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Prospective Students

In order to assist prospective students, CSUSB is part of The College Scorecard system. This tool allows those who wish to attend CSUSB to view a breakdown of the typical cost of attendance for CSUSB, graduation rate, student loan default rate and the amount families typically borrow in Federal loans to support a student's undergraduate degree. The Scorecard can be found here

CSUSB is also part of the College Navigator which further breaks down information on various schools. This website includes detailed descriptions on tuition, fees, graduation rate, retention rate and many other useful tools for making a decision on where to attend school. Visit the National Center for Education Statistics website to view CSUSB’s profile.

To compare our school to others you may want to visit the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's comparison tool that allows you to view, side-by-side, three schools of your choosing and compare costs, an estimate of Federal Financial Aid you may receive as well as graduation rates and after graduation debt figures.

Financial Aid

Financial aid programs provide support for students to help meet the costs of obtaining a college education. Funding for such programs is provided by the federal and state governments, the individual colleges and universities, and a variety of other public and private sources. Cal State San Bernardino's Financial Aid Office helps veterans by providing the best package of aid to cover the costs of college.

Financial aid is split up into two categories based on the reason the funds are awarded:

  • Achievement-based aid is awarded to students who have a special characteristic, skill, talent or ability. Typically, achievement-based aid is in the form of scholarships.
  • Need-based aid is provided to students who demonstrate financial need. Most financial aid, particularly public-funded aid, is awarded on the basis of financial need determined through the Free Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA) application process and in accordance with a prescribed federal formula.

Most often, financial aid will come in the form of a package consisting of a combination of the different types of aid available. The combination of aid offered depends on the availability of funds, your eligibility, the timeliness with which the application process is completed, and your year in school.

The Financial Aid Office website has step-by-step information to familiarize students with types of available aid and loans, eligibility requirements, applications and forms, student employment programs, and other financial aid resources.

Though receipt of VA benefits is considered in the determination of a student veteran’s level of aid, most student veterans qualify for other forms of financial aid. Individuals should also file the FAFSA.

Once federal financial aid has been awarded, you may view your Financial Aid Shopping Sheet by logging into MyCoyote. In your "Award Summary," you will be able to view the Shopping Sheet which provides an overview of financial aid awarded, cost of attendance, graduation rate and other tools to help you understand your financial standing.

Applying for Financial Aid

CSUSB's Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships web page has links to applications and forms, student employment programs, and other financial aid resources. To learn more or to apply for aid, visit the Financial Aid website. 

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

The first step in the financial aid process is to complete and submit the FAFSA. Federal Student Aid, an office of the U.S. Department of Education, ensures that all eligible individuals can benefit from federal or state funds, or federally guaranteed financial assistance for education beyond high school. Students are encouraged to gather all pertinent information and documents before applying. This includes financial information, dependency status, school plans and more. 

Covering the Cost

There are a variety of sources for financial support for veterans, active military, reservists and dependents. Each has its own forms, processes and timetables.

Costs

Undergraduate and post-baccalaureate students can review estimated standard budgets for nine months' cost of education at CSUSB.

Students can also look at what they may expect to pay for their education each quarter at CSUSB, not including financial aid.

To see a breakdown of CSUSB tuition and fees visit the Student Financial Services website.

VA Work Study

All students training under Chapters 30, 31, 34, 35, and 1606 and 1607 VA education programs and who have been certified for 3/4 time enrollment or more are eligible to apply for the VA Work Study Program. Students may work up to 450 hours in a term, and receive $10.00/hour (tax exempt as a VA benefit). Please check with the campus' School Certifying Official for more information.

Taxes

Veterans' benefits are NOT taxable and, therefore, should not be reported to the IRS.

Tuition Assistance

The VA Office does not process tuition assistance reimbursements. For active duty, reservists, and National Guard members with tuition assistance applications, policies, and procedures are provided through the individual's unit education service office. You must contact Yolanda Gamble, Office of Student Accounts, in University Hall, Rm 034 or call her at (909) 537-5156, to verify enrollment with your unit.

Scholarships

In addition to military benefits, veterans and current service members are welcome to apply for traditional student aid in the form of scholarships. Several scholarships are available from the university, as well as public and private sources.

On-Campus Scholarships

An on campus scholarship is a scholarship that is administered by CSUSB's Financial Aid Office, academic colleges, or various campus departments and associations. These are available for both incoming and continuing students and are generally awarded based on financial need, merit, leadership, talent and community service. Some scholarships may require a GPA of 2.0 or higher, and enrollment criteria may vary. The deadline for on campus scholarships is usually near the end of the winter quarter, to stay up-to-date please visit the Financial Aid website

Scholarship Applications

  • Veterans Success Initiative Scholarship Fund
  • Zapletal Charitable Trust Scholarship
  • Jerome J. Herbert Endowed Scholarship

Off-Campus Scholarships

Off-campus scholarships are scholarships that are administered by other organizations not affiliated with CSUSB, such as community organizations, private companies, religious affiliations, etc. There are many ways for students to find off-campus scholarships. All it takes is time to search and apply for them. Remember, the more applications submitted the better the chances to be awarded one.                                                                                                                                                            

Grants

Grants are federal or state gift assistance with no obligation for work or repayment. Currently, grants fall under four general categories. The largest number of grants is for undergraduate students. The three remaining categories include second Bachelor Students, Credential Students and Graduate Students. Students pursuing certificates must check with the Financial Aid Office for types of available aid. Check the grants section for a list of which grants are offered under each category.

Cal Grants

The California Student Aid Commission website provides information on Cal Grants.

Private Loans

If you are a service member, active or reserve, and are considering taking out a loan through your personal financial institution, it is highly recommended that you speak with CSUSB's Financial Aid Veterans Liaison before doing so.