Financial Aid & Scholarship Office
Welcome! Our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way- from applying for financial aid to maintaining your eligibility. Questions? Please reach out to us at
Our school code is: 001146. Be sure to list Chico State when completing the FAFSA(opens in new window) or CADAA(opens in new window).
Fall 2026 Financial Aid Processing Update
We're preparing financial aid as quickly as possible. Nationwide federal changes required significant updates to financial aid systems. We appreciate your patience as we work to ensure your financial aid is processed accurately.
Loans: Due to the implementation of the One Big Beautiful Bill, we are experiencing technical issues that have delayed some of loan disbursements. We are working to resolve them as quickly as possible. In the meantime if you need funds immediately, you can submit a Short-Term Loan Application.
Important Federal Student Aid Changes (Effective July 2026)
Learn about changes to federal student aid under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act. New loan limits and eligibility requirements take effect for the 2026–27 academic year. Some continuing students may qualify for legacy loan provisions. Watch the overview below to learn more.
Hot Topics!
- Calculate Your Costs: Cost is only one of the things you consider when picking a college, but it is an important one. Use our new net price calculator(opens in new window) to understand the cost of attending Chico State.
- Financial Wellness: Check out this new CSU Financial Wellness webpage(opens in new window).
- Course Auditor: Financial aid can only pay for courses that are required for your graduation so Course Auditor checks the classes you register for against your Degree Progress Report (DPR). See Course Auditor FAQ (PDF).
Reach out for financial aid help
Call, Email or Visit
Phone: 530-898-6451
- Monday–Friday: 10 AM–4 PM
Lobby: Student Services Center 250
- Monday–Friday: 8 AM–5 PM
Financial Aid Email: finaid@csuchico.edu
Scholarships Email: scholarships@csuchico.edu
Drop-In Zoom Advising
Monday–Friday: 11 AM–12 PM
- Please have your Chico State ID # ready.
- Drop-in advising is best for quick financial aid questions.
- More complex situations may require a scheduled appointment with an advisor.
- Students are assisted on a first-come, first-served basis during the drop-in hour.
Schedule an Appointment
Appointments are available in person, by phone, or by Zoom.
Call 530-898-6451 to schedule.
Monday–Friday
- 10 AM–12 PM
- 1:30 PM–4 :30 PM
Important Dates
Complete your To-Do list to avoid delays
- Sept. 3: First possible disbursement of private Alternative loan
- Sept. 21:
- Oct. 1: 2027-28 FAFSA and CADAA open
Award Guide
A multi-page guide to understanding and managing your financial aid.