Costs/Financial Assistance

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides grants (funds that do not require repayment) that are eligible for undergraduates and first-time teaching credential students who demonstrate need. Students pursuing a teaching credential are required to be enrolled at least half-time (6 units) each semester. Full-time awards range from $692 to $6,895 per academic year.

Federal Pell Grants usually are awarded only to undergraduate students who display exceptional financial need and have not earned a bachelor's, graduate, or professional degree. 

A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Find out why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant. 

To apply, start by submitting a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. The CSUDH Financial Aid Office will use the information on the FAFSA® form to determine your eligibility for a Pell Grant, and if so, how much you’re eligible to receive. Full-time awards range from $692 to $6,895 per academic year. 

You will have to fill out the FAFSA form every year you’re in school in order to stay eligible for federal student aid, including Pell Grant awards. 

http://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/grants/pell ►

The U.S. Department of Education offers low-interest loans to eligible students to help cover the cost of higher education. Eligible students must be admitted, in good academic standing, and enrolled at least half-time (6 units) in a program leading to a degree, teaching credential, or approved certificate.   

Undergraduate students may be eligible to receive a Subsidized Federal Direct Loan or Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan based on their financial need. Undergraduate students who are eligible for a Federal Direct Loan will be eligible to borrow up to $12,500 for the academic year. To learn about the difference between Direct Subsidized Loans and Direct Unsubsidized Loans as well as eligibility requirements, visit: http://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/loans/subsidized-unsubsidized 

To apply for a Federal Direct Student Loan, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) The FAFSA form must be submitted on June 30 by 11:59 p.m. CT. Please note: students must reapply for financial aid for each new academic year. 

Based on the information provided on your FAFSA application, the CSUDH Financial Aid Office will determine your eligibility and the actual loan amount you may borrow each academic year. If deemed eligible, funding will come from Federal Direct Stafford Loans- The William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Program. These funds must be REPAID, and you will repay a Federal Direct Stafford Loan to the U.S. Department of Education.

* FAFSA forms must be submitted by 11:59 p.m. Central time (CT) on June 30. 

Private student loans are available through Sallie Mae and other private student loan services. Visit http://salliemae.comor Google “private student loan providers” for specific details.