Financial aid can be complicated, even if you’ve been through the process before. That’s OK—we’re here to help, from completing your aid applications to going through the details of your financial aid offer. Give us a call or send an email!
Open Hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Phone: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lobby: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Note: Closed Tuesdays for file processing
Location: Student Services Center 250
Phone: 530-898-6451
Check out these resources including some great tips and a checklist to help you track your financial aid.
Use Chico State School Code 001146
File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application is for both federal and state aid (such as Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship). We encourage students, regardless of income, to submit a FAFSA. Even students who do not qualify for need-based aid (grants) are usually eligible for Federal Direct Loans that have student-friendly terms and low interest rates.
Undocumented students who meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540 should file a CADAA (California Dream Act Application). Eligible students will be considered for state administered financial aid, such as State University Grant, Cal Grant, and a loan.
In addition to providing access to federal and state financial aid programs, completing the FAFSA or CADAA can also increase a student's eligibility for scholarships. Many scholarships require applicants to demonstrate financial need by submitting their FAFSA or CADAA information, so failing to complete these applications could mean missing out on valuable funding opportunities.
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Estimated financial aid offers are sent to students who have submitted a FAFSA or CADAA. Offers are based on full-time enrollment. Monitor your Chico State email for notifications regarding your financial aid. Your offer may include a combination of various aid types including grants, scholarships, federal work-study, and loans. We will offer you the aid you are eligible for according to the information you provide on your FAFSA or CADAA, grade level, and availability of funds.
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The U.S. Department of Education or the California Student Aid Commission may select your financial aid application for verification. The verification process is an audit of your FAFSA or CADAA, comparing household and income information from documents we request with the information provided on your FAFSA or CADAA. This does not affect all students and may be required of a student one year and not the next. If selected for verification, the verification process must be completed before your financial aid can be awarded. Verification forms are submitted through your Financial Aid Account.
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After you receive your financial aid offer by email, access the financial aid section of your Student Center to accept, reduce, or decline your aid. Accepted aid will be applied toward your fee balance and you will not be responsible for paying that portion out-of-pocket. Unaccepted aid may be canceled after 45 days and will not be applied toward your fees or disbursed to you.
Your initial financial aid offer is an estimate based on an assumption that you will be enrolled full-time. The amount of funds disbursed to you may be reduced if you are not enrolled full-time. The quickest way to receive your money is via e-Refund (direct deposit). Sign up for e-Refund in your Student Center. 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 bank account.
Financial aid can be complicated, even if you’ve been through the process before. That’s OK—we’re here to help, from completing your aid applications to going through the details of your financial aid offer. Give us a call or send an email!
Open Hours Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday
Phone: 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.
Lobby: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.
Note: Closed Tuesdays for file processing
Location: Student Services Center 250
Phone: 530-898-6451