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 application for financial aid used nationwide. Students must complete the FAFSA to be considered for the many types of financial aid available.
Apply on-line at the FAFSA official web site, or to obtain a paper copy of the FAFSA, contact the student's high school counselor or any college Financial Aid Office.
Income figures may be estimated; do NOT wait until a tax return is filed.
Students will need to renew their financial aid application each year. If a paper copy of the FAFSA was previously submitted, then the student may use the Renewal FAFSA received in the mail. However, if the student applied electronically last year and has a Personal Identification number (PIN), he/she may use that PIN to complete the Renewal FAFSA on-line.
Step 2: Mail 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 for financial aid funding. No priority status will be given to students who submit their applications after March 2; awards will then 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 any California college Financial Aid Office. The GPA verification form is also available on the web at http://www.csac.ca.gov/doc.asp?id=1177.
Step 3: Make any necessary corrections to the Student Aid Report (SAR).
Approximately 4-6 weeks after filing the FAFSA, the student will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which is a summary of the information entered on the FAFSA. Review the SAR for any errors. If corrections are needed, follow the instructions on the SAR and mail it to the address provided, or via the FAFSA website. If no corrections are needed, keep the SAR as a reference.
Step 4: Submit any additional documentation requested.
Approximately 2 weeks after receiving the SAR, the information from the FAFSA will be electronically transmitted to CSULB by the Department of Education. CSULB will then review the FAFSA 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.
If additional documents are requested, the student may submit the documents:
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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
Please do NOT send information or documents that are not requested.
If there is no request for additional documents within 3-4 weeks after receiving the SAR, call (562) 985-2500 or access MyCSULB to check the status of the student's file.
Step 5: Completing the application process.
After the student submits any additional documents requested, the application process is now complete. The information submitted will be reviewed for accuracy and completeness. After this review, a financial aid award notification letter will be sent detailing the types and amounts of aid being offered to the student, who must be admitted to the University in order to receive this information. New students will receive a paper notification, while continuing CSULB students will receive an electronic notification.
Step 6: Accept/Decline your awards.
Save time and do it online! Log on to “MyCSULB” to accept your financial aid awards and select a lender for your Stafford loan(s) (if applicable). For complete instructions, steps to understand and respond to your financial aid offer, visit us on the web at http://www.csulb.edu. Otherwise, complete and return the forms to our office. To receive your funds, you must accept your award(s), submit required loan documents (if applicable), maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress, and for most programs, be enrolled at least half-time (the equivalent of 6 undergraduate units.)
To ensure receipt of all funds offered, please read and respond promptly to the financial aid award notification letter.
Check your status!
Information about your application status, eligibility, and awards can be accessed at any time by calling our automated system at (562) 985-2500 or through MyCSULB.