Types of Aid

Grants

Currently, grants fall under four general categories, all of which are addressed on this page. The first, and largest number of grants are for Undergraduate Students. 2nd Bachelor Students, Credential Students, and Graduate Students make up the three remaining categories. Certificate students are only eligible for loans.

Undergraduate Students

NATIONAL COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIATION (NCAA) Athletic Grants-In-Aid

These grants are administered through the athletic department. A student with exceptional athletic talent may be eligible for a grant to cover a portion or all the cost of education. For further details contact the athletic department.

Federal Pell Grant

Undergraduate students working towards their first Bachelor's degree may be eligible for a Pell Grant. Student must be making satisfactory academic progress. The annual amounts range from $400 to $4310 for the 2007-2008 academic year. The award amount is determined based on the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the cost of education and the student's enrollment status. All undergraduate students automatically apply for this Grant by submitting the Free Application For Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA).

State University Grant (SUG)

Students pursuing an undergraduate degree are eligible for State University Grant. The maximum award in 2007-2008 is $2,772. Any state resident who applies for financial aid will automatically be considered for this program. This grant is only available to California residents.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

The Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant is designed to assist undergraduate students. The estimated average award for 2007-2008 was $750. Any student with exceptional need who applies for financial aid will automatically be considered for this program. The CSUSB Financial Aid Office is responsible for selecting the recipients of this award and for determining the amount of the award based on the student's computed need.

Educational Opportunity Program Grant (EOPG)

Disadvantaged students who are California residents and who are seeking a bachelor's degree may be eligible for admission to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). Students should contact the EOP office located in University Hall for EOP application procedures. When students are officially enrolled in the EOP program and demonstrate financial aid eligibility, they may be eligible for an EOP grant. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The estimated average annual award for 2007-2008 is $750. Awarding of this grant is based on availability of funds.

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The ACG grant is available for first-year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2007, and for second-year students who graduated from high school after January 1, 2006. This grant is in addition to the student's Federal Pell grant.

To receive the ACG grant, a student must:

• be a U. S. citizen
• be enrolled full-time
• be receiving a Federal Pell grant for the same award year
• be enrolled in the first or second academic year of a program of study at an eligible two-year or four-year degree-granting institution 
• have successfully completed a rigorous secondary school program of study and graduated from high school after January 1, 2007, for first-year students and after January 2006, for second-year students; and
• if a first-year student, not have been previously enrolled while still in high school in a ACG-eligible college program or 
• if a second-year student, have successfully completed their first year and have a cumulative GPA of at least a 3.0 on a 4.0 scale

The ACG grant will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study.  Each quarter during the academic year, the student will receive one third of the total amount awarded.  

Disbursement of the ACG grant will be authorized to the Business Office at “census” each quarter if the following is verified: 

• full time enrollment

The amount of the student's ACG grant, in combination with the student's Federal Pell grant, other resources, and estimated financial assistance, may not exceed the student's financial need (cost of attendance minus the Expected Family Contribution [EFC] equals financial need). A student may not receive more than one ACG award in each academic year for which the student is eligible.

All annual award amounts for an academic year may be ratably reduced if sufficient funds are not available to all eligible students nationally in an award year.

A student applies for the ACG grant by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Based on the information the student provides on the FAFSA, the U.S. Department of Education will contact  potential eligible students (via regular mail, or by electronic mail when an e-mail address is provided on the FAFSA).

The notification will provide information to help the student determine whether he or she completed "a qualifying rigorous secondary school program" identified by a state or local educational agency and recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Education. Click here for a detailed listing of recognized programs. The notification directs the student to self-certify his or her eligibility at www.fafsa.ed.gov by completing Step 3, "Make Corrections to a Processed FAFSA," answering additional questions to determine whether he or she meets the rigorous secondary course work requirements. If the student does not have access to the Internet, he or she may call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243; TTY for the hearing-impaired 1-800-730-8913).

The Department then notifies each eligible student's postsecondary institution(s) listed on the FAFSA that the student may qualify for the ACG grant. The school will determine whether the student meets all of the eligibility criteria. The financial aid office will award the ACG grant to eligible students.

The National Science & Mathematics Access to Retain Talent Grant (National SMART Grant)

The National SMART grant is available during the third and fourth years of undergraduate study to full-time students who are eligible for the Federal Pell grant and who are majoring in computer science, engineering, foreign language determined critical to national security, life sciences, mathematics, natural resources and conservation, physical sciences, psychology and technology.  The student must also have maintained a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0 in coursework required for the major. This grant is in addition to the student's Federal Pell grant award.

To receive the SMART grant, as student must::

• be a U. S. citizen
• be enrolled full-time in an eligible degree program
• be receiving a Federal Pell grant for the same award year
• be enrolled in the third or fourth academic year of their program of study in an eligible four-year degree-granting institution
• if third-year student, have successfully completed the second year, or if fourth-year student, have successfully completed the third year
• be majoring in physical, life or computer science, engineering, mathematics, technology, or a critical foreign language.
• have and maintain at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale in the coursework required for the student’s major
• be enrolled in at least one course that meets the specific requirements of the student’s National SMART grant-eligible major

The National SMART grant will provide up to $4000 for each of the third and fourth years of undergraduate study.  Each quarter during the academic year, the student will receive one third of the total amount awarded.  

Disbursement of the National SMART will be authorized to the Business Office at “census” each quarter if the following is verified:

• full time enrollment
• enrollment in at least one course that meets the specific requirements of the student’s National SMART grant-eligible major
• GPA is at least 3.0 on a 4.0 scale in the coursework required for the student’s major

Students awarded with the National SMART grant will be required to complete a “SMART Grant Requirement Verification” form and submit to the Records Office for verification of required course enrollment.  This form must be returned to the Financial Aid Office to continue the verification process.  Form is located at the Financial Aid Office web site at http://finaid.csusb.edu, click on “Application and Forms” then click on “SMART Grant Requirement Verification” The student must complete the student’s section and submit form to the Records Office for verification of required course enrollment.  The student is responsible of making sure this form is returned to the Financial Aid Office in a timely manner to continue the verification process and prevent delays in the disbursement of the National SMART grant.  

The amount of the student's National SMART grant, in combination with the student's Federal Pell grant, other resources, and estimated financial assistance may not exceed the student's financial need (cost of attendance minus the Expected Family Contribution [EFC] equals financial need). A student may not receive more than one National SMART grant award in each academic year for which the student is eligible.

All annual award amounts for an academic year may be ratably reduced if sufficient funds are not available to all eligible students nationally in an award year.

A student can apply for the National SMART grant by completing and submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The postsecondary school listed on the student's FAFSA will determine whether the student meets all of the eligibility requirements. The financial aid office will award the grant to eligible students.

Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant

Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants provide money to help defray the costs of education for students of Native American heritage. A student may apply who:

1. is certified by a tribal agency to be at least one-fourth American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut;
2. has unmet financial aid eligibility;
3. is working toward a graduate or undergraduate degree;
4. completes all of the application requirements

Although the CSUSB Financial Aid Office will provide assistance in filing the application, eligible students should contact the Bureau of Indian Affairs local office for a record of their tribal background. The Bureau of Indian Affairs agency and/or area office is responsible for review and processing of postsecondary education requests.

Cal Grants A, B Competitive Awards

The California Student Commission (CSAC) administers grant programs exclusively for California residents.

Cal Grant A is a California State Grant that is applied toward registration and educational fees. It is renewable for a maximum of four years. New and continuing students who demonstrate academic achievement and financial aid eligibility may apply. Cal Grant A awards for 2007-2008 at CSUSB are a maximum of $2,772 for undergraduates and $3,216 for the fifth year teaching credential program.

Cal Grant B is college opportunities grant for students from disadvantaged backgrounds and low-income families. Awards range from $1,551 to $4,767 per year at CSUSB and are renewable up to four years if students are eligible. Cal Grant B pays an access grant of $1,551 in the first year and pays tuition and subsistence in subsequent years. Selection for this grant is based on financial aid eligibility, parent's income/size, parent's education level, and household status, and the students' grades.

To apply Cal Grant A and B, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and Cal Grant GPA Verification form by March 2. FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA Verification form are available at the Financial Aid Office, UH-150 through March 2 . Students may also complete the FAFSA application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov . New Cal Grant applicants must also have a GPA Verification form completed and mailed to CSAC no later than March 2.

September 2 deadline for:

* Community college competitive program awards high school seniors and all students attending/planning to attend a community college.

Cal Grant Entitlement Awards

Students who meet the academic requirements (3.0 GPA) for Cal Grant A and (2.0 GPA) for Cal Grant B and fall within established income and asset ceilings, will receive a Cal Grant A or B Entitlement Awards.

Cal Grant A provides tuition and fee assistance for students with financial need at California public and independent colleges and selected postsecondary schools. Cal Grant A awards for 2007-2008 at CSUSB are a maximum of $2,772 for undergraduates students and are renewable up to four years if the student remain eligible.

Cal Grant B provides an access grant of $1,551 for the first year of study for entering freshmen. Beginning with the second year of the award, recipients also receive an additional grant that covers the CSU State University Fee when renewed. Cal Grant B is a college opportunity grant for students from disadvantaged backgrounds who attend a California public or independent college, or postsecondary school. Cal Grant B awards for 2007-2008 range from $1,551 to $4,767 per year at CSUSB and are renewable up to four years if students are eligible.

To apply Cal Grant A and B Entitlement Awards, you must apply within a year of graduating from high school and meet the March 2 application deadline for filing FAFSA and Cal Grant GPA Verification form. Students may also complete the FAFSA application online at www.fafsa.ed.gov after January 1.

Please remember that it takes two forms, the GPA Verification form and FAFSA application to apply for this program.

California Chafee Grant

The California Chafee Grant Program gives students up to $5,000.00 annually in free money to current or former foster youth to use for college courses. To qualify for the California Chafee Grant, foster youth must have been in foster care on their 16th birthday and not have reached their 22nd birthday. The student must attend school at least half time, their course of study must be at least one year long and must maintain satisfactory academic progress.

To apply, students must file the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid), students may apply online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov, and submit the California Chafee Grant Application, which is available online at http://www.chafee.csac.ca.gov or by calling toll free (888) 224-7268.

The California Student Aid Commission will review the student's FAFSA and Chafee Grant Application. The California Department of Social Services will verify the student's Independent Living Program (ILP) status and the student's school financial aid office will determine their financial aid eligibility. At that time, the Commission will send the student a letter to inform him/her if they qualify to receive a Chafee grant or not.

Child Development Grant Program

The Child Development Grant Program is a need-based grant designed to encourage students to enter the field of child care and development in a licensed children’s center. Students who plan to enroll at least half-time in course work leading to a Child Development Permit as teacher, master teacher, site supervisor or program director, are eligible to apply through the institution they plan to attend. To receive funding, students must sign a Service Commitment Agreement stating they will provide one year of full-time service in a licensed children’s center for each year they receive the grant. 2007/2008 Child Development Grant Application are now available online at http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=110 or in the Financial Aid Office located in UH-150.

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program (LEPD)

The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Grant Program provides need-based educational grants to dependents and spouses of: California peace officers (Highway Patrol, marshals, sheriffs, police officers), Department of Corrections and California Youth Authority employees, and permanent/full-time firefighters employed by public entities who have been killed in the performance of duty or totally disabled as a result of an accident or injury caused by external violence or physical force incurred in the performance of duty

Grant awards match the amount of a Cal Grant award and range from $100 to $9,873 for up to four years. Applications are accepted throughout the academic year. For further information, please contact the Specialized Program Unit at (888) 224-7268 Option #3 or online at http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=109

2nd Bachelor Students

State University Grant (SUG)

Students pursuing a second BA are eligible for a SUG. The maximum award in 2007-2008 is $3,414. Any state resident who applies for financial aid will automatically be considered for this program. This grant is only available to California residents.

Credential Students

Federal Pell Grant

Students working towards a teacher certification program and have not previously earned a post-baccalaureate degree may be eligible for a Pell Grant for a maximum of 48 attempted units. Student must be enrolled in at least six Pell eligible units and be making satisfactory academic progress. The annual amounts range from $400 to $4310 for the 2007-2008 academic year. The award amount is determined based on the student's Expected Family Contribution (EFC), the cost of education and the student's enrollment status. All teaching credential students automatically apply for this Grant by submitting the Free Application For Federal Financial Aid (FAFSA).

Preliminary Credential Core Courses (by Credential Programs) 2007-2008

To determine what Credential Program category you are in, please look at the following questions:

1. Are you pursuing a 'Single Subject', 'Multiple Subject', or 'Special Education' credential program?
2. Are you in an 'Intern' credential program or a 'Traditional' credential program?
3. If you are pursuing a Multiple Subject credential, are you in a 'BCLAD program or a non-BCLAD' program?

Listed in the tables below are Core credential courses that can be counted as units toward Pell Grants and/or Cal Grants.

Core Credential Courses Table

State University Grant (SUG)

Credential students are eligible for a SUG. The maximum award in 2007-2008 is $3,216. Any state resident who applies for financial aid will automatically be considered for this program. This grant is only available to California residents

Graduate Students

CSUSB Graduate Equity Fellowships

CSUSB Graduate Equity Fellowships are available to graduate students with financial need who are underrepresented ethnic minorities, students with disabilities, or women that are underrepresented in their academic areas. Students may be awarded up to $2,000 in fellowships and a graduate assistantship in their department

Applicants must file the Free Application and the CSUSB Graduate Equity Fellowship application available in the Financial Aid Office. Three letters of recommendation are also needed and transcripts of previous work must be on file on campus.

State University Grant (SUG)

Graduates are eligible for a SUG. The maximum award in 2007-2008 is $3,414. Any state resident who applies for financial aid will automatically be considered for this program. This grant is only available to California residents