Financial Aid & Scholarship Office

Steps to Financial Aid at Chico State

  1. Tips and Checklists

    Check out these resources including some great tips and a checklist to help you track your financial aid.

  2. How to apply for Financial Aid

    Use Chico State School Code 001146

    File a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). This application is for both federal and state aid (such as Cal Grant and Middle Class Scholarship). We encourage students, regardless of income, to submit a FAFSA. Even students, who do not qualify for need-based aid (grants), are usually eligible for Federal Direct Loans that have student-friendly terms and low interest rates.

    Undocumented students who meet the non-resident exemption requirements under AB 540 should file a CADAA (California Dream Act application). Eligible students will be considered for state administered financial aid, such as State University Grant, Cal Grant, and a loan. 

    In addition to providing access to federal and state financial aid programs, completing a financial aid application like the FAFSA or CADAA can also increase a student's eligibility for scholarships. Many scholarships require applicants to demonstrate financial need by submitting their FAFSA or CADAA information, so failing to complete these applications could mean missing out on valuable funding opportunities.

  3. Financial Aid Offer

    Estimated financial aid offers are sent to students who have submitted a FAFSA or CADAA. Offers are based on full time enrollment. Monitor your Wildcat email for notifications regarding your financial aid. Your offer may include a combination of various aid types including grants, scholarships, federal work study, and loans. We will offer you the aid you are eligible for according to the information you provide on your FAFSA or CADAA, grade level, and availability of funds. Nationwide the FAFSA/CADAA and financial aid processes have had a major revamp for 2024-25. We are hoping to get financial aid offers out in April 2024, but due to the extensive changes offer letters may be delayed.

  4. Verification

    The U.S. Department of Education or the California Student Aid Commission may select your financial aid application for verification. The verification process is an audit of your FAFSA or CADAA, comparing household and income information from documents we request with the information provided on your FAFSA or CADAA. This does not affect all students and may be required of a student one year and not the next. If selected for verification, the verification process must be completed before your financial aid can be awarded. Verification forms are submitted through your Financial Aid Account

  5. Accepting or Declining Your Aid

    After you receive your financial aid offer by email, access the financial aid section of your Student Center to accept, reduce or decline your aid. Accepted aid will be applied towards your fee balance and you will not be responsible for paying that portion out-of-pocket. Unaccepted aid may be cancelled after 45 days and will not be applied towards your fees or disbursed to you.

  6. Receiving Your Money: How Financial Aid Is Disbursed

    Your initial financial aid offer is an estimate based on an assumption that you will be enrolled full-time. The amount of funds disbursed to you may be reduced if you are not enrolled full-time. The quickest way to receive your money is via e-Refund (direct deposit). Sign up for e-Refund in your Student Center. Registration fees, housing charges, and other financial obligations you owe the University are deducted from your award, and any remaining amount is deposited directly into your bank account.