Financial Aid Application Timeline

Financial Aid Awards are Paid - Fall financial aid begins to pay to the Student Account the week before classes begin.

• You must meet all eligibility requirements for your aid to pay.  Please log in to your MyCSUSM account and look for any "to do" items or holds. 
• If your aid award covers the full balance on your Student Account, you will receive the remaining aid via direct deposit or paper check from Student Financial Services.

Grant Census - Your grant aid may be reduced if you are no longer enrolled as a full-time student.

FAFSA and CADA Applications Open - Complete the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application to be considered for financial aid for the following academic year. 

Estimate Aid Awards - First-time Freshmen will be notified via email of their estimated financial aid award amount.  Students should then log in to MyCSUSM to review their Financial Aid Shopping Sheet for a preview of what their potential annual cost may be.

Apply for Scholarships - Submit the CSUSM Scholarship application by March 2 to be considered for over 200 scholarships available to CSUSM students.

• Review the Scholarships website for additional scholarship opportunities.

FAFSA Verification - Each year, 30% of FAFSA applicants are randomly selected for FAFSA Verification.  You will be notified via email and MyCSUSM if you have been selected.  All requested documents must be submitted in order for the Financial Aid Office to continue to review your FAFSA.

Course Drop Protection - This hold protects your classes from being dropped in anticipation of your financial aid award covering your tuition and fees. Log-in to MyCSUSM to confirm your Course Drop Protection Hold has been placed on your account.