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.
     
State University Grant    
State University Grants (SUG) are awarded to undergraduate and graduate students who are California residents in a regular university degree program. This grant is awarded to student's who submitted their FAFSA by the March 2 deadline and who demonstrate financial need. 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 students whose fees are paid by another party are NOT eligible for a SUG Award.
     
Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG)  
     
Academic Competitiveness Grants (ACG) was created as a result of the Higher Education Reconciliation Act of 2005 to be awarded for the first time in the 2006-2007 year. The awards range up to $750 for first year students and $1,300 for second year students, if the estimated number of recipients exceeds the available funding, award levels may be reduced.
In order to be eligible a student must:
Complete the FAFSA
Be a U.S. Citizen    
Be Pell Grant eligible    
Be a first or second year student (Freshmen or Sophomore)  
Enroll full-time (12 units)  
Graduated from a "rigorous high school course of study"  
     

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
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.
The U.S. Department of Education released interim regulations for ACG on July 3, 2006. Eligible students will be notified of their award via mail.
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 to be awarded for the first time in the 2006-2007 year. The award range is up to $4,000, although if the estimated number of recipients exceeds the available funding, award levels may be reduced.
     
In order to be eligible a student must:
Complete the FAFSA
Be a U.S. 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 a major in an eligible field, and enroll in courses required for that major
Eligible majors at CSUDH for SMART Grants include selected concentrations in the following areas:
Biology
Chemistry

Computer Science

Geology

Mathematics

Natural Science

Physics

Quality Assurance

The U.S. Department of Education released interim regulations for SMART Grants on July 3, 2006. Eligible students will be notified of their award via mail.
For additional information from the Department of Education, go to studentaid.ed.gov.
     
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants  
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG) are awarded to undergraduates who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
     
Educational Opportunity Grant  
Educational Opportunity Program grants (EOP) 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.
     
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 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.
     
Federal Workstudy Program  
The Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP) 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 Accpetance Letters will be isssued 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 2008-2009 school year is August 25, 2008. 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. 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 the Financial Aid Accounting Office (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 and enrolled in good standing and is 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.

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

1.) $3,500 per academic year for the first year of undergraduate study; $4,500 per academic year for the second year of undergraduate study; $5,500 per academic year for the remaining years of undergraduate and credential study, up to total of $23,000.

2.) $8,500 per academic year for graduate students; $65,500 combined total including both undergraduate and graduate study.

Federal Interest Rates 2007-2008
Effective July 1, 2007-June 30, 2008
 
Stafford Loan  
6.80 %
In School, Grace and Deferment    
Annual Variable Rate equal to the 91-Day T-Bill +1.70%    
Stafford Loan  
6.80 %
In Repayment    
Annual Variable Rate equal to the 91-Day T-Bill +2.30%    
PLUS Loan  
7.90 %
Annual Variable Rate equal to the 91-Day T-Bill +3.10%    
 
The interest is variable and is established each year but cannot exceed 8.25 percent. 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.
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 a 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 you 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 an 1 percent origination fee. 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. A 1 percent origination fee is deducted from each disbursement of an unsubsidized loan. These charges do not reduce the amount you are required to pay.
 
 
California State University, Dominguez Hills • 1000 E. Victoria Street • Carson, California 90747 • (310) 243-3696
Copyright © 2003 CSUDH. All rights reserved.
If any of the material is in violation of a copyright, please contact copyright@csudh.edu.
The statements found on the Financial Aid Web page are for informational purposes only. While every effort is made to ensure that this information is up to date and accurate, official information can be found in the University Catalog and Class Schedule.
Last updated Thursday, October 26, 2006, 5:00 pm, by JCM