Steps to Financial Aid at Chico State
Check out these resources including some great tips and a checklist to help you track your financial aid.
How to apply for Financial Aid
The 2025-26 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are now open. Also note: if you haven't already, you can still file a FAFSA or CADAA for the current 2024-25 school year. File your FAFSA or CADAA using Chico State School Code 001146. In addition to providing access to federal and state financial aid programs, completing the FAFSA or CADAA can also increase your 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.
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 (California Dream Act Application). Eligible students will be considered for state administered financial aid, such as State University Grant, Cal Grant, and a loan.
Estimated financial aid offers are emailed to students who have submitted a FAFSA or CADAA. Offers are based on full time enrollment and can change if you enroll less than full time. 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. Monitor your Chico State email for notifications regarding your financial aid.
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.
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.
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.
