How to Apply for Financial Aid
There are six basic steps in the process to apply for financial aid, beginning with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):
Step 1: Complete the FAFSA.
The CSULB Federal School Code is 001139
The FAFSA is the core financial aid application used nationwide and must be completed in order for a student to be considered for most types of financial aid. The FAFSA must be completed each year, and can be submitted online.
Income figures may be estimated; do NOT wait until a tax return is filed.
Step 2: Submit the FAFSA between January 1 and March 2.
Students who file during this time period and who demonstrate the highest need will be given priority consideration for financial aid funding. Those students who submit their applications after March 2 will not be given priority consideration; awards will be based on the remaining funds available.
California residents applying for a Cal Grant must submit a GPA Verification Form as well as the FAFSA by the March 2 deadline. GPA Verification Forms are available from the student's high school counselor or online at the California Student Aid Commision’s website.
Step 3: Make any necessary corrections to the Student Aid Report (SAR).
Once you have filed your FAFSA, your information will be processed by Federal Student Aid, and a Student Aid Report (SAR) will be generated – typically within one week of your online FAFSA having been submitted. The SAR is a summary of the information you entered on the FAFSA; be sure to review the SAR for any errors. You can make any necessary corrections online via the FAFSA website. If no corrections are needed, keep a printed copy of your SAR for reference.
Step 4: Submit any additional documentation requested.
Approximately two (2) weeks after processing your FAFSA, the Department of Education will electronically transmit the information to CSULB. We will then review the data to determine if any additional documents (i.e., tax returns, citizenship documentation, etc.) are needed. This review is undertaken to ensure the accuracy of the information reported.
Please do NOT send information or documents that are not requested.
If additional documents are requested, you may submit them:
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In person at the Financial Aid windows on the first floor of Brotman Hall.
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In person to the Enrollment Services drop box on the first floor of Brotman Hall.
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by mail to:
CSU, Long Beach
Office of Financial Aid
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
After you have submitted any requested additional documentation, your information will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness.
If there is no request for additional documents within 3-4 weeks after receiving the SAR, logon to MyCSULB to check the status of your file.
Step 5: Review your Financial Aid Award Notice
Once the Office of Financial Aid has completed the review of information and any requested documents, an award notification will be prepared. Award notifications are only prepared for two populations of students:
- Admitted Students, who receive a paper award notification. Notifications are sent out beginning in late-March.
- Continuing (Currently Enrolled) Students, who receive an electronic notification. Notifications for continuing students are sent out in mid-June – after SAP has been evaluated.
Step 6: Accept/Decline your awards.
All financial aid awards are accepted online at MyCSULB. Be sure to review the information on how to understand your Financial Aid offer, as well as the steps to accept your awards via MyCSULB. To receive your funds, you must accept your award(s), complete required steps for Direct Stafford Loans (if applicable), maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and for most programs, be enrolled at least half-time.
To ensure receipt of all funds offered, please read and respond promptly to the financial aid award notification.
Check your status!
Information about your application status, eligibility, and awards can be accessed at any time through MyCSULB.