Financial Aid

Grants

You may qualify for one or more Federal or State grants as part of your need-based financial aid award.

CSU Cares Initiative

In April 2020, the US Department of Education (DOE) announced that more than $6 billion would be distributed immediately to colleges and universities across the country to provide direct emergency financial aid grants to college students whose lives and educational pathways have been disrupted by the COVID-19 outbreak. The funding has been made possible through the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund authorized by the Coronavirus Aid, Relief, and Economic Security (CARES) Act.

The purpose of this federal funding is to provide emergency financial aid grants to students for their expenses related to the disruption of campus operations due to the coronavirus, such as food, housing, course materials, technology, health care, and child-care expenses.

Federal Grants (FAFSA Applicants)

Federal grants are a form of financial aid that is awarded based on financial need as determined by the FAFSA. These grants do not need to be repaid unless you withdraw from the university or receive a grant when you are not eligible.

To be considered for California state grants, you must complete your FAFSA/CADAA by the priority deadline. You will be awarded based on information you provided in the application and what the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) determines you are eligible for.

To be considered by the California Student Aid Commission for the Cal Grant program, you must file the FAFSA and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the state priority deadline.