Financial Aid and Scholarships

How to Apply for Financial Aid

1. Complete a financial aid application each year

  • Complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) to be considered for most types of financial aid.
  • CSU Channel Islands Federal School Code 039803.

2. Priority Deadline

  • March 2nd of the application year. Students who file during this time period and who demonstrate the highest need will be given priority consideration for financial aid funding.
  • Applications submitted after priority deadline will still be eligible for financial aid based on the remaining funds available.
  • California residents applying for a Cal Grant for the first time must ensure that a certified Grade Point Average (GPA)was submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), as well as the FAFSA or CADAA, by the priority deadline.
    Please Note: California law requires that all California public and charter high schools electronically upload GPAs for current enrolled seniors that do not opt-out. Current Cal Grant recipients do not have to submit a GPA verification to be considered for renewal.

 *For the 2024-25 aid year, the priority filing deadline has been extended from March 2, 2024 to May 2, 2024 due to the delayed release of the FAFSA and CADAA. Learn more about FAFSA Simplification. However, the Cal Grant certified GPA submission deadline will remain March 2, 2024.

3. Make any necessary corrections

  • You can make any necessary corrections online via the FAFSA website. If no corrections are needed, keep a printed copy for reference of your FAFSA Submission Summary  typically generated within one week of your online FAFSA having been submitted.

4. Check request for additional documents

  • In your myCI Student Center check your "To Do List" for items requested to complete your financial aid application
  • Check email regularly for any incomplete or pending items on your "To Do List". DO NOT send information or documents that are not requested.
  • Learn more about the acceptable methods to submit documents and forms if requested.

5. Aid Offer Notification

  • When your evaluation process is completed, a notification message with your aid offer will be sent to you via email (paper award notices will not be mailed). 
  • You may view your Financial Aid Offer in your myCI Student Center. Step-by-step instructions to veiw financial aid offer.
  • Financial aid is based on full-time enrollment. Financial aid funds may be prorated for students who are enrolled for less than full-time.
  • Steps to accept or decline your offered Federal Student Loans.
  • If you accepted any Federal Student Loan(s) and are a first time borrower at CSU Channel Islands, you must go to the gov to complete a Master Promissory Note and Loan Entrance Counseling.
  • Parent PLUS loans cannot be accepted by the student on their myCI Student Center. The parent must complete a Parent PLUS Loan application.

6. Disbursement of Financial Aid Funds

  • Processed on a weekly basis, starting the first week of the semester.
  • May be held for several reasons such as, admission status, not enrolled in sufficient number of units, academic progress holds, missing information, etc.
  • Financial aid is automatically applied toward any outstanding fees owed to the university when disbursed.
  • Any remaining credit balance will be disbursed to students by the Student Business Services office. Learn more about Financial Aid Refund Checks.

Still have questions? Contact us.

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