Money Matters Fall 2023

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 first-years—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.

The Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at Chico State has friendly, knowledgeable staff members who are available to help you and your student through the application process. We strive to minimize financial barriers for students as they pursue their education.

File a FAFSA

We encourage all students, regardless of family income, to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov. Apply between October 1 and March 2 to be considered for all available funds. For financial aid consideration, including many scholarships, the application must be completed for each academic year the student will be enrolled in college.

File a CADAA

Students who are not eligible to fill out the FAFSA are encouraged to fill out the California Dream Act application instead (CADAA) at dream.csac.ca.gov This application is for CA AB 540 students who are undocumented, or “Dreamers.” Please ask for guidance if you are unsure of which application should be completed. Apply between October 1 and March 2 to be considered for all available funds. The application should be completed for each academic year the student will be enrolled in college.

Types of Aid

Depending on family size, income, and assets, students may be eligible for need-based aid. Aid can include federal grants, CA state grants, federal work study, federal direct student loans, and scholarships. More information is available at www.csuchico.edu/fa/types-of-aid

Undergraduate 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 Direct Stafford Loans. Chico State participates in the Federal Direct Stafford Loan Program, which provides long-term, low-interest loans to help fund student educational expenses (www.csuchico.edu/fa/ types-of-aid/loans/stafford-loans. shtml). Direct loans are borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education, and the loan proceeds are delivered through Chico State. They are available for undergraduate and graduate students. Federally backed parent loans, called PLUS Loans (www.csuchico.edu/fa/typesof-aid/loans/plus.shtml), are also administered through Chico State. PLUS loans are usually a better alternative to private lending.

Financial Aid and Payment of University Charges

Payment for fall 2023 is due by July 26. Financial aid recipients are required to pay the difference between all University charges (e.g. tuition, fees, and housing) and their pending financial aid. Fees due and financial aid awards are posted to the Student Center via the student’s portal account.

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 financial aid 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 Student Center lists any holds or To-Do List items assigned to your student. The first possible refund (financial aid disbursement) for the fall term will be August 17, 2023. 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, aid may disburse the week following completion of their file.

Questions?

If you have questions regarding your student’s financial aid account, due to Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) laws, we will need authorization from the student before we can disclose any information pertaining to their account. Students can provide authorization via their Student Center by selecting "Authorize to Release" under the "Student Records" section. When you call in please make sure to have the four-digit access code the student creates for you.

For questions regarding general financial aid (including scholarships and loans) visit our website at www.csuchico.edu/fa or call the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office at (530) 898-6451. For questions regarding tuition, payments, and due dates, please call Student Financial Services at (530) 898-5936 or visit www.csuchico.edu/sfin.

Did you know that over 2,500 students work on the Chico State campus?