Types of Aid

100 icon financial aid

Financial aid programs are designed to alleviate a percentage of tuition fees, living expenses, and other educational costs for students. These programs, ranging from scholarships and grants to loans and work-study opportunities, play a pivotal role in student success.

Students may apply for financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or CA Dream Act Application (CADAA). Learn more about how to apply for financial aid.

Learn more about the types of aid available to CSULB students by exploring the categories below:

CSULB is proud to offer several scholarships to help students cover the costs of their education. These funds come from a variety of university, federal, state, and private sources--but unlike loans, they do not have to be repaid. Opportunities are available for new and continuing students. 

Learn more about scholarship opportunities and when to apply

Pell Grants

Overview

Federal Pell Grants are usually awarded only to undergraduate students who have financial need.  A Federal Pell Grant does not need to be repaid and may be available to students for up to the equivalent of six academic years.

Review the Pell Grant page on StudentAid.gov for full details on the Federal Pell Grant, including how to apply; award amounts; how to maintain eligibility. A Federal Pell Grant, unlike a loan, does not have to be repaid, except under certain circumstances. Find out why you might have to repay all or part of a federal grant.

Eligibility and Amount

Federal Pell Grants are awarded to undergraduate students eligible for Federal Aid who have financial need and who have not earned a bachelor’s, graduate, or professional degree. Students in some postbaccalaureate teaching credential programs may also qualify.

The US Department of Education determines your Federal Pell Grant eligibility and the amount you receive will depend on your eligibility calculated on the FAFSA.

Enrollment Requirements

CSULB awards Pell Grant funds based on full-time enrollment (12 units). As you add and drop units, your Pell Grant will increase or decrease based upon your enrollment status. The final amount of Pell Grant that you will receive in any semester will be based upon your official enrollment as measured at University Census, which is the last day of the add/drop period. This occurs at the end of the fourth week of the semester. At Census, CSULB takes a snapshot of all students' enrollment which becomes your official University enrollment status.

Generally, your final Pell Grant payment for a semester is based upon the following:

  • Full Time (12 or more units): 100% of the originally offered amount
  • Three-Quarter Time (9-11.9 units): 75% of the originally offered amount
  • Half-Time (6-8.9 units): 50% of the originally offered amount
  • Less than Half-Time (under 6 units): 25% of the originally offered amount

Additional Eligibility Information

Eligible students can receive Pell Grant funding for up to six academic years (12 full-time semesters) or the equivalent. This total includes Pell Grant received at all institutions attended – and is retroactive. You cannot appeal this federal regulation or request an extension. Log in to StudentAid.gov to review the total amount of Pell grant you have received.

 

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) 

Overview

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded to undergraduate students only who are Pell Grant eligible and demonstrate the highest level of need.  An FSEOG grant does not need to be repaid. 

Eligibility and Amount

FSEOG Grants are awarded to Pell Eligible undergraduate students eligible for Federal Aid who demonstrate the highest level of financial need.   

FSEOG Awards are up to $400 per academic year.   

Enrollment Requirements

FSEOG Grants are not adjusted based on enrollment.  However, you must be enrolled at least half time (6 units or more) to be eligible to receive funds.  If your enrollment is less than half-time (less than 6 units) your FSEOG award will be cancelled. 

Federal TEACH Grant

Overview

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants to students who intend to teach full time in a high-need field at a public or private elementary or secondary school that the U.S. Department of Education has designated as having a high concentration of students from low-income families. The grant is available for select graduate programs at CSULB, and requires the recipient to agree to fulfill certain teaching obligations or risk having the grant will converted to an unsubsidized loan.

Eligibility and Amount

The TEACH Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000.

In order to be considered for the TEACH Grant, you must have filed a FAFSA, been fully admitted to your credential program, and be working on your initial graduate degree.

Enrollment Requirements

You must be admitted to and enrolled in a TEACH-eligible program and coursework.

Additional Eligibility Information

Each award year, a TEACH Grant recipient must sign an Agreement to Serve (ATS) that explains that the recipient must teach for four years within eight years of completing (or ceasing) enrollment in a TEACH Grant eligible program as a full-time highly qualified teacher in a low-income elementary or secondary school in a high-need field.  According to contractual obligations, a minimum of fifty percent of classes taught must be in a high-need field. The grant will convert to an unsubsidized loan in the future, if contracted teaching obligations are not met. If this happens, interest accrual will be effective as of the date of the first TEACH disbursement. 

The TEACH grant is not included in financial aid offers, but can be offered retroactively to eligible students during the award year. Specific eligible education programs have been determined in conjunction with the College of Education. Check with the College of Education on whether your credential program meets the criteria for the TEACH Grant.

How to Apply for the TEACH Grant

Once you have completed the FAFSA, follow these three steps to apply for the TEACH Grant:

Once all steps have been completed, Financial Aid and Scholarships will review your eligibility and process your request. Funds from the TEACH Grant are not released until after Census, once your enrollment for the semester has been finalized.

State Grants are available for California residents only; eligibility for these grants is determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Both FAFSA and Dream Application filers are potentially eligible to receive State Grants. Your residency status is determined by the Office of Admissions at the time of your application. By filing the FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 2, eligible students may be considered for a state grant. 

CSAC contacts students via email regarding their eligibility and awards; WebGrants 4 Students (WGS) is your portal for California State Grants. It is critical that you keep your email information current on your WGS account.

Grants are disbursed according to the number of units you are enrolled in each semester. At University Census, four weeks after the beginning of each term, financial aid awards are adjusted for enrollment that is less than full time.

Cal Grant A and B

Overview

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) awards Cal Grants to qualified California residents who meet minimum GPA requirements and demonstrate financial eligibility as determined by the appropriate financial aid application.

There are two types of Cal Grants awarded at CSU Long Beach – Cal Grant A (Entitlement Awards) and Cal Grant B (Competitive Awards). The eligibility criteria for the Cal Grants are established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). Both grants provide assistance with the State Tuition Fee and are available for up to eight semesters for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. The Cal Grant B also provides a living allowance for books and living expenses.

Eligibility and Amount

Both Cal Grant A and B provide assistance with the State Tuition Fee and are available for up to eight semesters for students pursuing a bachelor's degree. The Cal Grant B also provides a living allowance of up to $1, 648 for books and living expenses.

A Cal Grant award may be reduced, or cancelled, in the event you are receiving another award or waiver that is specifically designated to pay the tuition fee. Students who are awarded a State University Grant, and are later deemed eligible for the Cal Grant will be awarded the Cal Grant and have their State University Grant cancelled. As both grants pay the State Tuition Fee, a student is typically only eligible to receive one or the other.

Enrollment Requirements

CSULB posts Cal Grant funds based on full-time enrollment (12 units). As you add and drop units, your Cal Grant will increase or decrease based upon your enrollment status. The final amount of Cal Grant that you will receive in any semester will be based upon your official enrollment as measured at University Census, which is the last day of the add/drop period. This occurs at the end of the fourth week of the semester. At Census, CSULB takes a snapshot of all students' enrollment which becomes your official University enrollment status.

Generally, your final Cal Grant payment for a semester is based upon the following:

  • Full Time (12 or more units): 100% of the originally offered amount
  • Three-Quarter Time (9-11.9 units): 75% of the originally offered amount
  • Half-Time (6-8.9 units): 50% of the originally offered amount
  • Less than Half-Time (under 6 units): Not eligible for Cal Grant payment

 

California Chafee Grant

Overview

The California Chafee Grant Program is sponsored by the California Student Aid Commission and the state Department of Social Services for eligible foster youth and former foster youth.

Eligibility and Amount

Students who qualify may be eligible to receive up to $5,000 per year if enrolled in an eligible program. In general, students must:

  • Be eligible, or have been eligible, for foster care between ages 16 and 18
  • Not have reached age 26 as of July 1 of the award year
  • Be enrolled at least half-time
  • Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Funding from the Chafee Grant is intended to supplement any grant funds that a student may otherwise be eligible to receive; however, the total grant funding may not exceed the student’s cost of attendance. Chafee Grant benefits must be coordinated with a student’s other financial aid. In some instances, remaining loan disbursements or work-study awards may need to be cancelled to allow maximum Chafee Grant awards to be received.

Enrollment Requirements

Unlike the Cal Grant, Chafee Grants are not adjusted based on enrollment. However, you must be enrolled at least half-time in order to be eligible to receive funds from the grant. If your enrollment is less than half-time at Census, your Chafee Grant will be canceled.

 

Additional Eligibility Criteria

You must submit a Chafee Grant application with CSAC, in order to be considered for funding.

Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

Overview

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS) program is for California resident undergraduates and students pursuing a teaching credential with family income and assets up to $201,000.  The Middle Class Scholarship does not need to be repaid. 

California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) automatically communicates student eligibility to CSULB typically in late summer, and is then added to a student’s financial aid packages.  As a result of this timing, Middle Class Scholarship awarding typically occurs after students have already received their initial Financial Aid package. 

Eligibility and Amount

Eligibility is fully determined by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).  Full eligibility details are published here:

Middle Class Scholarship - California Student Aid Commission

Enrollment Requirements

  • Full Time (12 or more units): Full Award
  • Half time and Three Quarter Time Enrollment (6.0 – 11.9 Units): Prorated award
  • Less than Half-Time (under 6 units): Not eligible, award is cancelled

Additional Eligibility Information

If your financial aid package or available resources increase after you have received a Middle Class Scholarship, your award is subject to recalculation by CSAC.  This may result in reduction or cancellation of your award. 

 

California Dream Service Incentive Grant (CA DSIG)

Overview

The California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant Program (DSIG) encourages California Dream Act Application (CADAA) students with a Cal Grant B eligibility to perform community or volunteer service. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) will award up to $4,500 per academic year (up to $2,250 per semester).

Eligibility and Amount

In order to be eligible for this grant, you must

  • Be awarded a Cal B award (or awarded a Cal Grant A but meeting Cal Grant B eligibility requirements)
  • Be meeting SAP
  • Have sufficient unmet need, as determined by CSAC or CSULB, and
  • Complete community or volunteer hours within the academic year (at least 150 hours per semester).

Once you have obtained a volunteer position, you can apply for the grant using the form on CSAC's website. You will need to get the form certified by both your service organization and the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Enrollment Requirements

You must be enrolled at least half-time to be eligible for DSIG.

Additional Eligibility Information

For help with completing your application for the Grant, contact the CSULB Dream Success Center. For questions about the California Dream Act Service Incentive Grant, contact the California Student Aid Commission.

 

Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP)

The Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP) provides funds to participating public colleges and universities to offer eligible students opportunities to earn money while gaining career-related experience in their fields of study. LAEP was established in the 2021-22 California State Budget and is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC); this program will end by 2030-2031.

Learn more about the Learning-Aligned Employment Program (LAEP)

 

CSULB Grants are available only to California residents. CSULB Grants are available to FAFSA or DREAM Applicants. Eligibility is determined by the FAFSA or  CA DREAM Application – including meeting the Priority Filing deadline (see Key Dates and Deadlines).

State University Grant

Overview

The State University Grant (SUG) is a state grant awarded by CSU Long Beach to California residents who have an eligible Expected Family Contribution (EFC). Since funds are limited, you must have submitted your financial aid application by the March 2 priority deadline in order to be considered for SUG.  The State University Grant does not need to be repaid.  Eligible students enrolled in state supported Undergraduate, Teaching Credential, and Graduate Programs may qualify to receive SUG.     

Eligibility and Amount

To be eligible for SUG a student must be admitted as in-state resident of California, applied via the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) by the State priority deadline of March 2nd, and have an eligible Expected Family Contribution (EFC). 

Additionally, students must be enrolled in a state supported program of study (which are charged the State University Tuition Fee) in order to be eligible for SUG. Students enrolled in programs administered through the College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) or Open University are not eligible to receive State University Grant. 

The amount awarded generally matches the full time State University Tuition Fee charged for your program of study.  

Enrollment Requirements

You must be enrolled at least half time to receive SUG.  Enrollment less than half time will result in cancellation of SUG for the semester.

  • Undergraduate:  enrollment in 6 or more units is required
  • Teaching Credential:  enrollment in 6 or more units is required
  • Master’s Degree Students:  enrollment in 4 or more units is required
  • Doctoral Degree Students:  enrollment in 3 or more units is required

Your actual disbursement may not exceed the State University Tuition fee you are actually charged.  As a result, if you are enrolled half-time and are charge the lesser part time State University Tuition Fee, your disbursement will automatically adjust to match. 

Additional Eligibility Information

Understanding State University Grant Eligibility

 

Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)

Overview

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves students who come from disadvantaged economic or educational backgrounds. EOP offers grant funding to its students.

Eligibility and Amount

Only students who are admitted to the University by the EOP programare eligible for EOP grant consideration. Students are considered for the EOP Grant based on their estimated family contribution and the availability of funds. Funding for this program is extremely limited.

You must have submitted your financial aid application by the priority deadline to be considered for funding.

Enrollment Requirements

You must be enrolled at least half-time for the EOP Grant.

 

Graduate Business Professional Fee Grant

Overview

The CSU Graduate Business Professional Fee (GBPF) Grant is available to students that are assessed the CSU Graduate Business Professional Fee (also known as the CSU MBA Fee)  – a supplemental system-wide fee charged to students in the following programs:

  • Master of Business Administration (State-Support Daytime Program)
  • Online Master of Business Administration
  • Master of Science in Accountancy
  • Master of Science in Finance
  • Master of Science in Marketing Analytics

Eligibility and Amount

Funding for the GBPF Grant is limited, so awards are based upon the student’s Expected Family Contribution. Eligible students are awarded $1,620 per semester ($3,240 per academic year), which covers 6 units of the GBP Fee assessed to students. Students must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units that are assessed the GBP Fees to receive funding for the semester. Students enrolled in less than 6 units of GBP Fee coursework are not eligible to receive payment for that semester. 

To be eligible for the Graduate Business Grant Fee Grant, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Have filed a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA DREAM Application) for the academic year and have an Expected Family Contribution of $10,000 or less
  • Meet standard financial aid eligibility criteria for all Federal and/or California State financial aid
  • Be a California resident for fee payment purposes
  • Have been assessed a Graduate Business Professional (GBP) Fee
  • Enroll in a minimum of 6 units of coursework (per semester) that are assessed the GBP Fee

Students in programs operated through CSULB’s College of Professional and Continuing Education (CPaCE) are not eligible for this grant, as these students are not charged the CSU Graduate Business Professional fee.

 

Doctor of Physical Therapy Grant (DPT Grant)

Overview

The Doctor of Physical Therapy Grant is available to students in the Doctor of Physical Therapy (DPT) Program.

The CSU Doctor of Physical Therapy Grant program was established in July 2011 in the interest of equity to students enrolled in the DPT program, as these students are not eligible for SUG funding. The DPT Grant provides students enrolled in the DPT program access to grant funding similar to that of all other CSU students who demonstrate financial need (based on the FAFSA or DREAM application).

Eligibility and Amount

To be eligible for the DPT Grant, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Have filed a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA DREAM Application) for the academic year
  • Meet standard financial aid eligibility criteria for all Federal and/or California State financial aid
  • Be a California resident for fee payment purposes

Grant amounts vary based on available funding. Awarding of the DPT Grant occurs during the regular awarding cycle for Fall and Spring semesters.  Additional grants are awarded to eligible students enrolled during the Summer semester.

 

Education Doctorate Grant (EdD Grant)

Overview

The Education Doctorate Grant is available to students in the Education Doctorate (Ed.D.) program.

The Education Doctorate Grant program was established in 2007 in the interest of equity to students enrolled in the Ed.D. program, as these students are not eligible for SUG funding. The Ed.D. Grant provides students enrolled in the Ed.D. program access to grant funding similar to that of all other CSU students who demonstrate financial need (based on the FAFSA or DREAM application). 

Eligibility and Amount

To be eligible for the Education Doctorate Grant, you must meet the following conditions:

  • Have filed a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA DREAM Application) for the academic year by the priority filing deadline
  • Meet standard financial aid eligibility criteria for all Federal and/or California State financial aid
  • Be a California resident for fee payment purposes
  • Enroll in a minimum of 4 units of Ed.D. course work (per semester)

Grant amounts vary based on available funding. Awarding of the Ed.D. Grant occurs at the end of the academic year and awards are applied retroactively.

 

Residential Life Assistant Funding (RA)

Overview

Residential Life Assistants receive an offset of their housing and food charges, as acknowledgement of their service in the Residential Halls. These offsets are accounted for in your financial aid, but do not disburse to your account. You will see the offset on your Student Account.

Overview

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a federally funded program that provides employment opportunities to students who filed a FAFSA and have the highest financial need. The amount a student may earn will be listed on your award summary. A FWS award does not guarantee placement in an actual position.

Work experience is not required to secure a FWS position. The money earned is yours to use for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, books, and personal care items. CSULB students typically work 10-12 hours per week. Work-study funds do not reduce your bill with the college.

Eligibility and Amount

The maximum FWS award is currently $4,000 per academic year. You may only work in one FWS-funded position at a time on campus.

Enrollment Requirements

FWS Awards are not pro-rated based on enrollment.  However, you must be enrolled in at least 6 units per semester in order to be eligible to receive funds from FWS.  If at any time during the semester your enrollment drops below 6 units, you immediately lose eligibility to continue receiving FWS funds for the semester.

Student Employment and Other Options

CSULB has student employment jobs that are not part of the Federal Work-Study program. A part time job provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience, even if you are not eligible for a Federal Work-Study position.

Visit the Career Development Center or 49er Shop for more information.

Learn more about Federal Work-Study (FWS)

Student loans for college are an investment in your future. You must repay your (loan) investment though, so be sure you understand your options and responsibilities. Make sure you understand who is making the loan and the terms and conditions of the loan.

Learn more about Loan Programs

Looking for more aid opportunities? Explore additional information below:

Have you already submitted a FAFSA or CADAA for the current academic year? Has your financial situation changed since your original application? Be sure to apply for a Financial Aid Appeal as changes may impact your federal aid award eligibility.