Welcome to the Scholarships Office

The Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at CSU, Chico awards various types of scholarships to students in all academic programs. Scholarships are offered by various departments and organizations to student who meet specific eligibility criteria. Regardless of accomplishments or GPA, we encourage all students to apply for scholarships. 

Are you a scholarship administrator (CSUC Reviewer or Reference)? Click to access Academic Works(opens in new window).

Application Dates and Deadlines

• Wildcat Scholarship Jan 2 - Feb 15, 2020--Application is currently CLOSED!

FAFSA and Dream Act Application

• The 2020-21 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)(opens in new window) and the Dream Act Application(opens in new window) are available to apply online. 
• Opens October 1; Priority Deadline March 2, 2020

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• What types of scholarships are available at Chico State?

  We process three types of scholarships:

  • Wildcat Scholarship - The application is available online from Jan 2 to Feb 15 are awarded for the preceding academic year.
  • Departmental - Check with your major department major every semester for scholarship applications and deadlines.
    - Review resources and search engines provided on our external page
    - Search online, check with local businesses, schools and or other organizations
  • External - There are excellent privately funded scholarships available to students. Some resource and search engine is provided on our site.
• How long does it take to process my scholarship check?

  External scholarships may take up to two weeks to process. Scholarships are typically disbursed at the beginning of the fall and spring semester unless otherwise specified by the donor. No disbursements will be made until we have received the funds from the donor.

• Can I use my scholarship money to pay my tuition fees?

  Once funds have been received, scholarship awards will apply to tuition fees and other obligations you owe to the University. However, if your scholarship award(s) do not cover your tuition fees, you are responsible for the balance of tuition fees owed.

• Where should my scholarship donor send my check?

  Mail scholarship checks to:
  CSU, Chico Financial Aid and Scholarship Office
  400 West First Street
  Chico, CA 95929-0705

  • Make the check payable to CSU, Chico
  • Enter the student’s name and student ID in the memo section of the check.
  • Provide any special instruction in a letter to accompany the check.
  • Provide contact information if we should need to contact you.
• If my scholarship donor sends me a check directly, what should I do with it?

  Bring your check to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, Student Service Center 250.

• If my scholarship is going to pay my fees, can I get a fee deferment?

  Yes, a fee deferment may be applied if process before fee deadline. Bring your scholarship award letter or scholarship check to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, SSC 250.