California State University, Fresno
General Catalog
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Financial Aid



You are in the official 1996-97 General Catalog
for California State University, Fresno.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office
Joyal Administration, Room 296
(559) 278-2182
General Info: (559) 294-2200
http://studentaffairs.csufresno.edu/financial_aid
Director, Joseph W. Heuston

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. There are also additional administrative units on campus that offer financial aid.

Need-Based Financial Aid Programs

For the following need-based aid programs, you are required to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). This application is available in high school 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 and B
State Graduate Fellowship

Workshops on completing the FAFSA are offered by the financial aid staff in January and February. For details, contact the Financial Aid Office.

Details about these programs are listed under Program Specifications.

Non-Need-Based Financial Aid Programs

The Financial Aid Office also administers non-need-based aid programs. These programs are available to students and families regardless of income and assets. Applications for these programs are available in Rooms 219 and 296, Joyal Administration Building. The non-need-based programs include:
  1. California State University, Fresno Institutional Scholarships. Applications are available November 1. All candidates must submit their applications before February 1 for the next academic year.
  2. Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS)/Federal Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. No set deadline. However, applicants who submit their application after May 30 cannot be assured of receiving funds before the beginning of the fall semester.
Additional information about these programs can be found here.

Additional Financial Aid Sources

Alan Pattee Scholarships. 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 fees or tuition of any kind at any California State University campus, according to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, California Education Code, Section 68121. Students qualify ing for these benefits are known as Alan Pattee scholars. For further information, contact the Registrar's Office, which determines eligibility.

Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps Scholarships. Air Force ROTC scholarships are available in many technical majors to cover the costs of fees and tuition, books, lab fees, and a monthly stipend of $150. All juniors and seniors regardless of academic major, who have at least a 2.35 semester GPA and will graduate before turning age 25, qualify for up to $1,000 in scholarships each semester, including a monthly stipend of $150. Applications should be submitted to the Department of Aerospace Studies. For additional information, see Aerospace Studies.

Army Reserve Officers Training Corps. The U.S. Army offers scholarships, which cover tuition, fees, books, and a monthly stipend of $150. All students formally enrolled in the ROTC Program receive at least $1,500 a year and can earn as much as $20,000 during their college careers. For additional information, see Military Science.

Graduate Assistantships. A number of graduate assistantships and teaching assistantships 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.

Non-Resident 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. The university employs up to 20 students to work as Resident Advisers (RAs) in its residence halls. The role of an RA is to act as an effective role model, develop a cohesive community of students, organize and conduct programs, and serve as a resource person to the students. Compensation for the RA position for the academic year is a single room and full meal plan. Applications 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 $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 the Student Aid Accounting Office. Loans are granted on the basis of the students' need, educational program, and ability to repay. The funds for these programs have been provided by gifts to the university. Applications for loans are processed through Student Aid Accounting, Joyal Administration Building, Room 275.

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 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

Need-based financial aid programs. Students in receipt of funding through the following federal and state programs must be making satisfactory progress as defined by statute. Failure to comply with these regulations may jeopardize receipt of student aid funds.

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 $15,000 during the course of their undergraduate degree. Graduate students may borrow up to $30,000 (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 the Student Aid Accounting Office, Joyal Administration Building, Room 275.

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, campus-based employment program. Both undergraduate and graduate students are eligible to participate. At California State University, Fresno, students receiving FWS awards are placed in jobs on campus and with selected off-campus agencies. FWS recipients may work up to 20 hours per week on a job.

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 at least one-fourth American Indian, Eskimo or Aleut, as recognized by a tribal group 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 and supportive documents. Obtain an application from your area agency or the Financial Aid Office, then see the BIA adviser in the Financial Aid Office to complete the BIA application. Deadlines may vary, but in most cases, BIA applications need to be in the agency office prior to June 1.

California Graduate Equity Fellowship Program for Underrepresented Students. 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 21 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 all eligible undergraduate students to assist them in meeting educational costs. Program regulations change from year to year.

Cal Grants A and B. 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.

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.

State Graduate Fellowship. The Student Aid Commission also administers the State Graduate Fellowship Program for tuition assistance for master's and doctoral students. To apply, complete the FAFSA, checking the appropriate box. The deadline for new applicants is March 2. You must also complete and mail the Student Aid Commission GPA Verification Form to the Commission by March 2 if you are a new fellowship applicant. Renewal applicants may continue to apply after March 2. Forms are available in the Financial Aid Office.

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 the California Student Aid Commission, through banks and 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 the rate of 7 to 9 percent per annum, is charged on loans for students who have previous outstanding loans at 7 to 9 percent per annum, and all new borrowers are charged a variable rate, capped at 9 percent. Repayment begins six to nine months after students graduate, leave school, or cease attending at least half-time. (Since interest rates, repayment periods, etc. change frequently, students are advised to contact the Financial Aid Office for more precise information and an application.) 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.

California State University, Fresno Institutional Scholarships. Each year about 900 students are awarded Institutional Scholarships totaling more than $800,000. The majority of the scholarships, ranging from $100 to $2,000, are awarded on the basis of merit to both undergraduate and graduate students. Although requirements for specific scholarships vary, most scholarships require academic achievement or potential, plus a demonstration of the students' commitment to their school, community, or society. Financial need may be a factor but is seldom the exclusive factor. Applications must be submitted by February 1 for the next academic year. The California State University, Fresno Scholarship Application is available in the Joyal Administration Building, Rooms 219 and 296.

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. Although all academic fields are given consideration, high priority is given to areas such as mathematics, computer science, engineering, and the physical/life sciences. The program provides up to a maximum of $30,000 to be distributed over a one-to five-year period. Upon completion of the program, the loan principal and interest will be forgiven at the rate of 20 percent per year for each full-time teaching appointment (10 percent per year for halftime) at any of the 22 CSU campuses. Information and applications are available in the Division of Human Resources, Joyal Administration Building, Room 262.

California Predoctoral Program for Undergraduate and Graduate Students. For additional information, see the Division of Graduate Studies.

Institutional and Financial Assistance

The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from Joseph W. Heuston, director of financial aid, Joyal Administration Building, Room 296, (559) 278-2182:
  1. student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at California State University, Fresno
  2. the methods by which such assistance is distributed among recipients who enroll at California State University, Fresno
  3. the means, including forms, by which application for student financial assistance is made and requirements for accurately preparing such application
  4. the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, and
  5. the standards the student must maintain to be considered to be making satisfactory progress for the purpose of establishing and maintaining eligibility for financial assistance.
The following information concerning the cost of attending California State University, Fresno is available from Joseph W. Heuston, director of financial aid, Joyal Administration Building, Room 296, (559) 278-2182:
  1. fees and tuition (where applicable)
  2. estimated costs of books and supplies
  3. estimates of typical student room and board costs or typical commuting costs, and
  4. any additional costs of the program in which the student is enrolled or expresses a specific interest.
The following information concerning the refund policy of California State University, Fresno is available from Robert P. Vega, director of accounting services, Joyal Administration Building, Room 152, (559) 278-2764:
  1. the refund policy for the return of unearned tuition and fees or other refundable portions of costs and
  2. policies regarding any refund due to the federal Title IV student assistance programs as required by the regulations.
Information concerning the undergraduate academic programs of California State University, Fresno may be obtained from J. Leonard Salazar, associate vice president for academic affairs/dean of undergraduate studies, Thomas Administration Building, Room 114, (559) 278-4775 and may include:
  1. the current degree programs and other educational and training programs
  2. the instructional, laboratory, and other physical plant facilities that relate to the academic program
  3. the faculty and other instructional personnel
  4. data regarding student retention at California State University, Fresno and, if available, the number and percentage of students completing the program in which the student is enrolled or has expressed interest, and
  5. the names of associations, agencies, or governmental bodies that accredit, approve, or license the institution and its programs, and the procedures under which any current or prospective student may obtain or review upon request a copy of the documents describing the institution's accreditation, approval, or licensing.
Information concerning the graduate degree programs of California State University, Fresno may be obtained from the Office of Graduate Studies, Thomas Administration Building, Room 132, (559) 278-2448.

Information regarding special facilities and services available to handicapped students may be obtained from Robert Lundal, coordinator of disabled student services, Main Cafeteria West, Room 125, (559) 278-2811.

The following information concerning the public safety policies of California State University, Fresno is available from Willie Shell, director of public safety/police chief, Public Safety Building, (559) 278-2243:
  1. policies, procedures, and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus
  2. information concerning the annual campus security report, and
  3. information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse.

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