How to Apply For Financial Aid

1) Apply for Admissions using the CSU MENTOR website.

2) Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) beginning January 1st. Check with your current school to submit a Cal Grant GPA Verification, the application for the Cal Grant Program.

March 2nd is the Cal Grant filing deadline and the priority deadline for Fresno State (late applications are accepted by Fresno State but not by the Cal Grant Program).

How to file a FAFSA:

computer
ONLINE: We recommend applying online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. You (and parent) can apply for a PIN (personal identification number) through www.pin.ed.gov so you are ready to begin the application process in January.

envelope PAPER: If you opt to file a paper application, take your application to the post office and ask for “proof of mailing” (approx. cost: 90¢). Do not send the application by registered or certified mail as this may cause a delay on delivery and/or processing.

On the FAFSA remember to:

Complete the FAFSA as accurately as possible
Have all signatures (including parent if required)- if not signed, it will not be processed
List Fresno State (Title IV Code #001147) as one of the schools, along with your housing plans. (Question number 86-97)

Read and Respond to:

Requests from the Processing Center or California Student Aid Commission.
The “Official Document Request Letter” sent by the Financial Aid Office.

3) Information is provided to inform you of any problems/errors with your application or requests for additional documentation. An immediate response to all requests is strongly advised to ensure consideration for all programs.

4) Establish an emaill address with CSUF Fresno. This address will be used by the Financial Aid Office to e-mail correspondence to you.

5) You should also maintain your portal mailing address as your Financial Aid check will be mailed to that address. You can verify or change your mailing address after logging into the Fresno State portal at www.my.csufresno.edu.

6) After you apply, you may check your status on line at www.my.csufresno.edu. If you have additional questions, you may visit the Financial Aid Office in the Joyal Administration Building, Room 296 or call (559) 278-2182.

Be sure to keep copies of your application and all documents submitted to the Financial Aid Office.

Award Notification Process

Document Request Letter
When the financial aid office receives your FAFSA information we forward a Document Request Letter (DRL) to your CSUF email account. If you do not have a CSUF email account one paper version will be sent via US Mail. The DRL advises you what additional information is required, if any, and provides links to the forms.

Award Letter
Upon receipt of the required information award eligibility is determined by Financial Aid Office and an e-mail Award Notification letter is sent to the student's CSUF email account. Read the Award Notification and follow all instructions to ensure timely receipt of your aid.

I received an Award Letter for Fresno State - - but now plan to enroll at another college. Can I use this award at my new college choice?

No. Financial aid funds cannot be transferred from one college to another. If you change your college choice , contact your new college choice and follow their instructions to apply for aid. Then notify our Office of your intention not to attend California State University, Fresno. This letter allows our Office to relinquish funds set aside for you so you can apply for aid at another institution of education.