Step 1: Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

Submit your FAFSA to the federal processor. (The Cal State L.A. federal school code is 001140). There are two ways to submit the FAFSA.

The Paper FAFSA is available in high school guidance offices, local libraries and financial aid offices of all local community colleges and universities. Because they are readily available, the Center for Student Financial Aid does not mail the FAFSA.

You may also submit your financial aid application on line using FAFSA on the Web.

Important Tips:

• Note that all California residents filing applications on or before the March 2 deadline should apply for the Cal Grant programs.
• California residents may apply for Cal Grant A or B by completing a GPA Verification Form. This form may be picked up in the Center for Student Financial Aid Office, and submitted to the Registrar for completion.
  
  The GPA Verification Form must be mailed to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) by March 2, 2006 for the 2006-2007 academic year. The form must be mailed to CSAC by June 1, 2006.

Step 2: Document Request

AFTER we receive your application information from the central processor, the Center for Student Financial Aid may send you a request for additional documents.

Important Tip:

• Update your address with the University to ensure that you will receive important mailings.

Step 3: Document Submission

You should promptly submit all documents requested by the Center for Student Financial Aid. You may mail or submit them in person during office hours.

Important Tips:

• All documents must be complete, legible, and accurate, with appropriate signatures, if needed.
• List clearly your name and social security number on each form.
• Keep a copy of all documents submitted, for your records.

Step 4: Application Review

The Center for Student Financial Aid evaluates your financial aid eligibility only AFTER you have been officially admitted to the University AND have submitted all required documents. Once your financial aid file is complete, you should receive notification of your eligibility in about 3-4 weeks from your file completion date.

Important Tips:

• If you are a new student and have not applied for admission to the university yet, apply for admission immediately.

Step 5: The Financial Aid Notification (FAN) Letter

The FAN Letter will inform you of your eligibility for financial aid at Cal State L.A.

If you are eligible for need-based aid, the FAN letter will list your financial need and the available financial aid programs awarded to meet your cost of education. Information about the loan programs and Federal Work-Study (if awarded) will be included with the FAN letter and also in the FAN Letter Guide.

Important Tips:

• You must sign, date and return page 2 of the FAN letter within the 30 day time frame you are given
• Funds that are listed as "Estimated" are not available for disbursement until appropriate conditions related to that fund are met.
• You must read your rights and responsibilities as a financial aid recipient, as listed in the FAN Letter Guide.
• Funds listed on your FAN letter assume full-time student enrollment (12 units or more). If you enroll less than full-time, your financial aid disbursement will be adjusted accordingly.

If you are not eligible for need-based programs, look into the Federal Unsubsidized Loan Program.

Financial Aid Notification (FAN) Letter

Financial Aid Notification (FAN) letters are generally sent in April or May to students who met the March 2 priority deadline. Only those students applied to Cal State L.A. will receive a FAN letter. The FAN letter explains the student's need and available financial aid funds awarded to help meet the cost of education.

If there are special circumstances which you feel should be considered in determining your or your family's financial need, contact the Center for Student Financial Aid.