Understanding Your Offer

This page explains common terms you will see in your financial aid offer, including the Student Aid Index (SAI), Cost of Attendance (COA), and financial need.

Student Aid Index (SAI)

The Student Aid Index (SAI) is a number calculated using the information you reported on your FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Your SAI is one factor used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

The SAI is not the amount you will pay for college.

Your SAI is the same no matter which college you attend because it is calculated using a standardized federal formula. However, your financial aid offers may differ because each college has its own Cost of Attendance (COA).

Cost of Attendance (COA)

Cost of Attendance is an estimate of the cost to attend Chico State for one nine-month academic year (fall and spring semesters). It is also known as the student budget.

Your COA includes estimated:

• Tuition and fees
• Housing and food
• Books and supplies
• Transportation
• Personal expenses

Your COA may vary depending on where you live (on campus, off campus, or with parents or relatives) and your academic program.

Each college determines its own Cost of Attendance. Chico State's COA reflects the estimated cost of living in the Chico area, so it may differ from colleges in areas with higher living expenses.

Financial Aid Offer

Your financial aid offer is based on several factors, including:

• Student Aid Index (SAI)
• Cost of Attendance (COA)
• Financial need
• Timing of your application
• Availability of funds

Your financial aid offer may include grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans from federal, state, and Chico State.

Need-based and non-need-based financial aid cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance for the academic year.

Learn more about your Financial Aid Offer. 

Enrollment and Financial Aid

Financial aid offers are estimated based on full-time enrollment. The amount you receive is based on your Student Aid Index (SAI), financial need, enrollment, and other eligibility requirements.

If you enroll in fewer than the full-time number of financial aid-eligible units, your aid may be reduced.

Learn more about Enrollment Requirements.