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Frequently Asked Questions

What are your office hours?

Monday - Thursday: 8:00 am - 6:00 pm
Friday: 8:00 am - 5:00 pm

How do I apply for financial aid?

To apply for financial aid, students are required to complete and submit a Free Application For Student Aid (FAFSA) to the Central Processor. Or you may file your FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Once this form has been processed, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Students should review the information on their SAR and keep it for their records.

Do I need to submit tax forms?

The Financial Aid Office will send a document request letter if you are required to submit it your tax return(s). The federal government performs a random selection of applications in order to verify that the information submitted on the FAFSA is accurate. If your application was selected for this process, then you will be asked to submit your parents' and/or your federal tax return(s) along with a Verification Form.

What types of financial aid will I be considered for?

Based on your calculated financial need, you will be considered for grants, loans, and student employment. The federal programs are Federal Pell Grant, Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant, Federal Perkins Loan, and Federal Direct Loan. The State of California offers to its residents: Cal Grant A , Cal Grant B, and Cal Grant T (a GPA verification Form is required) and State University Grant.

How do I apply for scholarships?

The University offers a variety of institutional scholarships based on a students academic record. Scholarship applications are usually available in the Financial Aid Office by mid October via our website. The deadline for University Scholarships is usually late March. Various organizations mail scholarship announcements and applications to the university requesting students to apply. The Financial Aid Office has scholarship resource books for students to conduct their own research to identify scholarships for which they may be eligible to apply. The University Library maintains scholarship books at the Reference Desk for students to review. Also, feel free to conduct an on-line scholarship search using FastWeb.

When will I receive my financial aid check?

If you are enrolled in the proper number and all of the required documents are received in the Financial Aid Office, you will be mailed your balance check during the first week of classes.

If I do not live with my parents, will I be considered an independent student?

No. Whether you reside with your parents or not, the federal government has specific criteria to determine your dependency status. If you are an undergraduate student and 24 years old, or you have dependents other than a spouse, or are a graduate student you will be considered independent. However, if you are an undergraduate less than 24 years of age but have special circumstances, a financial aid counselor will required specific documentation and review these cases on an individual basis.

How do I apply for a student loan? Is there a separate application?

When you apply for financial aid, you will automatically be considered for a student loan. CSUDH does not require a separate application. There are two types of loans programs offered at CSUDH: Federal Perkins Loan and William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs. Each of these loans offer different terms and interest rates.

More information about the types of financial aid available can be found on our website.

What is Federal Work-study and how do I apply?

Federal Work-study program provides funds for employing students who qualify for financial aid. Continuing and first-time students interested in on-campus employment must request a Federal Work-study contract from the Financial Aid Office during the month of July. Students work in a variety of departmental offices and are paid once a month. Students may not work more than 20 hours per week while classes are in session.

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?

Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)is the process in which the Financial Aid Office monitors whether a student is in good academic standing. Read more about CSUDH's SAP Policy here.

What is CSU Dominguez Hills' federal Title IV school code?

CSU Dominguez Hills' federal school code is 001141.

Can I receive financial aid during the summer session?

Yes. You are required to submit a Summer Financial Aid Request Form which can be found here.

What is a Entrance Interview session?

If you plan to borrow a student loan, federal regulations require that students attend an Entrance Interview session. Or complete the U.S. Department of Education's On-line entrance Counseling Session at:www.dlssonline.com. The purpose of this session is to provide students with information about the William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan Programs. This discussions will include information about students rights and responsibilities, repayment options, deferments, and consequences of default.

What happens to my financial aid if I decide to withdraw from the university?

Students are required to notify the Financial Aid Office before withdrawing from all classes. This must be done so that a students' financial aid eligibility can be reevaluated. If you withdraw prior to the end of the semester, you will be expected to repay the funds which exceed those expenses required to cover your educational and related living expenses for that portion of the semester which you were enrolled. Any fee refunds due you from the campus will automatically revert to the financial aid account(s) from which they were disbursed. If you withdraw after the 3rd week of classes, you are still responsible for the payment of your fees.

What does it cost to attend CSU Dominguez Hills?

University fees are charged based on your enrollment status. Click here for the latest cost information.

What is the financial aid deadline?

The priority filing deadline is March 2. The FAFSA (Free Application For Student Aid) must be postmarked by this date to receive priority consideration for funds.

What if my and/or my parents' income has been reduced since I filed the FAFSA?

Complete and submit an Income Adjustment Appeal Form to the Financial Aid Office. With your appeal you must submit a copy of your (your parents) final paycheck stub, documentation of unemployment benefits, and an estimate of earnings income for the remainder of the calendar year. An adjustment to your contribution will then be based on projected 2008 income (January 1 - December 31, 2008) instead of 2007 income.

Where can I get my deferment form completed?

Submit your deferment form to the Admissions and Records Office (WH C290) for completion.