You are in the official 2003-2004 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.
Financial Aid
MARIA HERNANDEZ, Director
Joyal Administration, Room 296
General Information: (559) 294-2200
(559) 278-2182
http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/financial_aid
Financial aid is any resource available to students to offset the costs
associated with attending California State University, Fresno. Aside from
student and family resources, there are four basic programs of financial
aid: grants, loans, work-study, and scholarships. About 95 percent of these
programs are administered by the Financial Aid Office.
The majority are funded by the federal and state governments and are need-
based. Eligibility for financial aid from need-based programs is determined
through a formula mandated by Congress. Several programs administered by
the Financial Aid Office are not need-based.
Need-Based Financial Aid Programs
For the following need-based aid programs, students are required to submit
the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Students are encouraged
to submit the FAFSA through the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
Applications are available at high schools and college financial aid offices
in December and should be filed in January or February for the next academic
year. Renewals, i.e., students who had a valid Student Aid Report on file
for the previous academic year, will receive Renewal Applications directly
from the Central Processor. If you have not received your Renewal Application
by January 15, complete a FAFSA.
The official priority filing date is March 2 for the next academic
year.
* Federal Pell Grant
Federal Perkins Loan
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
* Federal Stafford Student Loan
Federal Work-Study Nursing Student Loan
Bureau of Indian Affairs Grant
** California Graduate Equity
Fellowship Program for Underrepresented Students
California State Educational Opportunity Grant (EOP)
California State University Grant
Cal Grants A, B, and T
State Graduate Fellowship
For assistance in completing the FAFSA, please contact the Financial Aid
Office.
Details about these programs are listed under Program Specifications.
Additional Financial Aid Sources
Alan Pattee Scholarships. Pursuant to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, Education Code Section 68120, children of deceased public law enforcement or fire suppression employees, who were California residents and who were killed in the course of law enforcement or fire suppression duties, are not charged mandatory systemwide fees or tuition of any kind at any California State University campus. Students who may qualify for these benefits should contact the Registrar's Office for an eligibility determination.
Air Force Reseve Officer Training Corps Scholarships. The Air
Force ROTC program at California State University, Fresno offers full two-year,
three-year, four-year, and graduate degree scholarships for both technical
and non-technical majors. These scholarships cover a tuition of up to $4,500
per semester (Type 7 scholarship) for undergraduate and graduate students
working toward their prospective degree. These scholarships also include
a yearly textbook payment of $500 for technical majors and $450 for non-technical
majors. This total does not include a monthly stipend pay for all cadets
who are contracted, whether under a scholarship or not. Stipend pay is tax
free money that is given to students who are contracted with the Air Force
ROTC program and carry a full-time student load (12 or more units). Stipend
pay depends on your academic year as follows: freshmen $200, sophomores
$250, juniors $300, and seniors $350 (subject to increase as of Oct. 1,
2002). To qualify for the scholarships, you must graduate before turning
age 31 and have at least a 2.00 semester GPA for non-technical majors and
at least a 2.50 semester GPA for technical majors. Applications should be
submitted to the Department of Aerospace Studies. For additional information,
see Aerospace Studies.
Army Reserve Officer Training Corps. The U.S. Army offers full two-,
three-, and four-year scholarships at different monetary levels up
to $20,000 annually to qualified students in a variety of academic disciplines.
It also offers full graduate scholarships for qualified students. Scholarships
cover tuition, mandatory fees, $450 annually for books, and a monthly tax-free
subsistence allowance ranging from $250 to $400. All students formally enrolled
in the ROTC program receive an annual allowance of as much as $4,000 and
can earn as much as $23,000 during their college careers. For additional
information, see the Department of Military
Science.
Graduate Assistantships. A number of graduate assistantships and
teaching associateships are available to students who are enrolled in a
master's degree program. For additional information, see the Division
of Graduate Studies.
Division of Graduate Studies Student Research Awards and Travel Grants.
For additional information, see the Division of
Graduate Studies.
Nonresident Tuition Waivers. A select number of non-resident tuition
waivers are available for outstanding graduate students who demonstrate
the potential to make significant academic and professional contributions
in their disciplines and the graduate program. Recipients are expected to
work with the K-12 system in giving lectures/presentations. For additional
information, contact the department.
Resident Advisers and Public Safety Assistants. University Courtyard
employs up to 16 students to work as resident advisers (RAs) and five students
to work as public safety assistants (PSAs) in the residence halls. RAs act
as effective role models, develop a cohesive community of students, organize
and conduct programs, and serve as resource people to students living on-campus.
PSAs patrol the buildings and grounds, and provide escort service. Applications
(for students with one year of on-campus living experience) are available
from the University Housing Office at the beginning of the spring semester.
University Association and Foundation Loan Funds. The university
operates an Emergency Loan Fund to assist students who need up to a maximum
of $600 for educationally related emergency expenses only. These loans have
to be repaid within 90 days or before the end of the semester, as designated
by Student Loan Collection Services. Loans are granted on the basis of the
students' need and ability to repay. The funds for these programs have been
provided by gifts to the university. Applications for loans are processed
through Student Loan Collection Services, Joyal Administration Building,
Room 156.
Waivers of Nonresident Fees. Upon written waiver by the dean of student
affairs or the director of admissions and records, children or spouses of
California State University full-time employees, who are not yet legal residents
of California, may be exempted from the nonresident fee. Also, with verification
by the dean of the Kremen School of Education and Human Development, certificated
California school district employees who are not yet legal residents of
California may be exempted from the nonresident fee, if they are provisionally
credentialed and working toward regular credentials, completing postponed
requirements, or completing the fifth year required under the Teacher Preparation
and Licensing Law of 1970 (Ryan Act).
Program Specifications
Satisfactory academic progress requirements. To conform with the
regulations that govern state and federal student financial aid programs,
the university is required to define and enforce standards of satisfactory
academic progress for all students.
All funds administered by the Financial Aid Office are subject to these
standards.
The intent of these standards is to encourage students to make steady progress
toward the completion of all degree or credential requirements within a
reasonable period of time.
The following descriptions are offered for your guidance:
- Students funded on the basis of a full-time budget must enroll and complete a minimum of 12 units each semester. For graduate students, the requirement is 8 units of courses in the 200 series.
- Students funded on the basis of a three-quarter budget must enroll in and complete a minimum of 9 units each semester. Graduate students in this category are obligated for a minimum of 6 units from courses in the 200 series.
- Students funded on the basis of a half-time budget must enroll in and complete a minimum of 6 units each semester. Half-time status for graduate students is 4 units of courses in the 200 series.
All recipients of financial aid must notify the Financial Aid Office prior to dropping below the units identified as units funded on their award notification. Aid recipients who fail to comply with these requirements may be subject to cancellation of their financial aid award and/or repayment of aid received.
The regulations also address the issue of time-to-degree. Undergraduate
students are expected to complete their degrees within the time-frame of
12 full-time semesters or 186 units (whichever occurs first). Postbaccalaureate
students are allowed 45 units or six full-time semesters. Graduate students
enrolled in programs requiring 60 units will be granted an exception upon
request.
All units count toward your maximum allowance. Enroll in units that count
toward your degree.
All financial aid recipients are reviewed for satisfactory academic progress
at the end of each semester. The following criteria are used for determination
of satisfactory progress: (1) A, B, C, D, and CR are acceptable indicators
of satisfactory academic progress; (2) F, I, W, WU, NC, RP, RD, AU are not
acceptable.
A more detailed explanation of satisfactory academic progress requirements
at California State University, Fresno is available in the Financial Aid
Office, Joyal Administration Building, Room 296.
Federal Perkins Loan. Authorized by the Higher Education Act, this
program provides a limited amount of low-interest loans to students who
demonstrate an exceptional financial need. Currently students may borrow
$20,000 during the course of their undergraduate degree. Graduate students
may borrow up to $40,000 (including any amount borrowed as an undergraduate).
New borrowers begin repayment nine months after they graduate, leave school,
or cease attending at least half-time. (Students who received funding under
the National Direct Student Loan Program have a six-month grace period.)
A repayment period of up to 10 years has been established by the federal
government. The Higher Education Act also authorized certain conditions
under which part or all of the loan may be canceled. Details are available
in Student Loan Collections Services, Joyal Administration Building, Room
156.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). FSEOG
is a grant program and, thus, does not require repayment. Awards are restricted
to those undergraduates who demonstrate the greatest need and who are also
Federal Pell Grant recipients. Funding for the program is limited to the
allocation received from the federal government.
Federal Work-Study (FWS). FWS is a federally funded employment program.
Awards are based on financial need. Both undergraduate and postbaccalaureate
students are eligible to participate. Students receiving FWS awards are
placed in jobs on-campus and with selected off-campus agencies, including
community service programs such as America READS.
Nursing Student Loans. Under this program, a student who can show
that a loan is needed to enter or continue in the nursing program may borrow
up to $2,500 an academic year for the first two years; $4,000 for the final
two academic years, up to a $13,000 maximum. No interest is charged while
the borrower pursues at least a half- time course of study, or for a period
of nine months after leaving school. Interest then starts at 5 percent simple
interest and the loan is repaid at not less than $15 per month. Interest
and payments are deferred for a period of time while the borrower is a member
of the uniformed service or is a volunteer under the Peace Corps Act.
Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Grants. If you are an eligible American
Indian, Eskimo or Aleut student, or a certified member of a tribal group
that is served by the Bureau of Indian Affairs, you may apply for a BIA
grant. The amount is based on financial need and availability of funds from
your area agency. You must first submit an application for financial aid
(FAFSA) and supportive documents. Obtain the BIA application from your area
agency, then see the BIA adviser in the Financial Aid Office to complete
the BIA Need Analysis section of the application. Be sure to check with
your Tribal Agency Office for BIA deadlines. Deadlines vary from one agency
to another. BIA applications are normally available January through June
of each year.
California Graduate Equity Fellowship Program. For additional information,
see the Division of Graduate Studies.
California State Educational Opportunity Grant Program (State EOP).
Educational Opportunity Program Grants are provided by the state of California
for students admitted to one of the campuses of The California State University
under the Educational Opportunity Program. Eligibility for this grant is
determined by criteria similar to that which governs federal financial aid
programs. Admission to the university through the EOP does not automatically
mean that the student is awarded a State EOP Grant. Grants provide aid to
undergraduate students who, for lack of such assistance, would be unable
to enter or remain in an institution of higher education. Funds are limited
and range from $200 to $1,000 for the academic year.
California State University Grant. This is a need-based program for
California residents, providing financial support to students. Eligibility
for this grant is determined by criteria similar but not limited to that
which governs federal financial aid programs.
Federal Pell Grant. The Federal Pell Grant Program is a program of
student financial aid authorized by Title IV, Part A, of the Education Amendments
of 1972. This program provides grants for some credential programs and for
all eligible undergraduate students to assist them in meeting educational
costs. Program regulations change from year to year.
Cal Grants A and B Entitlement and Competitive awards. The California
Student Aid Commission offers Cal Grants A and B to undergraduate students
on the basis of demonstrated need and specific program requirements. To
apply, complete the FAFSA, checking the appropriate box. The deadline for
new applicants is March 2 for the next academic year. Renewal applicants
may continue to apply after March 2. Recipients who complete a baccalaureate
degree and who are accepted and enrolled in a teaching credential program
at an institution approved by the California Commission on Teacher Credentialing
will be eligible to apply for renewal of their Cal Grant award for an additional
year of grant eligibility, provided financial need continues to exist. All
students who are planning to enroll in an approved credential program and
wish to continue receiving Cal Grant benefits will be required to submit
a supplemental request. Forms are available in the Financial Aid Office.
Cal Grant T. The state-funded Cal Grant T is a tuition/fee award
program that is offered for one academic year to students who have a bachelor's
degree or higher and are actively working towards an initial teaching credential
(e.g., K-12 single or multiple subject teaching credential). You must be
enrolled in and attending a program of professional teacher preparation
approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) on at least a
half time basis, as defined by the institution.
Prior to receiving an award payment, you must sign and return a Teaching
Service Agreement wherein you agree to teach for a minimum of one year in
a California public low-performing school for each award increment of up
to $2,000 received. The maximum service requirement will not exceed four
years. Recipients who fail to meet the teaching obligation will be required
to repay the Cal Grant T award in full. Interested parties should contact
the Financial Aid Office in January for applications and deadlines.
Law Enforcement Personnel Dependents Scholarship. The Law Enforcement
Personnel Dependents Scholarship will pay for books and supplies and living
expenses up to $1,500 per year for needy dependent children of law enforcement
officers who have been killed or totally disabled in the line of duty. Applicants
should write to the California Student Aid Commission for a special application.
Federal Subsidized Stafford Student Loan. The Federal Stafford Program
enables students with financial need to secure loans for the payment of
educational expenses. Available to undergraduates and graduates, the Federal
Stafford Loan is a federally subsidized (and insured) program, offered in
conjunction with lending institutions (banks, credit unions, savings and
loan associations, etc.). Undergraduates who qualify may borrow up to $2,625
per year as freshmen, $3,500 for second-year students, $5,500 per year as
juniors, seniors, or credential students, up to a $23,000 maximum. Graduate
students who qualify may borrow up to $8,500 per year to a $65,500 maximum
(includes indebtedness incurred as an undergraduate). Simple interest, at
a variable rate of up to 8.25%, is charged at repayment. Repayment begins
six months after students graduate, leave school, or cease attending at
least half-time. (Since interest rates, repayment periods, etc. have changed
over the years, students are advised to contact their lender for more precise
information.) The federal government pays the interest until the student
borrower enters the loan repayment period.
Non-Need-Based Financial Aid Programs.
The following non-need-based programs are administered by our Financial
Aid Office.
Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). The PLUS
Program was initiated to provide assistance to parents who do not demonstrate
financial need as determined by the government formula. Parents may borrow
up to the cost of attendance minus other aid for each dependent child enrolled
at least half-time. Applications and information are available at the Financial
Aid Office.
Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. The program is open to students
who may not meet need-based requirements of the Federal Stafford Loan or
who may qualify for only a partial Federal Subsidized Stafford Loan. Terms
and conditions are similar to the subsidized Stafford, except that the borrower
is responsible for interest which accrues during the in-school period.
CSU Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program. The largest program
of its kind in the nation, the CSU Forgivable Loan/Doctoral Incentive Program
is designed to increase the diversity of the pool of qualified faculty candidates
for the California State University. The program provides loans of up to
$10,000 per year up to a total of $30,000 within five years. For each year
of full-time postdoctoral teaching at a CSU campus, individuals are granted
loan forgiveness at a rate of 20% per year. Information and applications
are available in Human Resources, Joyal Administration Building, Room 148.
California Pre-Doctoral Program for Undergraduate and Graduate Students.
For additional information, see the Division
of Graduate Studies.
Admissions, Fees, and Financial Assistance