Steps to Financial Aid at CSU, Chico

1. Financial Aid and Scholarship Checklist

   Bookmark or download this checklist to help you keep track of where you are in the financial aid process, from applying through receiving funds.

2. Apply for Financial Aid

   Be Smart:  File a FAFSA. We encourage all students, regardless of income, to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Even students, who do not qualify for need-based aid (grants), are usually eligible for federal loans that have student-friendly terms and low interest rates.
   
   Chico State participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan Program. This loan program provides long-term, low-interest loans, called Stafford loans, borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education, with the loan proceeds delivered through CSU, Chico.

3. Understanding Your Award:  How Need Determines Your Financial Aid

   Several factors determine the amount and type of financial aid you are offered, including your financial need, timing of your application, your willingness to accept various types of aid, and availability of funds. The starting point for aid is always Financial Need. Financial aid is a product of the difference between a college’s Cost of Attendance and your Expected Family Contribution. Click above to learn more about how CSU, Chico determines your estimated financial aid offer.

4. File Review and Verification

   Because students sometimes make errors on their Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), colleges are required by the U.S. Department of Education to have procedures for verifying the reported information. Verification is the process by which a college checks the information reported on the FAFSA, by requesting tax information and other documentation as necessary. This is the most common reason for file review and request for additional documents. This does not affect all students, or may be required of a student one year and not the next. Click above to learn more.

5. Other Requests for Additional Documents

   We request verification and other documents as required by Federal Student Aid accountability processes. Check your “To Do List” on the right side of your Student Center for items requested to complete your financial aid file. A full explanation for all requests is available by following the "Details" link next to each item. Please send us all items by June 1 or within 3 weeks of receiving our request.

6. Receiving Your Money:  How Financial Aid Is Disbursed

   Your initial financial aid offer is an estimate based on full-time enrollment. The amount of funds disbursed to you will be adjusted based on actual number of enrolled units. The university’s preferred method for disbursing funds is via electronic transfer, known as EFT (electronic fund transfer). To authorize EFT, follow the instructions from Student Financial Services. Registration fees, housing charges, and other financial obligations you owe the University are deducted from your award, and any remaining amount is deposited directly into your checking account. Click above to learn more.