Financial Assistance Information
There are a variety of financial aid programs to assist students and families with meeting expenses. The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from Financial Aid, BH 101, (562) 985-8403 or by visiting the website at www.csulb.edu/enrollment:
1. A description of the federal, state, institutional, local, and private student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at CSULB;
2. For each aid program, a description of procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance, student eligibility requirements, criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants, and criteria for determining the amount of a student's award;
3. A description of the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, including federal Title IV student assistance programs, and the criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;
4. The satisfactory academic progress standards that students must maintain for the purpose of receiving financial assistance and criteria by which a student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may reestablish eligibility for financial assistance;
5. The method by which financial assistance disbursements will be made to students and the frequency of those disbursements;
6. The way the school provides for Pell-eligible students to obtain or purchase required books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period and how the student may opt out;
7. The terms of any loan received as part of the student's financial aid package, a sample loan repayment schedule, and the necessity for repaying loans;
8. The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided as part of the student's financial aid package;
9. The terms and conditions of the loans students receive under the Direct Loan and Perkins Loan Programs;
10. The exit counseling information the school provides and collects for student borrowers; and
11. Contact information for ombuds offices available for disputes concerning federal, institutional and private loans.
Information concerning the cost of attending California State University, Long Beach is available from the Office of Financial Aid, BH 101, (562) 985-8403, and includes tuition and fees; the estimated costs of books and supplies; estimates of typical student room, board, and transportation costs; and, if requested, additional costs for specific programs.
Information concerning the refund policies of California State University, Long Beach for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of institutional charges is available from the Controller, BH 365.
Information concerning policies regarding the return of federal Title IV student assistance funds as required by regulations is available from the Office of Financial Aid, BH 101, (562) 985-8403.
Information concerning athletic opportunities available to male and female students and the financial resources and personnel that CSULB dedicates to its men's and women's teams may be obtained from Cindy Masner, Sports Athletics and Recreation, 562-985-8527.
Information concerning teacher preparation programs at CSULB, including the pass rate on teacher certification examinations, may be obtained from either Elementary/Special Education Admission Advising, Bob and Barbara Ellis Education Building - Room 53, (562) 985-9259, Elementary Education: http://www.ced.csulb.edu, Special Education: www.ced.csulb.edu/special-education, or Single Subject Office, Bob and Barbara Ellis Education Building - Room 53, (562) 985-7623, www.ced.csulb.edu/single-subject.
The Office of Financial Aid at CSULB provides both financial and advisory assistance to enable students to pursue a quality education despite increasing costs. It administers funds made available by the federal and state governments, CSU and by private sources that are awarded to students who demonstrate a need to cover educational expenses.
Due to limited funding, meeting deadlines is critical. Students must file a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA Dream Act Application) between January 1 and March 2 for priority status. Financial aid files must be complete before financial need can be determined.
Financial Aid Application
The appropriate financial aid application must be completed in order for a student to be considered for financial aid at CSULB:
- Federal aid eligible students (citizens & eligible non-citizens) should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) - at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
- Students with an AB540 status, who are not eligible for federal aid, should complete the California Dream Act Application at www.dream.csac.ca.gov.
To ensure CSULB receives the application information, be sure to list CSULB and the School Code 001139 on the college release section. The application must be completed each year; students are encouraged to submit the application online; however, alternate submission instructions are provided on the above websites for those students who are unable to submit the application electronically.
In addition to the FAFSA / Dream Act Application, new applicants for Cal Grants (including entering freshmen) must submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by the March 2nd Priority Filing deadline. Forms are available for download from the California Student Aid Commission website at www.csac.ca.gov.
Detailed information about CSULB financial aid programs is available from the Office of Financial Aid website (www.csulb.edu/financialaid). The submission of various supporting documents may be required, including (but not limited to): (1) verification of all taxable and nontaxable income; (2) household information; (3) other clarifying information requested by the Office of Financial Aid. Upon receipt of all documentation, the applicant's file is evaluated to determine eligibility for financial aid. A student who submits a financial aid application (and all requested supporting documents) is automatically considered for all aid programs for which he/she qualifies. Students expecting to receive a financial aid refund are required to enrolled in eRefund - CSULB's electronic refund process (bank account information will be required).
Financial Aid Eligibility
To determine financial aid eligibility, a standard needs analysis system is used. This system allows the Office of Financial Aid to analyze family financial strength and ability to contribute toward the cost of attending CSULB. Subtracted from the student's educational expenses to arrive at financial need are: the parental contribution, the applicant's (and spouse's) contribution from employment, savings, a portion of assets and other resources. As long as program funds permit, a "package" consisting of various types of funds (grants, loans, work- study) is awarded to meet full need.
Award offers are made based on an assumption of full-time enrollment. Students enrolled at least half-time are eligible to receive financial aid, however, some awards may be prorated based on actual enrollment (half-time enrollment is considered to be 6 units for Undergraduate students; 4 units for Master's Degree Students; 3 units for Doctoral students).
Notification of Awards
Upon determination of eligibility, new students are sent notice of a financial aid offer. Students are also notified if determined to be ineligible.
It is the goal of CSULB to package aid that fully meets the need of all qualified aid applicants. However, in the event that funds are insufficient, priority will be given to students whose financial aid files meet the first priority deadlines and who demonstrate the highest need.
