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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.

Grants

Work-Study Program

Loan Programs

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 $575 - $5,550 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 $1,731 - $3,678 depending on enrollment and classification. Students who participate in the Older Adult Fee Waiver Program, receive vocational rehabilitation stipends, are enrolled through Extended Education (Alcohol & Drug Certificate, Orthotics & Prosthetics Therapy, CSD, MSW, MSQA, NCRP, etc.), recipients of Cal Grant A or B and students whose fees are paid by another party are NOT eligible for a SUG Award.

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 the 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 2012-2013 the non-fee college cost component is $1,551.

Students must maintain half-time enrollment to be eligible for either Cal Grant Program.

Cal Grant Fund Disbursement Proration Rules:

In accordance with the disbursement rules established by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), Cal Grant funds must be prorated for students who enroll less than full-time (12 units).  These proration rules apply to all programs – Cal Grant A, B, and B-Stipend.

Unit Enrollment Eligibility Percentage Award Amount
12+ units 100% $2,985
9 - 11 units 75% $2,239
6 - 8 units 50% $1,493
1 -5 units Ineligible -0-

For more detailed information about CSAC awards, visit the California Student Aid Commission.

TEACH Grant

Through the College Cost Reduction and Access Act of 2007, Congress created the Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program that provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.

Request a TEACH Grant

To request a CSUDH TEACH Grant, complete the TEACH Grant Request Form found on our Forms web page. If you answer "Yes" to all questions, submit the completed form to the Financial Aid Office.

Student Eligibility Requirements

To receive a TEACH Grant at Dominguez Hills, you must:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), although you do not have to demonstrate financial need.
  • Be a U.S. Citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  • Be enrolled in a credential or graduate program leading towards teaching in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families.
  • Be enrolled in coursework that is necessary to begin a career in teaching or plan to complete such coursework. Such coursework may include subject area courses (e.g., math courses for a student who intends to be a math teacher).
  • Meet certain academic achievement requirements (generally, scoring above the 75th percentile on a college admissions test or maintaining a cumulative GPA of at least 3.25).
  • Sign a TEACH Grant Agreement To Serve (ATS)
  • Complete the Entrance Counseling Requirement.

Conditions

There are conditions to receiving this grant that are not placed on other grants. Please make sure you understand these conditions prior to receiving the money.

In exchange for receiving a TEACH Grant, you must agree to serve as a full-time teacher in a high-need field in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves low-income students. As a recipient of a TEACH Grant, you must teach for at least four academic years within eight calendar years of completing the program of study for which you received a TEACH Grant.

IMPORTANT: If you fail to complete this service obligation, all amounts of the TEACH Grants that you received will be converted to a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. You must then repay this loan to the U.S. Department of Education. You will be charged interest from the date the grant(s) was disbursed.

High-Need Field

High-need fields are the specific subject areas identified below:

  • Bilingual Education and English Language Acquisition
  • Foreign Language
  • Mathematics
  • Reading Specialist
  • Science
  • Special Education
  • Other identified teacher shortage areas as of the time you begin teaching in that field. These are teacher subject shortage areas (not geographic areas) that are listed in the Department of Education's Annual Teacher Shortage Area Nationwide Listing.

Schools Serving Low-Income Students

Schools serving low-income students include any elementary or secondary school that is listed in the Department of Education's Annual Directory of Designated Low-Income Schools for Teacher Cancellation Benefits.

Teach Grant Agreement to Serve

Each year you receive a TEACH Grant, you must sign TEACH Grant Agreement To Serve. The TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve specifies the conditions under which the grant will be awarded, the teaching service requirements, and includes an acknowledgment by you that you understand that if you do not meet the teaching service requirements you must repay the grant as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan, with interest accrued from the date the grant funds were disbursed. Specifically, the TEACH Grant Agreement to Serve will provide that:

  • For each TEACH Grant-eligible program for which you received TEACH Grant funds, you must serve as a full-time teacher for a total of at least four academic years within eight calendar years after you completed or withdrew from the academic program for which you received the TEACH Grant.
  • You must perform the teaching service as a highly-qualified teacher at a low-income school. The term highly-qualified teacher is defined in section 9101(23) of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act of 1965 or in section 602(10) of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act.
  • Your teaching service must be in a high-need field.
  • You must comply with any other requirements that the Department of Education determines to be necessary.

IMPORTANT REMINDER

If you receive a TEACH Grant but do not complete the required teaching service, as explained above, you will be required to repay the grants as a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, with interest charged from the date of each TEACH Grant disbursement. If you are not already committed to teaching a high-need subject in a low-income school, please use caution when considering this possible source of funds. According to some estimates, only 20 percent of students who participate in the TEACH Grant Program will be able to use the funds as grants, while many students will see their funds converted to loans with accumulated interest.

Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grant

For students who are not Federal Pell Grant eligible; whose parent or guardian died as a result of military service in Iraq or Afghanistan after 9/11/01; and who, at the time of the parent's or guardian's death, were less than 24 years old or were enrolled at least part-time at an institution of higher education. The maximum award is $5,550 and is adjusted for less-than-full time study.

Federal Work-Study Program (FWSP)

The Federal Work Study (FWS) Program provides funds to employ students (on-campus or off-campus who qualify for financial aid. Students will be considered for an award by having submitted their FAFSA by the March 2 deadline, having submitted any requested documents by the May 17 deadline and demonstrating financial need greater than $1,000. Students must be enrolled at least half-time to be considered for this program. Awards range from $1,000 - $4,000.

The first day a student may begin work for the 2012-2013 school year is September 4, 2012. 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 ToroJobs. 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. Beginning 2012-2013, graduate students will no longer be eligible to borrow a SUBSIDIZED Federal Direct Loan due to recent federal legislation. Graduate students will be eligible to only borrow an Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan up to $20,500 for the academic year.

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 specialist. 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 $7,500 ($5,500 maximum subsidized loan) $12,500 ($5,500 maximum subsidized loan)
Graduate Students N/A $20,500 ($8,500 maximum subsidized loan for 2011-2012) (Beginning 2012-2013 $20,500 unsubsidized only)
  • 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 both requirements by going online to StudentLoans.gov.

Interest Rate, Origination Fees, and Repayment

For the 2012-2013 academic year the interest rate is fixed at 6.8% for undergraduate subsidized and unsubsidized loans and graduate unsubsidized loans. There is a 1.0% origination 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.

Teacher Loan Forgiveness/Repayment Programs

If you have borrowed a Federal Student Loan that is in good standing (Stafford/Direct/Perkins) and you intend to teach in the K-12 school system full-time, you may qualify for two Loan Forgiveness Programs.

  1. The Assumption Programs of Loans for Education (APLE) from the State of California will assume up to $11,000.00 of your debt, with incentives that could increase the assumption to $19,000.00. Visit the APLE website or contact the College of Education at (310) 243-2831 for more information.
  2. The Federal Teacher Loan Forgiveness Program offers cancellation of up to $5,000.00 of your Stafford/Direct loan for five years of teaching in a low-income school and up to $17,500.00 if you teach math, science or special education in high school or special education in elementary school. To learn more, visit the Federal Student Aid website.

While both programs are available, you may not combine them for the same loan amounts (they cannot assume and forgive the same loan).