CSULB Financial Aid

As a student, I understand how stressful it can be to think about the financial aspect of college. The cost of tuition, books, and living expenses can quickly add up, leaving many students wondering how they will be able to afford their education.

However, at California State University Long Beach (CSULB), there are various financial, merit, and need-based aid options available to help students achieve their academic goals without breaking the bank.

Financial Aid Eligibility

To be considered for financial aid, students must meet the following requirements:

• Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
• Have a valid Social Security number
• Be enrolled in an eligible degree or certificate program
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress
• Not be in default on any student loans or owe a refund on any previous financial aid

Types of Financial Aid Available at CSULB

1. Grants: Unlike loans, grants do not have to be repaid and are typically awarded based on financial need. At CSULB, students can apply for federal grants such as the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG).
2. Scholarships: CSULB offers a variety of merit and need-based scholarships to students based on academic achievement, leadership skills, community service, and financial need. These scholarships can come from the university itself or external organizations.
3. Loans: While loans do have to be repaid, they are often considered a more manageable option for funding education. At CSULB, students can apply for federal loans such as Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, as well as Parent PLUS Loans.
4. Work-Study: This program allows students to work part-time on or off-campus while attending classes to earn money to help cover their educational expenses.

How to Apply for Financial Aid at CSULB

1. Complete the FAFSA: The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the first step in applying for financial aid. It is used to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional financial aid.
2. Review Your Financial Aid Offer: Once your FAFSA is processed, you will receive a financial aid offer from CSULB. This offer will detail the types and amounts of financial aid you are eligible to receive.
3. Accept or Decline Aid: After reviewing your financial aid offer, you will need to accept or decline the aid offered to you.
4. Complete Any Additional Requirements: Depending on the types of aid offered, you may need to complete additional paperwork or requirements.

Important Deadlines

It’s crucial for students to be aware of important financial aid deadlines at CSULB to ensure they don’t miss out on any opportunities. Some key dates to keep in mind are:

• March 2nd: Priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA
• April 1st: Deadline for submitting documents requested by the university
• May 1st: Deadline for accepting or declining financial aid offers
• August 1st: Deadline for submitting any additional documents requested by the university for verification purposes

Resources and Support

1. CSULB Financial Aid Office: The Financial Aid Office at CSULB is available to assist students with all aspects of the financial aid process. They can help you understand your financial aid offer, complete required paperwork, and answer any questions you may have.
   • Contact Information:
     • Phone: (562) 985-8403
     • Email: [email protected]
     • Location: Brotman Hall 123
2. Online Resources: The CSULB Financial Aid website provides a wealth of information on financial aid options, application processes, and important deadlines.
3. Financial Aid Workshops: CSULB offers workshops and information sessions to help students and their families understand the financial aid process and make informed decisions.

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