FINANCIAL AID AND SCHOLARSHIP OFFICE: PREPARE NOW FOR 2010-2011

We know that students and their families are beginning to consider how to pay for fees and other costs for the 2010-2011 academic year.

WHAT TO DO ASAP: Apply for upcoming CSU, Chico Scholarships
Timeline for CSU, Chico Scholarships
October 1-December 15 - Application window for CSU, Chico Scholarships for 2010-2011. Every year Chico State students receive over $1.5 million in university scholarships. Criteria may include scholastic achievement, school/college activities, financial need, and community service. For information and the online application, visit the Online Scholarship Application Web page. All applications must be received by December 15, 2009 midnight, Pacific Standard Time.

March through May - Selection by University Committees
June and July - Notification to recipients
July and August - Notification to students not selected
Fall 2010 - Scholarship payment of the fall portion is generally the Thursday prior to the first week of classes. Recipients must be enrolled full-time (a minimum of 12 units for undergraduates).
 
WHAT TO DO JANUARY 1: File a FAFSA for 2010-2011
Be Smart:  File a FAFSA to Apply for Financial Aid

We encourage all students, regardless of family income, to submit a Free Application for federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Most students are usually eligible for federal loans that have student-friendly terms and low interest rates, even those students and their families who may not qualify for grants, which are need-based aid. We highly recommend that you file a FAFSA.

A financial aid package may consist of a combination of four basic types of aid:
Grants are funds that are based on need and do not have to be repaid.
How to Apply: File a FAFSA, available online.
When to Apply: Apply between January 1 and March 2 to be considered for all available grant funds. March 2 is also the deadline for Cal Grant applications and the priority date for State University Grant.
 
Scholarships are awards that do not have to be repaid. Scholarships are generally merit-based and reward students for academic excellence, leadership, performance in the arts or athletics, and/or community service. Some scholarships may have a need component. We recommend that all students file a FAFSA.

How to Apply: File online CSU, Chico Scholarship application (also see above).
When to Apply: Apply between October 1 and December 15 for the following academic year.
Recommended: File a FAFSA.
Also Recommended: Apply for external (private) scholarships. Click here on how to do a search.
 
Loans are the most prevalent type of financial assistance. Many students and their parents will use some form of loan aid as a way of closing the gap between educational expenses and available resources. Loans must be repaid, with interest, usually after graduation or upon leaving school. The Federal Direct Loans that we administer have lower interest rates than most commercial loans. Students are eligible for Federal Direct Stafford Loans and parents may apply for Federal Direct PLUS Loans.
How to Apply: File a FAFSA, available online.
When to Apply: Beginning January 1.
 
Work-Study provides part-time, on-campus job opportunities to eligible students. First, the student must have work-study as part of their financial aid award, then they can locate a job on campus through the Student Employment Office and be paid through the work-study funds allotted to them.
How to Apply: File a FAFSA, available online.
When to Apply: Beginning January 1.
 
KNOW HOW FINANCIAL AID WORKS
Several factors determine the amount and type of financial aid you are offered:

• your financial need
• the timing of your application
• your willingness to accept various types of aid
• the availability of funds

Depending on the timing of your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the resulting needs analysis, your award offer may include need-based aid from federal, state, and institutional sources, including loans. Your award offer may also include financial assistance offered  as scholarships and tuition waivers, and any external (private) scholarships you receive.

Questions? Need More Information?
Customer Service
Customer service representatives are available by phone and at our walk-up windows to answer your financial aid questions and to schedule appointments.
 
Appointments
Financial Aid advisors are available by appointment (by phone or in person) to help you with special problems, technical questions, appeals, budgeting, and general financial aid inquiries. Regular appointments may be scheduled two weeks in advance. Available slots are posted on Wednesdays for the following two weeks. If you cannot make a scheduled appointment, please call and cancel, or change to a phone appointment, so another person may be accommodated.
 
Contact Information
Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, California State University, Chico
Student Services Center 250

Phone: 530-898-6451               Fax: 530-898-6883

Financial Aid E-mail:   finaid@csuchico.edu              
Scholarships E-mail:  scholarships@csuchico.edu
FAFSA School Code: 001146

Customer Service Hours
Monday through Friday 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.
 
We have a highly regarded Web site! Look us up at http://www.csuchico.edu/fa/ !