Rights and Responsibilities

You have the right to know

• What financial aid programs are available at Chico State.
• The application deadlines for each of the available programs.
• The cost to attend Chico State (including fees, books, food and housing, personal expenses, and transportation).
• Your application will be evaluated using the same system of need analysis applied to all students.
• How your financial aid was determined, including what resources (such as assets, earnings, parental contribution, etc.) were considered in the calculation of your Student Aid Index (SAI).
• What portion of your calculated financial need will be met.
• Information regarding loan interest rates, amounts, and repayment terms.
• How and when your accepted financial aid will be disbursed.
• The financial aid repayment and refund policy.
• How the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office determines whether you are making satisfactory academic progress, and what happens if you are not.
• Your financial aid has lifetime limits.
• The information pertaining to your financial aid is kept confidential.
• You have the right to receive a full and clear explanation of financial aid decisions. You may appeal some decisions if you disagree with them by making an appointment with a supervisor.

You have the responsibility to:

• Complete all applications and forms accurately.
• Provide correct information. Misrepresented information on financial aid applications and forms is a violation of federal and/or state law and may be considered a criminal offense.
• Comply with all financial aid application deadlines.
• Submit any additional documentation or new information requested by the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.
• Read and understand all documents you are asked to sign and keep copies for your records.
• Accept responsibility for all agreements you sign.
• Seek advice from a tax professional to determine if any portion of grants, fellowships, or scholarships are considered taxable income.
• Complete Loan Entrance Counseling and an electronic Master Promissory Note(opens in new window) if you are a first-time borrower.
• Complete online Loan Exit Counseling before you graduate, transfer, or withdraw from Chico State, if you have borrowed a loan.
• Repay all student loans borrowed. 

Federal Work-Study

When you accept Federal Work-Study it is not a guarantee of employment. You must: 

• Find a Work-Study job through the Handshake link on the Career Center website. 
• Apply for and be hired in a Federal Work-Study job.
• Adhere to the arranged work schedule.
• Correctly report the hours you work.
• Remain enrolled to maintain eligibility.
• Carefully monitor your earnings so you don’t exceed your award for the semester or academic year.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress standards.