Scholarships are private funds that do not have to be repaid. Scholarships can come from a variety of sources -- community groups, corporate donors, or the University; each with its own requirements and application process. They are an excellent resource for students seeking help with the cost of their education, and can help reduce the dependence on loans to cover educational costs. Students are encouraged to search and apply for as many scholarships as possible.
If you are an incoming freshman, be sure to check with your high school counselor as she/he may know of scholarship opportunities. If you are a current/continuing student at CSULB, contact your major department or college as they sometimes find out about opportunities from professional organizations related to your major. All students – entering or continuing – should utilize CSULB’s Center for Scholarship Information for additional resources.
You are required to notify the Financial Aid Office of any scholarships you are receiving, including those awards issued by academic departments as well as those awards paid directly to you. We must include this funding with your other financial aid award(s). If necessary, we may adjust other awards.
Below are a few examples of scholarships, and resources, available to students attending CSULB.
Applicants must be California residents, graduates from any California high school, and be disadvantaged because of their economic, educational or environmental background. Applicants must also meet published CSU admissions requirements and enroll at CSULB full-time during their first year. Applications are available from CSULB's Center for Scholarship Information
The Program provides California residents who are qualifying Valedictorians or National Merit Semifinalists / Finalists from accredited high schools an opportunity to compete for a range of scholarships within the program which may include:
Students will be notified of their specific scholarship award following a competitive selection process. The scholarship is renewable annually based on maintenance of satisfactory academic progress. Valedictorians may qualify for up to $35,000 for 4 years. National Merit Semifinalists / Finalists may qualify for up to $43,000 for 4 years.
Students wishing to learn more about the program or to receive an application should contact the Director of University Outreach & School Relations, Valerie Bordeaux, at (562) 985-8236.
Applicants must be graduating high school seniors who have demonstrated outstanding academic achievement in high school and show promise of continued achievement in college. To apply for this scholarship students must be nominated by their high school. For application information please visit the CSAC website.
Listed below are several scholarships from community organizations, but others are available. Many civic and community groups such as Rotary, Elks, American Legion, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, Chamber of Commerce, PTA and others offer scholarships and other assistance. Contact the various patriotic, civic, fraternal, religious, ethnic, social and professional organizations in your community for other scholarship opportunities.
The Alan Pattee Scholarship is a waiver of fees and tuition. Applicants must be the natural or adopted child of a deceased law enforcement official or fire fighter who was a California resident, and killed as a result of the performance of official duties. Students wanting further application information should contact Marie Alford, the Director of Admissions for CSULB, at (562) 985-8410.
Applicants must be full-time, undergraduate students who have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.00, have at least a sophomore class standing and are U.S. citizens. The selection process includes a personal interview during the Spring semester. Additional information, including the application, is available from CSULB's Center for Scholarship Information.
Applicants must be new freshman or transfer students, U.S. citizens who attend school full time and who maintain a 3.25 GPA. Selection is based on moral character, scholarship, financial need, citizenship and leadership qualities. For additional information and an application, please visit the EBELL website.
Applicants must be young women who graduate from a high school in Los Angeles County. Selection is based on scholastic achievement, financial need and academic promise. The application deadline is October 1st for Fall applicants and February 1st for Spring applicants.
Applicants must be first-time freshmen who graduate from a high school in the Long Beach area and who plan to attend CSULB or Long Beach City College as full-time students with at least a 2.00 GPA. Selections are made by each high school's guidance counselor.
Outside scholarships are private sources of scholarships offered from outside organizations. In addition to providing a database containing information for off-campus scholarships (as well as on-campus), CSULB’s Center for Scholarship Information provides the following services to students: advising on the scholarship application process; proofing of scholarship applications, personal statements, and essays; access to the Internet and a typewriter. The Center also administers several scholarship programs, supports the colleges' and departments' scholarship programs, and assists campus scholarship fundraising efforts.
There are also a variety of free national scholarship search engines that can assist you in identifying additional scholarships. The Center for Scholarship Information has information & links to a few of the more popular sites. Keep in mind that some of these websites may sell your profile information to marketing companies, but most – if not all – offer ways to ‘opt-out’ of receiving unwanted solicitations. Since there are plenty of online services that do not charge a fee, we recommend using the free ones – and avoiding those that charge a fee.
Please note: You are required to notify the Financial Aid Office of any scholarships you are receiving, including those awards issued by academic departments as well as those awards paid directly to you. We must include this funding with your other financial aid award(s). If necessary, we may adjust other awards.
Students who receive scholarships from their high school or community groups or other outside organizations should have their funds sent directly to
Bursar's Office
CSU Long Beach, Brotman Hall 155
1250 Bellflower Blvd.
Long Beach, CA 90840
CSULB will then disburse the funds directly to the student based on the donor's instructions. All outstanding University charges must be settled before the funds can be released.