Money Matters Fall 2021

New college students have a lot to learn about life on their own. They may face many challenges learning to live independently as they adjust to new lifestyles and patterns of living and learning.

Many college freshmen — and some transfer students as well — will deal with day-to-day costs they never before had to handle themselves. We recommend that students utilize the Federal Student Aid website to help prepare for college by building a budget and learning money management skills.

File a FAFSA

We encourage all students, regardless of family income, to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA, studentaid.ed.gov). Apply between October 1 and March 2 to be considered for all available funds.

Students who don’t qualify for need-based grant aid may be eligible for a Middle Class Scholarship (www.csuchico.edu/fa/ types-of-aid/mid-class-scholarship.shtml) and federal student loans with low interest rates. Chico State participates in the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program (www.csuchico.edu/fa/typesof-aid/loans/stafford-loans.shtml) which provides long-term, low-interest loans to help fund student educational expenses. The loans are taken out directly from the U.S. Department of Education, and the loan proceeds are delivered through CSU, Chico. Federally backed parent loans, called PLUS Loans (www.csuchico.edu/fa/types-of-aid/loans/ plus.shtml), are also administered through CSU, Chico. These loans are usually a better alternative to private lending.

Financial Aid and Payment of University Charges

Payment for Fall 2021 is due by July 28, 2021. Financial aid recipients are required to pay the difference between all University charges (e.g. tuition, fees, and on-campus housing) and their pending financial aid. Fees due and financial aid awards are posted to the Student Center via the student’s portal account. Angle-right

If pending financial aid for the semester is sufficient to cover the outstanding fees and charges, the balance due will automatically be deducted from the disbursement. Any remaining financial aid credit will be refunded to the student. The University’s preferred method of refund is via electronic refund. Students can enroll in e-Refund through their Student Center under the Financials section.

Financial aid and scholarships are disbursed based on enrollment status once all To Do List items are completed and holds are resolved. The first possible refund for the fall term will be August 19, 2021. Students who complete their To Do List items and holds by the June 1 priority deadline should expect their aid to disburse at the start of the fall term. Otherwise, their aid may disburse the week following the completion of their file. Questions?

First make sure you have been granted authorization by your student to discuss their account, and that they’ve provided your 4-digit access code to you. Students can grant access in their Student Center and instructions can be found here: www.csuchico.edu/fa/_assets/ documents/auth-to-release-info20.pdf. Once you’re authorized, those offices can work with parents/guests directly. For questions regarding general financial aid (including scholarships and loans), the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office can be reached at (530) 898-6451 or by visiting www.csuchico.edu/fa. For questions regarding tuition, payments, and due dates, please call Student Financial Services at (530) 898-5936 or visit www.csuchico.edu/sfin/.