Financial Aid and Scholarships

Constitution Day 2026 - September 17th

On September 17th we honor Constitution Day, commemorating the signing of the U.S. Constitution in 1787.  As part of Title IV Federal Student Aid Eligibility, all universities must recognize this important day.  

We encourage stuents to explore the Constitution and reflect on its impact.  Read the full text of our Constitution.

5 Fun Facts about our Constitution:

  1. The Constitution is the oldest written national constitution still in use.
  2. It has 4,543 words, and 7,591 if you include the amendments
  3. "We the People" was viewed by many as a radical idea at the time.
  4. It's been amended 27 times.
  5. Rhode Island was the last of the original 13 states to ratify the Constitution. 

 

ANNOUNCEMENTS:
 

Fall 2026 Financial Aid Disbursements

Some student loans, may experience disbursement delays due to significant recent federal changes.

Processing timelines for PLUS Loans are currently extended as we implement significant changes to federal loan programs resulting from recent federal legislation. Our Financial Aid and Scholarships team is processing requests in the order they are received and working to ensure each loan is completed accurately.


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.

Middle Class Scholarship Estimates

Eligible undergraduate students may see an estimated Middle Class Scholarship included in their financial aid offer.

This amount is an early estimate intended to assist with financial planning and may change. Final Middle Class Scholarship eligibility and award amounts are determined by the California Student Aid Commission.

The Middle Class Scholarship eligibility is finalized later than other financial aid programs. Final awards are disbursed in October.  


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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