Financial Aid and Scholarships

ANNOUNCEMENTS:

The 2027-2028 FAFSA and CADAA Applications are now OPEN! 

 Be sure to apply by March 2nd to ensure you meet the state of California priority filing deadline.  

If you submit your application after this day, you may not be eligible for CSULB or California state financial aid, but you may still be eligible for other aid opportunities.
 

Middle Class Scholarship

If you are receiving a Middle Class Scholarship, final award amounts are determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) and are prorated if you are enrolled less than full time. Most eligible students have received their Middle Class Scholarship award and disbursement. Some awards require individual review and coordination with other financial aid. We expect to complete most reviews by November 20.

Federal Direct Loan Changes 

Beginning with the 2026–2027 academic year, changes in federal legislation will affect federal Direct Student Loan disbursement amounts for students enrolled less than full-time.

A student’s loan disbursement amount will be based on their enrollment level at the time the loan is disbursed. Students enrolled less than full-time may receive a reduced annual federal Direct Student Loan amount.

For financial aid purposes, full-time enrollment is:

• 12 units for undergraduate and teaching credential students
• 8 units for graduate students
• 6 units for doctoral students

Students enrolled below half-time are not eligible to receive a federal Direct Student Loan disbursement.

Students who need assistance adding or selecting courses should contact their advisor. Students should also review their enrollment carefully before the start of the term, since changes in enrollment may affect their loan eligibility or disbursement amount.

Note: Parent PLUS Loans are not subject to enrollment-based proration. However, the student must be enrolled at least half-time for a Parent PLUS Loan to be disbursed.

The CSU Chancellor's Office has compiled this Federal Student Aid Updates document for your reference. 

The 2026-2027 FAFSA is available priority deadline for State Aid was March 2, 2026.  Students seeking financial aid who have not applied are still encouraged to apply.  

Visit our CSULB FAFSA / CADAA Support page.

Important Deadlines: Stay on top of important deadlines for enrollment, payments, aid applications, and more via Key Dates and Deadlines.

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During a time marked by significant changes to existing federal policies, the California State University is working diligently to assess the impacts to the institution and its students, employees and programs.

Although the federal policy landscape continues to evolve, the CSU remains committed to fulfilling its core mission: bringing the life-changing benefits of a Cal State degree to students from all backgrounds and walks of life, and ensuring the safety and well-being of all of its students and employees.

The latest resources and updates on a variety of federal issues that impact the CSU are available here:  CSU Federal Updates.

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