Latest Questions

Financial Aid

What if I didn't get my financial aid yet?

If you applied for financial aid and did not receive a disbursement yet, check your Student Center "To Do List" and "Holds" to make sure you submitted all requested documents. Files are completed according to the date order by which we receive all requested information. If you paid your fees in order to maintain enrollment, the fall financial aid for which you are eligible will be refunded to you. The preferred method for receiving your aid is via electronic transfer, known as EFT (electronic fund transfer), and we highly recommend it. If you have not signed up for EFT, a check will be sent to the mailing address you have in your Student Center.

If you did not file a FAFSA for 2009-2010, then we do not yet have your application. For each academic year for which you will need financial aid, you must complete a FAFSA. There is no cost to apply for financial aid using the FAFSA, and it is the starting point for both federal and state aid. You can still apply for this academic year. The fastest, easiest way to apply for financial aid is to use FAFSA on the Web.

Can I drop a class without it changing my aid?

Financial aid is determined by need and by enrollment. You must be enrolled in a minimum of 6 units for state aid, federal loans and Work-Study. Financial aid is offered based on full-time status. By law, financial aid disbursements must be adjusted for enrollment, or the number of units you are taking.

At University Census, financial aid awards are revised to match eligibility based on the actual number of units in which students are officially enrolled. Awards may be reduced for students enrolled in fewer than full-time units (12 for undergraduate and credential students; 8 for master's degree students). The 2009-2010 Census Dates are Friday, September 18 for fall term and Friday, February 19 for spring. For additional information on specific programs, see University Census.

What happens to my financial aid if I withdraw?

Because financial aid is regulated by federal and California law, we have a policy which establishes a withdrawal date, post-withdrawal disbursements, and the calculation of the amount of funds to be returned to the federal government by CSU, Chico and by you, the student. See Withdrawal, Refund, and Repayment for a full explanation.

When will I receive my ACG Grant? It's in my award (or I think it should be) and I haven't gotten it.

Fall semester ACG Grants are determined after October 1 and disburse on a rolling basis beginning in October and continuing through November and December. This is a manual process that requires official enrollment data provided by University Census and individual file review for federal eligibility guidelines, including high school transcripts, grades, and final admissions evaluations. Please click on Academic Competitiveness Grant for more information. If you have additional questions, please contact our office.

When will I receive my SMART Grant? It's in my award (or I think it should be) and I haven't gotten it.

Fall semester SMART Grants are determined after October 1 and will disburse on a rolling basis beginning the last week in October and continuing through November and December. This is a manual process that requires official enrollment data provided by University Census and individual file review for federal eligibility guidelines. SMART awards cannot be awarded if there are incomplete grades, and also require verification of units earned and progress toward a degree in an eligible major. Please click on SMART Grant for more information. If you have additional questions, please contact our office.

Can I get a TEACH Grant through Chico State?

The new Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program is available at CSU, Chico for 2009-2010 for selected postbaccalaureate programs and plans in education. It is NOT available to undergraduates. The TEACH Grant is actually a grant/loan combination that requires a TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve (ATS), as the grant will convert to unsubsidized loan in the future if contracted teaching obligations are not met.

The TEACH grant is not included in 2009/2010 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 Communication and Education. Click on our new TEACH Grant Web page for additional information.

Please view Types of Aid for alternative aid sources, if necessary, or make an appointment with a financial aid advisor to discuss all options.

Loans

Is there anything special I have to do to receive the loan(s) I accepted for 2009-2010?

If you are a first-time borrower of a Stafford Direct Loan (subsidized and unsubsidized), you must complete two steps after accepting your loan: (1) a Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN) and (2) Loan Entrance Counseling. Check your "To Do List" on your Student Center for these items. Both processes may be completed online through the "Quicklinks" available on our Web pages. The entire process usually takes about 30 days from submitting application to receiving funds.

Easy Tips

IMPORTANT: make sure you do the Loan Entrance Exam. Your loan will be delayed if you do not complete “loan entrance.”
Check your Student Center “To Do List.” If either your MPN or loan entrance counseling does not clear within 3 business days, try doing it again.
Note: These sites are case sensitive, so follow instructions. Also, if a number is transposed, such as when you enter identifying numbers, the checklist item will not clear and your loan will be delayed.

I need more money. Can I borrow more?

Students may be eligible for an additional $2,000 in unsubsidized Stafford Direct Loan if they have not met their annual and cumulative loan limits and still have unmet need. For additional information, view Stafford Loan Limits. Also see How to Apply.

Are you waiting for Alternative (private) loan certification?

If you have applied for an alternative loan and are awaiting certification, there are two things you can do to make sure this happens in a timely fashion. First, accept any outstanding financial aid offer, as this may affect your loan status. Second, if your financial aid file is pending verification, send in all requested documents ASAP so that your eligibility can be determined. Alternative loans are processed by date of request. Please plan on the process taking four to six weeks, as the beginning of the fall semester is our busiest time.

Scholarships

When can I apply for CSU, Chico scholarships?

The application for 2010-2011 California State University, Chico scholarships OPENS October 1, 2009. The online application will be available October 1 through December 15, 2009, for CSU, Chico university scholarships for next academic year. Click here for how to apply. Do not miss this window of opportunity.

How will I receive my external (private) scholarship?

The turnaround time for complete processing of external scholarships is two to three weeks after we receive the check in our office. Once entered into a student's award, the scholarship is considered anticipated aid. Anticipated aid defers charges until the first disbursement, after which disbursements occur weekly as files are completed. After charges are paid, any money remaining will be disbursed. Please also see our Web page on external scholarships for additional information.