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Types of Financial Aid

In addition to scholarships, many other types of Financial Aid are available to CSU Dominguez Hills students including grants, loans, and the work-study program. Scroll down to read more or click on the link below to get more information about a specific program.

Have more questions? Contact us so we can help you figure out what you're eligible for and what works best for you.

Federal Pell Grants

The Federal Pell Grant Program provides grants (funds that do not require repayment) to eligible undergraduates who demonstrate need and students that are enrolled in a teaching credential program. Students pursuing a teaching credential are required to be enrolled at least half-time (6 units) each semester. Full-time awards range from $445 - $5,350 per academic year.

State University Grant (SUG)

State University Grants are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who are California residents in a regular university degree program. This grant is awarded to students who submitted their FAFSA by the March 2 deadline and who demonstrate financial need. SUG awards range from $973 - $2,067 depending on enrollment and classification. However; students who participate in the Older Adult Fee Waiver Program, receive vocational rehabilitation stipends, enrolled through Extended Education (Drug & Alcohol Certificate, Orthotics & Prosthetics Therapy), recipients of Cal Grant A & B and students whose fees are paid by another party are NOT eligible for a SUG Award.

Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)

Academic Competitiveness Grants were created as a result of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005. The awards range up to $750 for first year students and $1,300 for second year students.

To be eligible a student must:

  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
  • Be Pell Grant eligible
  • Be a first or second year student (Freshmen or Sophomore)
  • Enroll full-time (12 units)
  • Have graduated from a Rigorous High School Course of Study (see below)
  • First year students must have graduated from high school after January 1, 2006 and not have previously enrolled as an undergraduate student (except as concurrent with high school enrollment).
  • Second year students must have graduated from high school after January 1, 2005 and have at least a cumulative 3.0 GPA to retain eligibility.

Rigorous High School Course of Study

  • 4 years of English
  • 3 years of math (algebra I and above)
  • 3 years of Science – Two of which must be Biology, Chemistry, or Physics
  • 3 years of Social Studies
  • 1 year of language other than English

For additional information from the Department of Education, go to studentaid.ed.gov.

National SMART Grants (SMART)

The National SMART Grants were created with the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005. This award amount is $4,000 per academic year.

To be eligible a student must:

  • Complete the FAFSA application
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or Eligible Non-Citizen
  • Be Pell Grant eligible
  • Be a third or fourth year student
  • Enroll full-time
  • Have at least a 3.0 cumulative GPA
  • Have declared an Eligible Major (see below), and enroll in courses required for that major

Eligible Majors at CSUDH for National SMART Grants include selected concentrations in the following areas:

  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Computer Science
  • Geology
  • Mathematics
  • Natural Science
  • Physics
  • Quality Assurance

For additional information from the Department of Education, go to studentaid.ed.gov.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG)

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants are awarded to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need. Awards range from $200 - $750 per academic year.

Educational Opportunity Program Grants (EOP)

Educational Opportunity Program grants are awarded to students who have been admitted to the University through the Educational Opportunity Program. Students must demonstrate financial need to qualify for this grant. Grants range from $400 - $800 depending on financial need and the availability of funding.

Cal Grant Programs

Cal Grant A is awarded to California residents by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). These awards are based on a student's grade point average and financial need. This grant is awarded to pay state university fee.

Cal Grant B is also a state grant awarded to California residents to pay for living expenses (and sometimes the state university fee). The fee awards are the same as those for Cal Grant A. Freshmen awards are limited to the non-fee college costs such as living expenses, books and supplies, transportation, etc. When renewed by sophomores, juniors and seniors, a Cal Grant B may also cover all or part of the state university fee. For 2009-2010 the non-fee college cost component is $1,551.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)

The Federal Work-Study Program provides funds for employing students who qualify for financial aid. Continuing and first time students interested in employment must request a Federal Work-Study Acceptance Letter from the Financial Aid Office. The Acceptance Letters will be issued until funds are exhausted. The Acceptance Letter is valid for employment for 10 working days from the date signed. This date may be extended as long as funds are available. Please be aware that we DO NOT guarantee employment. This form must be completed, signed and submitted to your employer. To qualify, you must have an unmet need of at least $750. Also, you may reduce your student loan eligibility to be eligible for FWSP.

The first day a student may begin work for the 2009-2010 school year is September 1, 2009. The amount a student can earn is limited to the amount which appears on the Acceptance Letter. Students may not work more than 20 hours per week while in classes are in session. During semester breaks, up to 40 hours per week can be worked.

In order to receive a paycheck, students are required to complete a timesheet. Your timesheet is to be submitted to your supervisor by the 27th of each month. Monthly paychecks will be based on your hourly wage and number of hours worked. Paychecks are normally available on the 9th of each month.

To assist students with securing employment, students should visit our website for a list of available positions via Toro Jobs. It is recommended that the job search process begin as early as possible to ensure the best selection of jobs. Remember, jobs and funds are limited and we cannot guarantee that you will find a job.

Federal Perkins Loan

The Federal Perkins Loan Program provides a long term, low interest student loan. These funds must be REPAID. Award amounts are based on financial need. Awards range between $200 - $2,000 per academic year. Repayment begins nine months after you are no longer enrolled at least half time at an eligible institution. The minimum repayment is $420 a year. The maximum repayment period is 10 years, but the actual amount of your payments and the length of the repayment period depends upon the size of your debt. No interest is charged until the repayment period begins. The interest rate is 5% on the unpaid balance. You will be contacted by Student Financial Services (located in WH-B270) to complete and sign a Borrower Information sheet and a Loan Promissory note.

William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs

The Federal Direct Loan Program provides low-interest, long-term loans through the University. These funds must be repaid. Funding for these loans comes from the Department of Education. These loans can be subsidized or unsubsidized. Eligible students must be admitted, in good academic standing, and enrolled in at least half time in a program leading to a degree or certificate. If you drop below half time during a term or semester, the remainder of your loan may be canceled.

Loan Types

If you are eligible for a Federal Direct Loan, we have recommended one (either subsidized or unsubsidized or a combination of both) as part of your financial aid award. Read the following paragraphs to learn the differences between the subsidized and unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans. If you decide to borrow a Federal Direct Loan, you are required to attend an Entrance Interview Session and sign a loan promissory note, which the university will forward to the Direct Loan Servicing Center.

Subsidized Federal Direct Loan

The amount of a subsidized Federal Direct Loan you can borrow is the difference between the cost of education and your resources (family contribution, financial aid, and any other assistance you receive from the school and outside sources). However, you cannot borrow more than the federal maximum. If you are eligible for a subsidized Federal Direct Loan, the federal government pays the interest for you until your repayment begins. You will be assessed a .05 percent fee (2% origination fee minus a 1.5% fee rebate) from each disbursement of your loan. These charges do not reduce the amount you are required to pay.

Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan

The unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan can replace all or part of the family contribution. However, the amount of the loan cannot be more than the difference between the cost of education and any financial assistance you will receive from the school and any outside source (including the subsidized Federal Direct Loan). If you are a dependent student, your total Federal Direct Loan (subsidized, unsubsidized, or a combination of both) cannot exceed the federal maximum for a subsidized loan. Interest accrues on the unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan while you are in school and during the six-month grace period before repayment begins. You have the option of paying the interest or to add the interest to the principal. You will be assessed a .05 percent fee (2% origination fee minus a 1.5% fee rebate) from each disbursement of your loan. These charges do not reduce the amount you are required to pay.

Loan Eligibility

The amount you may borrow is determined by your financial aid counselor. The federal maximums are:

Grade Level Dependent Independent
Freshman $5,500 ($3,500 maximum subsidized loan) $9,500 ($3,500 maximum subsidized loan)
Sophomore $6,500 ($4,500 maximum subsidized loan) $10,500 ($4,500 maximum subsidized loan)
Junior/Senior, 2nd Bachelor $7,500 ($5,500 maximum subsidized loan) $12,500 ($5,500 maximum subsidized loan)
Credential Students $5,500 ($5,500 maximum subsidized loan) $12,500 ($5,500 maximum subsidized loan)
Graduate Students N/A $20,500 ($8,500 maximum subsidized loan)
  • Total maximum amount of Direct Loans allowed for Undergraduates is $57,500 ($31,000 dependent maximum) of which no more than $23,000 may be in subsidized funds.
  • Seniors graduating in the fall semester are subject to proration of their Direct Loan amount, based on the number of their registered units. This is a federal requirement.
  • Total maximum amount of Direct Loans allowed for Master's degree students is $138,500, of which no more than $65,500 may be in subsidized funds.

First-time Borrower Requirements

Before receiving a William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan, first-time student borrowers must complete a Loan Entrance Counseling Session and Electronic Master Promissory Note (EMPN). You may fulfill the Entrance Counseling requirement by going online at www.dl.ed.gov. You may complete the EMPN by going online to www.dlenote.ed.gov.

Interest Rate, Origination Fees, and Repayment

For the 2009-10 academic year the interest rate is fixed at 5.6% for undergraduate subsidized loans and 6.8% for graduate subsidized and unsubsidized (undergraduate and graduate) loans. There is also a 1.5% origination fee. However, there is a 1.0% rebate that is given to you up front, so you end up being charged only 0.5% for your processing fee.

Repayment normally begins six months following graduation or when you cease to be enrolled at least half-time. Payments and length of repayment period depend on the size of your debt but must be a minimum of $600 per year. Under special circumstances, repayment of Federal Direct Loan that is not in default may be deferred or canceled. Repayment, deferment and cancellation are handled by the Direct Loan Servicing Center.