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).
Temporary FAFSA Processing Delay
The U.S. Department of Education is updating the FAFSA system starting April 26, 2026. The change will temporarily affect all 2026–27 FAFSA applications that are submitted or updated on or after that date. This is not a Chico State-specific issue, but is affecting all CSU campuses as well as other institutions.
For FAFSA applicants, we will resume processing your aid as soon as we can. CADAA applicants will not be affected. Please check this website for updates.
Important Changes - One Big Beautiful Bill Act (Effective July 2026)
Read about upcoming changes to federal student aid under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, including new loan limits and eligibility rules that generally take effect July 1, 2026, and how some students may be able to keep their current loan terms if they meet certain requirements.
Hot Topics!
Appeals open May 1: If you face a situation where the FAFSA or CADAA information does not accurately reflect your current financial circumstances and ability to pay for college, read about appeals.
Course Auditor FAQ: Course Auditor checks the classes you register for against your Degree Progress Report (DPR) to see if they count toward your degree. Financial aid can only pay for courses that are required for your graduation. See Course Auditor FAQ (PDF) for more information.
Reach out for financial aid help
Quick Questions
Phone 530-898-6451: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 10 AM - 4 PM
Lobby - Student Services Center 250: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 8 AM - 5 PM
Financial Aid Email: finaid@csuchico.edu
Scholarships Email: scholarships@csuchico.edu
Zoom Drop-In with Financial Aid Advisor
Note for Wed. 4/22 - no zoom drop in available on 4/22
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 11 AM to 12 PM
Financial Aid Advisor Appointments
Appointments in person, by phone, or by Zoom - call 530-898-6451 to schedule.
Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday: 9 AM to Noon and 1:30 - 4:30 PM
- last morning appointment starts at 11:30 AM
- last afternoon appointment starts at 4 PM
Important Dates & New Information
- May 1: 2026-27 appeals(opens in new window) open
- May 15:
- 2026-27 Federal Direct(opens in new window) loan applications open
- 2026-27 Parent PLUS loans (opens in new window)open
- 2025-26 appeals close:
- Cost of attendance
- Childcare/Dependent Care or K-12 tuition
- Travel adjustment
- Late June: SAP or Max Unit will be assigned to students who need them
Award Guide
The award guide is a multi-page PDF document outlining everything you need to know regarding your financial aid.