forms you need. And if you have questions, the team is ready to meet with you by phone or in person.

Helpful Dates & Deadlines 

 

October 1 

FAFSA application opens June 30, 2026 
School code: 001142 

 

January 1 

CADAA application opens April 2 every year 
School code: 001142 

 

August 

Aid disbursement begins for students starting in fall semester 

Getting Started with Financial Aid

Gather forms

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the main application you’ll need to complete to be considered for federal grants, loans and work-study programs. That said, you may choose to complete the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) instead, depending on your situation. All students must complete either the FAFSA or CADAA to be considered for financial aid.

Browse aid sources

There’s a variety of types of aid available—from grants and loans to scholarships and work-study. Consider as many kinds as make sense for you; many CSUSB students get funding from different sources to help cover their education expenses as much as possible.

Types of Financial Aid

Paying for college often means combining more than one type of aid. For example, you might receive a grant, take on a part-time work-study job, and earn a scholarship—all working together to help cover your costs. Not every type of aid will apply to you, but almost every student can find some form of support.

  • Loans: Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid after you leave school. When you accept a loan, you’ll agree to the repayment terms in a promissory note. There are several kinds of loans, so be sure to learn about your options before deciding.  
  • Grants: Grants are funds you don’t need to repay, usually awarded based on financial need. Many CSUSB students receive support through programs like the Cal Grant and the Middle Class Scholarship. 
  • Scholarships: Scholarships are awarded for a variety of reasons, including academics, career goals, financial need, community service, leadership, talent, or unique experiences. Like grants, scholarships don’t need to be repaid. 
  • Work-Study: Work-study allows students with financial need to earn money through part-time jobs on or off campus, helping you cover education costs while gaining valuable work experience.

We’re Here to Help

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships is your go-to resource for all things financial aid. Our team can guide you through completing your applications, explain what types of aid you qualify for, and walk you through the disbursement process—how and when you’ll actually receive your funds. 

One Coyote’s Financial Aid Story

“Being a first-generation college student, I'm graduating four years with no debt, and financial aid helped me with a lot of covering my college. I would encourage any student who is thinking about not going to college because of financial reasons to still try, to still do their best, and to look into any resource and any scholarship that is open and available.” 

 

Erinea House, ’25 

Major: Information systems and technology with a concentration in cybersecurity 

Support for Military & Veteran Students

CSUSB is proud to serve those who serve our country. While Veterans Affairs (VA) Educational Benefits are not awarded directly by the university, students and dependents who are eligible can get expert guidance through the Veterans Success Center. You’ll also find helpful resources on the VA’s GI Bill website, ensuring you have the support you need to access and manage your benefits.

Learn More About CSUSB 

Life as a Coyote is full of opportunity, community and energy. Take a minute to explore programs renowned for their academic excellence and get a flavor of what it’s like to be part of the Pack.