To be eligible for financial aid, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. FAFSA applications are available in late December and must be mailed after January 1. Aid is awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Therefore, you are encouraged to submit your application online (www.fafsa.ed.gov) after January 1. The CSUMB federal school code for the FAFSA is 032603.
Paper applications are available from high school counselors and all college financial aid offices. Upon request, the CSUMB Financial Aid Office will mail FAFSA forms and assist you and your parents with their completion.
If submitting a FAFSA online, you should print out a confirmation page for your records. If applying using a paper FAFSA, you should keep a photocopy of your completed FAFSA for your records and obtain a certificate of mailing from the post office. You should not send the FAFSA by certified or registered mail, as it will delay processing.
If you applied for financial aid the previous year, you may receive a Renewal FAFSA from the U.S. Department of Education. The Renewal FAFSA has fewer questions. You should complete a regular FAFSA if you have not received your renewal application by late December.
You must be admitted to CSUMB before the university will determine your financial aid eligibility. A supplemental application is required for admission to the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). You can obtain one from any California high school or college, or from the CSUMB Campus Service Center.
If applying for a Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B and you did not receive this grant in the preceding academic year, you must complete a Cal Grant grade point average (GPA) verification form. You can obtain these forms from high school and college counselors and financial aid offices.
It is important to file applications as soon as possible after January 1. Those who have not yet filed taxes may provide estimated information. You must apply before March 2 in order to qualify for Cal Grants. Other grants are limited and are awarded on a first-come, first-served basis. Your application will be accepted after March 2, but, if you apply after that date, you are more likely to receive student loans to meet your educational expenses.
You may also be asked to submit supporting documents before your financial aid eligibility will be determined. This could include copies of federal income tax returns or an income-verification form if no tax return was filed. You will receive a letter from the CSUMB Financial Aid Office if additional forms are required.
Revised 6/4/04