Financial Aid Steps
FAFSA/CADAA Priority Deadline:
2026-27: The March 2, 2026, California priority deadline has passed. You can still apply for financial aid, but some funding may be limited. We encourage you to apply.
Tips and Checklists
Check out these resources including some great tips and a checklist to help you track your financial aid.
Calculate Your Costs
Use our Net Price Calculator to estimate your costs and potential financial aid.
Apply for Financial Aid
The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) applications are open.
The 2026-27 priority deadline has passed, but you can still file a FAFSA and CADAA for the current school year if you haven't already done so.
File a FAFSA if you are a U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen. 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. Eligible students will be considered for state administered financial aid, such as State University Grant, Cal Grant, and a loan.
Watch for Your Financial Aid Offer
Your initial financial aid offer is based on the information you reported on your FAFSA or CADAA and assumes you'll be enrolled full-time. Review your offer to see the types and amounts of financial aid available to you. If you're enrolled less than full-time or don't meet all eligibility requirements, your financial aid may change.
Complete Verification
The U.S. Department of Education, the California Student Aid Commission or Chico State may select your financial aid application for verification. Verification is a process used to confirm information reported on your FAFSA or CADAA. Being selected for verification does not mean you did anything wrong.
If selected:
- Check your Chico State email and Student Center To-Do list
- Log in to your Financial Aid Account
- Submit all requested documents as soon as possible
- Make sure the information you provide is complete and accurate
- Financial aid cannot be awarded or disbursed until verification is complete
Accept or Decline Your Aid
After you receive your financial aid offer by email, review your aid in Student Center. Accept, reduce, or decline your loans and work-study (if awarded). Grants are automatically accepted. Accepted aid will be applied toward your university charges. You can reduce or decline your loans - only borrow what you need.
Receive Your Financial Aid
Your initial financial aid offer is based on full-time enrollment. If you're enrolled less than full time or don't meet all eligibility requirements, your financial aid may change. Tuition and fees, housing charges (if you live on campus), and other university charges are paid first from your financial aid. If money remains after those charges are paid, the remaining amount is refunded to you. The quickest way to receive your refund is through e-Refund (direct deposit). Sign up for e-Refund in your Student Center.
