Frequently Asked Questions
- Where is the Financial Aid Office located?
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The Financial Aid Office is located on the first floor of Brotman Hall (Window 101), across from the Bursar's Office and adjacent to the Enrollment Services windows.
- Do I have to be full-time to receive Financial Aid?
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No. Most aid requires attendance of at least half-time (the equivalent of 6 undergraduate units). For some programs, disbursement amounts are reduced if you are enrolled less than full-time. Check the information at Types of Aid to determine the amount that will apply in your situation.
- What is the difference between the Financial Aid Office and the Bursar's Office?
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The Financial Aid Office is primarily responsible for processing your application and determining the amount of assistance you may receive. The Bursar's Office (sometimes referred to as Financial Aid Disbursements) applies financial aid to your student account, disburses checks, and processes refunds as appropriate.
- If I am enrolled half-time at CSULB and half-time at another school, can I receive financial aid at both schools?
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No. You may receive financial aid at only one school during each semester. However, if you have awards that will be prorated due to less than full-time enrollment, you may be eligible for a larger disbursement if we can consider your concurrent enrollment at another institution. Check with the Financial Aid Office as early as possible if you have questions about concurrent enrollment.
- Do I need to complete a Loan Entrance Counseling Session?
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If you are a first time Direct Stafford Loan borrower at CSU Long Beach, you are required to complete a Direct Loan Entrance Counseling session.
The counseling session is completed online at the Direct Loan website; refer to our Loan Entrance Counseling page for instructions.
- I have accepted a Perkins Loan. Do I need to attend a separate workshop?
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Yes. First time Federal Perkins recipients must attend a separate loan session for that program. The Bursar’s Office will mail Perkins information directly to recipients.
- How can I verify enrollment for loan deferment?
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Students with prior education loans can have their loans placed into an in-school deferment status while attending CSULB on at least half-time status. Contact the servicer of your current loans for the in-school deferment form. Once you have the form, submit it to CSULB’s Office of Financial Aid for processing. We will then send the deferment form to the loan servicer.
- What should I do to receive financial aid next year?
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To receive financial aid for the 2011-2012 academic year, you must complete and submit your 2011-2012 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA. The FAFSA can be completed online; CSULB's Priority Filing date is March 2, 2011. The timeliness of your application will impact the types of aid for which you will be considered. You must also maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible, as well as meet the standard eligibility requirements.
- I still have some questions. How can I get help?
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You can speak with a member of the financial aid team by either visiting our office at 101 Brotman Hall, or calling us at (562) 985-8403. Our hours are 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m., Monday through Friday.