Navigating Financial Aid and Scholarships at CSUN: A Comprehensive Guide

California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is committed to providing resources that ensure students have equal access to higher education. The Financial Aid and Scholarship Department at CSUN plays a crucial role in supporting student access and success by offering financial assistance and guidance. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the financial aid and scholarship opportunities available at CSUN, helping students navigate the process effectively.

Understanding the Types of Financial Aid at CSUN

CSUN offers four major types of financial aid to students and their families:

Grants: These are typically need-based and do not require repayment.
Work-Study: This program allows students to earn money through part-time jobs, often on campus, while pursuing their studies.
Loans: These can be need-based or non-need-based and must be repaid upon leaving the University or dropping below half-time enrollment. Federal Direct Loans are available.
Scholarships: These are awarded based on various criteria, such as academic merit, financial need, or specific talents and interests. Scholarships do not require repayment in most cases.

Applying for Financial Aid: FAFSA and California Dream Act Application

To apply for financial aid at CSUN, students must complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). The CADAA is for AB 540 eligible students.

FAFSA/CADAA Submission: Submit the FAFSA or CADAA online. The Title IV school code for CSU, Northridge, is 001153.
Priority Deadline: To receive priority consideration for aid in the following academic year, submit the FAFSA or CA Dream application no earlier than October 1 and no later than March 2.
Eligibility Determination: These applications are used to determine eligibility for all federal, state, and institutional funds, as well as scholarships requiring demonstrated need.
Additional Forms: Submit all additional forms requested by the Financial Aid and Scholarships Department as soon as possible. Check the CSUN Portal “To Do List” to see if additional documents are requested. Many funds are awarded before the school year begins, so timeliness is crucial.

State and Institutional Aid

State aid and institutional aid are need-based, and students apply through the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) process. Cal Grants and State University Grants assist students with tuition/fee payment.

Loans: Federal Direct Loans and Bookstore Debit Card Loans

Federal Direct Loans are available as need-based and non-need-based options. Repayment begins upon leaving the University or dropping below half-time enrollment. New borrowers are required to complete an online loan entrance counseling session and a Master Promissory Note.

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CSUN also offers Bookstore Debit Card Loans for purchasing books and supplies at the Matador Bookstore. Applications are available at the Financial Aid and Scholarship Department window in Bayramian Hall or online. The application period typically begins one week prior to the start of the semester.

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) is essential for continued financial aid eligibility. An annual review of progress toward an eligible degree or certificate is required by federal, state, and institutional rules as one condition for maintaining student financial aid eligibility. Your academic progress will be reviewed in several areas:

Units Attempted vs. Units Earned: A comparison of the number of units you've attempted versus the number you've successfully completed.
Maximum Units to Complete a Degree: Ensuring you're on track to complete your degree within the maximum allowed units.
Good Academic Standing: Maintaining good academic standing with the University.

Students who fail to meet Satisfactory Academic Progress in any of these areas will be ineligible for financial aid funding. Students may be able to restore their aid if there are extenuating circumstances for an appeal.

Enrollment Requirements and Adjustments

Financial aid awards are based on full-time enrollment in a minimum of 12 units for undergraduates and 8 units for graduates. Financial aid amounts will be reduced or canceled for students enrolled less than full time. Students must stay enrolled to maintain eligibility. Most adjustments for less than full time are made after the semester begins.

Withdrawal and Return of Funds

Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Financial Aid and Scholarships Department prior to withdrawing from the University regarding any required return or repayment of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term. If a recipient of financial assistance under federal Title IV financial aid programs withdraws (including medical) from the institution during a payment period, the amount of grant or loan assistance received is subject to return and repayment provisions governed by Federal regulations.

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CSUN Scholarship Opportunities

Think you could never win a scholarship? Think again. At last count, more than 45 scholarship programs and opportunities were available through CSUN campus awards, many CSUN colleges and academic departments, and the systemwide CSU Foundation. Some types of financial aid are available to certain groups of students such as those earning a teaching credential, student veterans and DREAMERS.

The Matador Scholarship Program (MSP)

The Matador Scholarship Program (MSP) recognizes students who demonstrate academic achievement and financial need (completion of a financial aid application is required). Over the years, thousands of students have been awarded scholarships through MSP, with awards ranging from $100 to $8,000. There are approximately 102 scholarship opportunities available under the Matador Scholarship Program.

Application Period: The online application for these scholarships is available from late February through May.
Eligibility: Must file a FAFSA OR CADAA application by the priority deadline.
Enrollment: Must maintain full-time enrollment each semester scholarship funds are received (12 units for undergraduate and credential students; 6 units for graduate students).
Application Process: Begin the scholarship application process using our online application. You will be required to complete a general application first. Once completed, you will be able to view a list of available scholarship opportunities. Students are encouraged to apply for all scholarships for which they meet the eligibility criteria. Scholarships are awarded through a competitive process. Applicants may be considered for multiple awards; however, selection and final awarding depend on institutional guidelines and overall scholarship availability.
Thank-You Letter: Submit a Thank You letter to your donor. Many scholarships are funded by private donors who are committed to supporting CSUN students. It is common courtesy to respond with a short note to show appreciation for their commitment to your education. Your scholarship funds will not be released until a copy of your Thank You letter is received.
Maintain GPA and Enrollment: Maintain the required cumulative GPA. Undergraduate students must maintain a minimum 3.0 GPA, and graduate students must maintain a minimum 3.5 GPA. Maintain full-time enrollment each semester during the academic year in which the scholarship is awarded. Undergraduate full-time unit load is 12 units to receive a scholarship. Graduate full-time unit load is 8 units to receive a scholarship. Failure to meet GPA, enrollment, or any additional scholarship requirement will result in cancellation of the award in accordance with scholarship terms and university policy. No exceptions will be made. Students must notify the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department as soon as possible if they are unable to meet the conditions of their scholarship or if their enrollment status changes.

GE Honors Rising Scholar Award

The GE Honors Rising Scholar Award will recognize 10 first-time freshmen admitted to the GE Honors Program with a $5,000 award. Admission to the GE Honors Program does not automatically qualify a student for the GE Honors Rising Scholar Award.

California State University, Northridge Outstanding Graduating Veteran Award

The California State University, Northridge Outstanding Graduating Veteran Award is given to a student who demonstrates meritorious achievement, strength of character and commitment to service. The award recognizes an extraordinary student who has overcome challenges in reaching an academic milestone and honors those who couldn’t complete a degree because their health or lives were sacrificed in national service. The award amount is $1,000. Go to myMatadorScholarships to begin your online application. Request two academic letters of recommendation through the online application.

Northridge Scholarship Program (NSP)

The Northridge Scholarship Program (NSP) encompasses three programs: the Presidential Scholarship, the University Scholarship. If you plan to apply for the Presidential Scholarship, you must complete an online Northridge Scholarship Program workshop to ensure you have all of the information needed to complete the application. Here is the link to Northridge Scholarship Program Application Workshop. The scholarship application runs mid-February.

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Presidential Scholarship

The NSP Presidential Scholarship affords CSUN undergraduate students the opportunity to work with faculty mentors on significant original work. Students are funded to undertake a research project, creative project, or applied project that will advance their chosen field of interest and/or contribute to the CSUN community.

Requirements: Students applying for this scholarship must complete a pre-application workshop before applying. Submit a Gantt chart to outline your project benchmarks, completion dates and assessments.
Faculty Mentors: If you are a faculty mentor, your time and commitment to the Northridge Scholarship Program is appreciated. The success of the program and scholar depends greatly on your guidance and encouragement. To ensure maximum benefit to the student, faculty may only mentor one student per academic year; faculty are encouraged to consider this when accepting students' mentorship requests. Faculty Mentors to Presidential Scholars are encouraged to develop an acceptable mentoring plan that will meet the scholar's needs while honoring the faculty mentor's other commitments. There is no set requirement for the level of involvement between you and the scholar, but the student learning experience depends on the level of engagement you provide. The purpose of the program is to enhance the student's scholarly development and prepare the student for post-baccalaureate education or work.
Selected Scholars: If you are selected to be a Presidential Scholar, you must develop, complete and present your outlined original research project, creative project, or applied project during the annual Presidential Scholarship Exhibit at the end of the spring semester.

University Scholarship

The University Scholarship award encourages the scholarly development and engagement of continuing CSUN students. University Scholars are funded to allow for the opportunity to deeply explore their fields of interest through internships, extracurricular activities, community engagement, etc., and develop mentoring relationships with faculty members. Applicants will be evaluated primarily on the quality of their essay responses. The essays must highlight personal strengths, such as motivation, creativity, self-confidence, maturity, concern for others and awareness of current issues.

Requirements: Submit a letter of recommendation from a Northridge faculty member. Submit a Degree Progress Report (DPR) through the online scholarship application. The scholarship application runs through January. If you plan to apply for the University Scholarship, you must complete an online Northridge Scholarship Program workshop to ensure you have all of the information needed to complete the application. Here is the link to Northridge Scholarship Program Application Workshop.
Selected Scholars:If you are selected to be a University Scholar, you must develop a mentoring relationship with a faculty member by the end of the scholarship period or pursue scholarly activities, such as additional coursework, internships, research projects, or conference presentations. You must also attend scholarly events during the academic year, enroll in honors coursework when possible, and submit a progress report at the end of Fall semester. University Scholarship applicants are required to submit a letter of recommendation from a Cal State Northridge faculty member. University Scholars are encouraged to develop a mentoring relationship with a faculty member. If asked and you agree, you are encouraged to develop an acceptable plan that will meet the needs of the scholar while honoring your ongoing commitments. There is not a set requirement for the level of involvement between you and the scholar, but the student learning experience depends on the level of faculty engagement.

AB540/DREAMER Scholarship

At California State University, Northridge we are dedicated to helping students have equal access to higher education by providing resources.

Scholarships of $2,500 for the academic year to students enrolled in 12 units or more.
Scholarships of $1,250 for the academic year to students enrolled in less than 12 units.
Eligible students may apply for this award up to four years.
Student must have an approved California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540 Affidavit) on file with the University.
Student must have a completed Dream Act Application on file for the award year being applied for.

Tips for Scholarship Success

Start Early: Begin your scholarship search and application process well in advance of deadlines.
Meet All Requirements: Ensure you meet all eligibility criteria and submit all required documents.
Craft a Strong Essay: Pay close attention to essay prompts and write compelling, well-structured essays that highlight your strengths and experiences.
Seek Recommendations: Request letters of recommendation from faculty members or mentors who know you well and can speak to your abilities and potential.
Proofread Carefully: Review all application materials for errors in grammar, spelling, and punctuation.
Apply for Everything: Apply for all scholarships for which you are eligible to increase your chances of receiving an award.

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