Financial Aid at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB)?

Hi there, I'm considering CSUSB as one of my options. Can anyone fill me in on how financial aid works there? Any advice or experience? Thanks loads!

Financial aid at California State University, San Bernardino (CSUSB) is similar to most other schools. You'll have to fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine your eligibility for financial aid. Make sure you fill it out as soon as possible because aid is often provided on a first-come, first-serve basis. The FAFSA opens up on October 1 for the following academic year.

What aid you get depends on several factors, including your financial need, cost of attendance, year in school, enrollment status, and SAI (Student Aid Index). Aid can come in several forms: grants (which do not require repayment), work-study (which provides funds in exchange for work, often part-time, on- or off-campus), and loans (which have to be repaid).

CSUSB also offers grants that are exclusive to California residents. California residents should check their eligibility for the State University Grant (SUG) or the Middle-Class Scholarship (MCS).

Each student's financial situation is unique and therefore their financial aid package will be unique as well. In terms of average aid, at CSUSB, approximately 80% of full-time undergraduates receive some kind of need-based financial aid, with an average need-based scholarship or grant award of $8,477.

Also, CSUSB, like many other universities, uses an online portal to manage and distribute financial aid information. You'll likely receive your financial aid offer through this online portal, where you can accept or decline each aspect of your offer.

As for advice, always apply for financial aid, even if you think you might not receive anything. Every bit helps when it comes to paying for college. Keep the deadlines in mind and prioritize applying for institutional and state-based aid where available.

Looking for scholarships can be another good way to save money. CSUSB offers a variety of scholarships for incoming and continuing students. The application time frame is typically from October to March for the following academic year. Details can be found on the CSUSB scholarship page.

Lastly, be clear about the difference between grants and loans. Grants are essentially free money - you won't have to pay them back. Loans, on the other hand, are expected to be paid back by you or your parents/guardians, often with interest. Always take that into account when accepting your financial aid package.