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Financial Aid

To be announced, Director
MARIA HERNANDEZ, Assistant Director
Joyal Administration, Room 296
General Information: (559) 294-2200
(559) 278-2182

http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/financial_aid

Financial aid is any resource available to students to offset the costs associated with attending California State University, Fresno. Aside from student and family resources, there are four basic programs of financial aid: grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. About 95 percent of these programs are administered by the Financial Aid Office.

The majority are funded by the federal and state governments and are need- based. Eligibility for financial aid from need-based programs is determined through a formula mandated by Congress. Several programs administered by the Financial Aid Office are not need-based. There are also additional administrative units on campus that offer financial aid.

Need-Based Financial Aid Programs

For the following need-based aid programs, you are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is available at high schools and college financial aid offices in December and should be filed in January or February for the next academic year. Renewals, i.e., students who had a valid Student Aid Report on file for the previous academic year, will receive Renewal Applications directly from the Central Processor. If you have not received your Renewal Application by January 15, complete a FAFSA.

The official priority filing date is March 2 for the next academic year.

* Federal Pell Grant
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant

* Federal Stafford Student Loan
Federal Work-Study Nursing Student Loan
Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant

** California Graduate Equity
Fellowship Program for Underrepresented Students
California State Educational Opportunity Grant (EOP)
California State University Grant
Cal Grants A, B, and T
State Graduate Fellowship

For assistance in completing the FAFSA, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

Details about these programs are listed under Program Specifications.

Additional Financial Aid Sources

Alan Pattee Scholarships. Children of deceased public law enforcement or fire suppression employees, who were California residents and who were killed in the course of law enforcement or fire suppression duties, are not charged mandatory systemwide fees or tuition of any kind at any California State University campus, according to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, California Education Code, Section 68120. Students qualifying for these benefits need to contact the Registrar's Office, which determines eligibility.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarships. Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarships. Air Force ROTC three-year, four-year, and graduate degree scholarships are available in many technical and nontechnical majors to cover the costs of fees and tuition, book allowance, lab fees, and a monthly stipend of $200. In addition, all juniors and seniors, regardless of academic major, who have at least a 2.35 semester GPA and will graduate before turning age 27, qualify for up to $1,725 in scholarships each semester plus a monthly stipend of $200. Applications should be submitted to the Department of Aerospace Studies. For additional information, see Aerospace Studies.

Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. The U.S. Army offers two-, three-, and four-year scholarships at different monetary levels ­ up to $20,000 annually to qualified students in a variety of academic disciplines. Scholarships cover tuition, mandatory fees, $450 annually for books, and a monthly tax-free subsistence allowance of $200. All students formally enrolled in the ROTC program receive an annual allowance of $1,500 and can earn as much as $19,800 during their college careers. For additional information, see the Department of Military Science.

Graduate Assistantships. A number of graduate assistantships and teaching associateships are available to students who are enrolled in a master's degree program. For additional information, see the Division of Graduate Studies.

Division of Graduate Studies Student Research Awards and Travel Grants. For additional information, see the Division of Graduate Studies.

Nonresident Tuition Waivers. A select number of non-resident tuition waivers are available for outstanding graduate students who demonstrate the potential to make significant academic and professional contributions in their disciplines and the graduate program. Recipients are expected to work with the K-12 system in giving lectures/presentations. For additional information, contact the department.

Resident Advisers and Public Safety Assistants. University Courtyard employs up to 16 students to work as resident advisers (RAs) and five students to work as public safety assistants (PSAs) in the residence halls. RAs act as effective role models, develop a cohesive community of students, organize and conduct programs, and serve as resource people to students living on-campus. PSAs patrol the buildings and grounds, and provide escort service. Applications (for students with one year of on-campus living experience) are available from the University Housing Office at the beginning of the spring semester.

University Association and Foundation Loan Funds. The university operates an Emergency Loan Fund to assist students who need up to a maximum of $600 for educationally related emergency expenses only. These loans have to be repaid within 90 days or before the end of the semester, as designated by Student Loan Collection Services. Loans are granted on the basis of the students' need and ability to repay. The funds for these programs have been provided by gifts to the university. Applications for loans are processed through Student Loan Collection Services, Joyal Administration Building, Room 156.

Waivers of Nonresident Fees. Upon written waiver by the dean of student affairs or the director of admissions and records, children or spouses of California State University full-time employees, who are not yet legal residents of California, may be exempted from the nonresident fee. Also, with verification by the dean of the School of Education and Human Development, certificated California school district employees who are not yet legal residents of California may be exempted from the nonresident fee, if they are provisionally credentialed and working toward regular credentials, completing postponed requirements, or completing the fifth year required under the Teacher Preparation and Licensing Law of 1970 (Ryan Act).

Program Specifications

Satisfactory academic progress requirements. To conform with the regulations that govern state and federal student financial aid programs, the university is required to define and enforce standards of satisfactory academic progress for all financial aid applicants.

All funds administered by the Financial Aid Office are subject to these standards.

The intent of these standards is to encourage student aid recipients to make steady progress toward the completion of all degree or credential requirements within a reasonable period of time.

The following descriptions are offered for your guidance:

• Students funded on the basis of a full-time budget must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 units each semester. For graduate students, the requirement is 8 units of courses in the 200 series.
• Students funded on the basis of a three-quarter budget must enroll in and complete a minimum of 9 units each semester. Graduate students in this category are obligated for a minimum of 6 units from courses in the 200 series.
• Students funded on the basis of a half-time budget must enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 units each semester. Half-time status for graduate students is 4 units of courses in the 200 series.

All recipients of financial aid must notify the Financial Aid Office prior to dropping below the units identified as units funded on their award notification. Aid recipients who fail to comply with these requirements may be subject to cancellation of their financial aid award and/or repayment of any aid received.

The regulations also address the issue of time-to-degree. Undergraduate students are expected to complete their degrees within the time-frame of 12 full-time semesters or 186 units (whichever occurs first). Postbaccalaureate students are allowed 45 units or six full-time semesters. Graduate students enrolled in programs requiring 60 units will be granted an exception upon request.

All units count toward your maximum allowance. Enroll in units that count toward your degree.

All financial aid recipients are reviewed for satisfactory academic progress at the end of each semester. The following criteria are used for determination of satisfactory progress: (1) A, B, C, D, and CR are acceptable indicators of satisfactory academic progress; (2) F, I, W, U, NC, SP, RD, AU are not acceptable.

A more detailed explanation of satisfactory academic progress requirements at California State University, Fresno is available in the Financial Aid Office, Joyal Administration Building, Room 296.

Federal Perkins Loan. Authorized by the Higher Education Act, this program provides a limited amount of low-interest loans to students who demonstrate an exceptional financial need. Currently students may borrow $20,000 during the course of their undergraduate degree. Graduate students may borrow up to $40,000 (including any amount borrowed as an undergraduate). New borrowers begin repayment nine months after they graduate, leave school, or cease attending at least half-time. (Students who received funding under the National Direct Student Loan Program have a six-month grace period.) A repayment period of up to 10 years has been established by the federal government. The Higher Education Act also authorized certain conditions under which part or all of the loan may be canceled. Details are available in Student Loan Collections Services, Joyal Administration Building, Room 156.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). FSEOG is a grant program and, thus, does not require repayment. Awards are restricted to those undergraduates who demonstrate the greatest need and who are also Federal Pell Grant recipients. Funding for the program is limited to the allocation received from the federal government.

Federal Work-Study (FWS). FWS is a federally funded, campus-based employment program. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to participate. At California State University, Fresno, students receiving FWS awards are placed in jobs on campus and with selected off-campus agencies. FWS recipients may work up to 20 hours per week on a job.

Nursing Student Loans. Under this program, a student who can show that a loan is needed to enter or continue in the nursing program may borrow up to $2,500 an academic year for the first two years; $4,000 for the final two academic years, up to a $13,000 maximum. No interest is charged while the borrower pursues at least a half- time course of study, or for a period of nine months after leaving school. Interest then starts at 5 percent simple interest and the loan is repaid at not less than $15 per month. Interest and payments are deferred for a period of time while the borrower is a member of the uniformed service or is a volunteer under the Peace Corps Act.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Grants. If you are an eligible American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut student, or a certified member of a tribal group that is served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, you may apply for a BIA grant. The amount is based on financial need and availability of funds from your area agency. You must first submit an application for financial aid (FAFSA) and supportive documents. Obtain the BIA application from your area agency, then see the BIA adviser in the Financial Aid Office to complete the BIA Need Analysis section of the application. Be sure to check with your Tribal Agency Office for BIA deadlines. Deadlines vary from one agency to another. BIA applications are normally available January through June of each year.

California Graduate Equity Fellowship Program. For additional information, see the Division of Graduate Studies.

California State Educational Opportunity Grant Program (State EOP). Educational Opportunity Program Grants are provided by the state of California for students admitted to one of the campuses of The California State University under the Educational Opportunity Program. Eligibility for this grant is determined by criteria similar to that which governs federal financial aid programs. Admission to the university through the EOP does not automatically mean that the student is awarded a State EOP Grant. Grants provide aid to undergraduate students who, for lack of such assistance, would be unable to enter or remain in an institution of higher education. Funds are limited and range from $200 to $1,000 for the academic year.

California State University Grant. This is a need-based program for California residents, providing financial support to students. Eligibility for this grant is determined by criteria similar but not limited to that which governs federal financial aid programs.

Federal Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant Program is a program of student financial aid authorized by Title IV, Part A, of the Education Amendments of 1972. This program provides grants for some credential programs and for all eligible undergraduate students to assist them in meeting educational costs. Program regulations change from year to year.

Cal Grants A and B. The California Student Aid Commission offers Cal Grants A and B to undergraduate students on the basis of demonstrated need and specific program requirements. To apply, complete the FAFSA, checking the appropriate box. The deadline for new applicants is March 2 for the next academic year. Renewal applicants may continue to apply after March 2. Recipients who complete a baccalaureate degree and who are accepted and enrolled in a teaching credential program at an institution approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing will be eligible to apply for renewal of their Cal Grant award for an additional year of grant eligibility, provided financial need continues to exist. All students who are planning to enroll in an approved credential program and wish to continue receiving Cal Grant benefits will be required to submit a supplemental request. Forms are available in the Financial Aid Office.

Cal Grant T. The California Student Aid Commission offers Cal Grant T for students who are enrolled in and attend programs of professional preparation for a California K-12 single or multiple subject teaching credential. Offered for one academic year only, the grants are specifically awarded to students who already have a bachelor's degree or higher and are attending California institutions approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing. In addition to the FAFSA, the Cal T program requires a supplemental application. Interested parties should contact the Financial Aid Office in January for applications and deadlines.

Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Scholarship. The Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Scholarship will pay for books and supplies and living expenses up to $1,500 per year for needy dependent children of law enforcement officers who have been killed or totally disabled in the line of duty. Applicants should write to the California Student Aid Commission for a
special application.

State Graduate Fellowship. The Student Aid Commission also administers the State Graduate Fellowship Program. This program offers renewal recipients (only) tuition assistance for master's and doctoral students. Renewal applicants may continue to apply after March 2 by completing the FAFSA.

Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan. The Federal Stafford Program enables students with financial need to secure loans for the payment of educational expenses. Available to undergraduates and graduates, the Federal Stafford Loan is a federally subsidized (and insured) program, offered in conjunction with lending institutions (banks, credit unions, savings and loan associations, etc.). Undergraduates who qualify may borrow up to $2,625 per year as freshmen, $3,500 for second-year students, $5,500 per year as juniors, seniors, or credential students, up to a $23,000 maximum. Graduate students who qualify may borrow up to $8,500 per year to a $65,500 maximum (includes indebtedness incurred as an undergraduate). Simple interest, at a variable rate of up to 8.25%, is charged at repayment. Repayment begins six months after students graduate, leave school, or cease attending at least half-time. (Since interest rates, repayment periods, etc. have changed over the years, students are advised to contact their lender for more precise information.) The federal government pays the interest until the student borrower enters the loan repayment period.

Non-Need-Based Financial Aid Programs. The following non-need-based programs are administered by our Financial Aid Office.

California State University, Fresno Institutional Scholarships. Each year about 900 students are awarded Institutional Scholarships totaling more than $800,000. The majority of the scholarships, ranging from $100 to $2,000, are awarded on the basis of merit to both undergraduate and graduate students. Although requirements for specific scholarships vary, most scholarships require academic achievement or potential, plus a demonstration of the students' commitment to their school, community, or society. Financial need may be a factor but is seldom the exclusive factor. Applications must be submitted by November 19, 1999 for the next academic year. The California State University, Fresno Scholarship Application is available in the Joyal Administration Building, Rooms 134 and 274.

Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The PLUS Program was initiated to provide assistance to parents who do not demonstrate financial need as determined by the government formula. Parents may borrow up to the cost of attendance minus other aid for each dependent child enrolled at least half-time. Applications and information are available at the Financial Aid Office.

Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The program is open to students who may not meet need-based requirements of the Federal Stafford Loan or who may qualify for only a partial Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. Terms and conditions are similar to the subsidized Stafford, except that the borrower is responsible for interest which accrues during the in-school period.

CSU Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program. The largest program of its kind in the nation, the CSU Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program is designed to increase the diversity of the pool of qualified faculty candidates for the California State University. The program provides loans of up to $10,000 per year up to a total of $30,000 within five years. For each year of full-time postdoctoral teaching at a CSU campus, individuals are granted loan forgiveness at a rate of 20% per year. Information and applications are available in Human Resources, Joyal Administration Building, Room 148.

California Pre-Doctoral Program for Undergraduate and Graduate Students. For additional information, see the Division of Graduate Studies.

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