Credential Aid Programs - Newly Admitted Credential Students

The Financial Aid Office at CSULB is your main resource for questions related to paying for your education. We oversee the awarding and distribution of loans, grants, work-study funds, and coordination with other aid – such as scholarships.

Students in the Credential Program are considered 5th year undergraduate students, not graduate, for financial aid purposes. The types of financial aid available to students pursuing a teaching credential are very specific and different from undergraduate or graduate aid types. 

Students who are considered “Conditionally Admitted” to a Credential Program are eligible for federal loan funds at the 5th year undergrad level; CSULB grants; and private education loans. Students who already possess an initial Teacher Credential are only eligible for federal loan funds (at the 5th year undergrad level) or for private education loans. 

Impact of Enrollment on All Financial Aid Awards for Credential Students:

In order to receive financial aid funding, you must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units of credential coursework that is required by the State of California to receive a professional certification or licensing credential. Financial Aid is not available for prerequisite courses; courses that are suggested as beneficial; or elective courses.

Enrollment for Credential Students is reviewed at Census each semester.  If you are enrolled in less than 12 units of eligible courseworkat Census, you may be required to repay some, or all, of the aid you previously received for the semester.