Apply for Aid

Eligibility

Determining Eligibility

Full FAFSA requirements are listed on the FAFSA federal website: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/fotw0506/help/fftoc04b.htm

• Accepted for Admission and enrolled in an eligible program
• Most programs require you to demonstrate financial need
• U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Registered with Selective Service if you are male
• Have a Social Security number
• Have a high school diploma or recognized equivalent requirement
• Not be in default on any loan or owe a refund on any grant made under the Title IV program
• Meet satisfactory academic progress (see details below)
• Enrolled in appropriate credential program

Dependent/Independent Federal Definition

When determining eligibility for federal student aid, dependency status is considered. Because federal student financial aid funds are limited, all resources available to students must be considered in determining financial need. 

Traditionally, parents are deemed the primary source of a dependent student's support. The law requires that parents' financial information be included in the U.S. Department of Education's (ED's) need analysis formula for a dependent student. For the 2007-2008 award year, the law defines an independent student as one who meets at least one of the following criteria: 

• Were you born before January 1, 1984? 
• At the beginning of the 2007-2008 school year, will you be working on a master's or doctorate program (such as an MA, MBA, MD, JD, PhD, EdD, or graduate certificate, etc.)? 
• As of today, are you married? (Answer "yes" if you are separated but not divorced.) 
• Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you? 
• Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2008? 
• Are (a) both of your parents deceased, or (b) are you (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court? 
• Are you currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
• Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

Congress established these criteria through the legislation authorizing the federal student aid programs. Because Congress established the criteria, changes to the criteria would require Congress to pass additional legislation.In special or unusual circumstances, however, a student who meets none of these criteria may still be considered independent. The financial aid administrator at the student's school can make a special determination of independence and must document in the student's file the reason for that determination. The financial aid administrator's decision is final and cannot be appealed to Department of Education. 

A dependent student must provide parental information on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). A dependent student may still be eligible for federal student aid.

Determining Need

The formula that the CSUSB Financial Aid Office uses in determining a student's financial aid eligibility is:

Cost of education minus expected family contribution (EFC) = financial eligibility.

To figure the cost of education at CSUSB each year, the CSUSB Financial Aid Office develops a set of standard budgets (see table below for the 2007-2008 budgets). These budgets are based on average costs and are intended to provide sufficient funds for the majority of students in most circumstances. 

An effort is made to consider the situation of the individual student. For example, certain majors may require more books and supplies than other majors. The student is expected to contribute an amount computed by formula based on the previous year's income. This amount is used in calculating financial aid eligibility. If a student is dependent as defined by federal regulations, his/her parents are expected to contribute to the educational costs to the extent of their ability. The parents' contribution takes into account the family's income, net worth, number of dependents, untaxed income, and number of siblings attending college. The parents' contribution is considered an available resource whether or not the student receives this amount from his/her parent(s).

Estimated Standard Budgets/Nine Months

Cost of Education Undergraduate Student

Estimated Standard Budgets/Nine Months

Cost of Education Post Baccalaureate

Estimated Standard Budgets/Nine Months

Cost of Education Teaching Credential

Satisfactory Academic Progress

Lack of Satisfactory Academic Progress may affect Financial Aid Eligibility

To comply with federal and state requirements, California State University, San Bernardino established an Annual Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) Policy. This policy applies reasonable standards for measuring whether a student, who is otherwise eligible for financial aid, is maintaining SAP toward the completion of his/her educational objective.

During this review, which is conducted every summer, your academic progress will be reviewed in the following areas:

Qualitative Standard: students must maintain good academic standing as defined by the University Bulletin under “Academic Regulations” and

Quantitative Standard: comparing the number of units attempted versus the number of units earned on an annual basis and time limits to complete a degree on a cumulative basis.

Failure to meet SAP standards in these areas will constitute ineligibility to receive financial aid.

Students who fail to make satisfactory academic progress will be notified via their CSUSB e-mail address.

STUDENT RIGHTS

You have the right to expect equal treatment in the awarding of financial aid. Applications will be individually analyzed using the same system of need analysis for all students. If financial need exists, you have the right to expect a fair determination of your eligibility for available funding.

You and your parents have the assurance that all information relating to your financial aid is kept confidential. Information on your application or award will be released to individuals only if you request it in writing.

Appeal procedures have been established to review the action of the CSUSB Financial Aid Office when a student warrants special consideration. All appeals are handled by the Student Aid Committee. If you wish to appeal an area of judgment, you should discuss the matter with the Director or Associate Director of Financial Aid. A letter of appeal is then sent to the CSUSB Student Aid Committee. All decisions of the Student Aid Committee are final. Appeals can be initiated in all areas of judgment. When the decision is the result of specific regulations or laws, the law controls the decision and no campus appeal is possible.

You have the right to have full information on the requirements for and the types of aid available at CSUSB. In addition, you have the right to know the selection and review process used in awarding financial aid. Information on academic, faculty and physical facilities, student retention, and the University's annual employment survey of its graduates is available in the University Bulletin (catalog).

For students who withdraw from the University prior to deadlines established by the State of California, pro rata refunds of mandatory fees and tuition may be available. A student must apply for this refund. Students can find specific information concerning the refund policy in the University Bulletin or by contacting the Bursar's Office.

STUDENT RESPONSIBILITIES

You must be at least conditionally accepted for admission to the University and be pursuing a course of study leading to a degree or eligible certificate before receiving any aid or having any aid credited to fees or housing costs. Students who have been admitted contractual or tentative are not eligible to receive financial aid. 

All financial aid applicants receive a notice upon being awarded aid. This notice reflects the required number of units to be completed each quarter. Prior approval must be obtained from the CSUSB Financial Aid Office before dropping units. 

First time CSUSB Federal Direct Loan applicants must attend a loan counseling workshop prior to their loan disbusement. The dates of these workshops are obtained from the Financial Aid Office. All borrowers must must attend an exit interview workshop before ceasing attendance at CSUSB.  

If you withdraw during a term and have received a cash disbursement of financial aid, you may be required to repay any funds not used for educational expenses. The repayment schedule takes into consideration the length of time you were enrolled, the cost of attendance up to the date of withdrawal, and the reason(s) for withdrawal. Further information about this policy is available on request.  

Calculation of eligibility for financial aid is based on information provided on your application forms. If your financial situation changes during the year, you must report such changes to the CSUSB Financial Aid Office. Changes in financial situations may result from receiving a scholarship, major changes in earned income, or receiving new or increased benefits from an agency. 

As a financial aid recipient, you are required to notify the CSUSB Financial Aid Office immediately of any changes in academic status, mailing address, or change in living arrangements. 

If a student receives a Federal Perkins Loan while attending CSUSB, he/she must schedule an exit interview before graduating, withdrawing, or transferring. This interview should be arranged with the Student Aid Accounting Office. Failure to attend an exit interview may result in a hold on academic records.

DRUG-FREE SCHOOLS AND COMMUNITIES ACT AMENDMENT OF 1989

As required by the Drug-Free Schools and Communities Act Amendments of 1989, university standards of student conduct prohibits the unlawful possession, use, or distribution of illicit drugs and alcohol by students on university property or as part of any university activity. Not withstanding other penalties provided by local, state and federal law which prohibit the above activity, under Title V, California Code of Regulations, 41301-41304, university disciplinary sanctions which may be imposed are expulsion, suspension, probation, or lesser sanctions. Studies on the effects of controlled substances have demonstrated that the use of such substances can lead to:

• addiction
• lung damage
• heart damage
• brain damage
• unpredictable behavior
• paranoia
• other physical and mental disorders

The Counseling Center, located in the Student Health Center, can assist students in locating available drug or alcohol counseling, treatment, or rehabilitation or re-entry programs.

The Higher Education Act further provides that a student can regain eligibility, regardless of the number or type of convictions on the student's record, by successfully completing a drug rehabilitation program that complies with criteria established by the Secretary of Education and that includes two unannounced drug tests.Copies of the complete regulation and further information are available at the financial aid office in University Hall, Room 150.

Federal Financial Aid Regulations Pertaining To Students Who Have Been Convicted Of Possession Of A Controlled Substance, Or Who Have Been Convicted OF The Sale Of A Controlled Substance.

Effective July 1, 2000 the Secretary of Education proposes to add Sec. 668.40 (a) and (b) to implement statutory provisions to deny financial aid to students convicted of sale or possession of a controlled substance.The Periods of ineligibility, which begin as of the date of conviction, are:

• If convicted for the first time of an offense involving the possession of a controlled substance, the ineligibility period is one year. 
• If convicted for the second time of an offense involving the possession of a controlled substance, the ineligibility period is for two years. 
• If convicted for the third time of an offense involving the possession of a controlled substance, the ineligibility period is for one year. 
• If convicted for the first time of an offense involving the sale of a controlled substance, the ineligibility period is for one year. 
• If convicted for the second time of an offense involving the sale of a controlled substance, the ineligibility period is indefinite.

Note that for purposes of determining a student's eligibility for Title IV assistance, a conviction means a conviction that is on a student's record at the time the student's eligibility for financial aid is being determined. Therefore, a conviction that was reversed, set aside, or removed from the student's record is not relevant.