Introduction
California State University, Northridge (CSUN) is committed to making higher education accessible to all students, regardless of their financial circumstances. The university offers a wide range of financial aid programs to help students pay for college, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study.

Types of Financial Aid
Scholarships
Scholarships are free money that does not have to be repaid. CSUN offers a variety of scholarships based on academic merit, financial need, and other criteria.
Grants
Grants are also free money that does not have to be repaid. Grants are typically awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
Loans
Loans are borrowed money that must be repaid with interest. CSUN offers a variety of loans, including federal student loans and private loans.
Work-Study
Work-study allows students to earn money to help pay for college expenses. Students who participate in work-study work part-time on campus or off-campus.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
To apply for financial aid, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is a free application that collects information about your family’s income and assets. The FAFSA is used to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid programs.
Deadlines
The FAFSA is available on October 1st for the following academic year. The priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA is March 2nd. However, students are encouraged to submit the FAFSA as early as possible.
Awarding Financial Aid
CSUN awards financial aid on a first-come, first-served basis. This means that students who submit their FAFSA early are more likely to receive financial aid.
Tips for Getting Financial Aid
- Apply early. The earlier you submit your FAFSA, the more likely you are to receive financial aid.
- Complete the FAFSA accurately. Make sure to provide accurate information on your FAFSA. Any errors could delay your financial aid application or even result in you being denied financial aid.
- Explore all of your options. There are a variety of financial aid programs available. Explore all of your options to find the programs that best meet your needs.
- Don’t be afraid to ask for help. If you have any questions about financial aid, don’t be afraid to ask for help. You can contact the CSUN Financial Aid Office for assistance.
Impact of Financial Aid on Students
Financial aid can have a significant impact on students’ lives. Financial aid can help students pay for college expenses, reduce their student loan debt, and graduate on time.
Conclusion
Financial aid is an important resource for students who need help paying for college. CSUN offers a wide range of financial aid programs to help students make college affordable.
Additional Resources
FAQs
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What is the priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA?
- The priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA is March 2nd.
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What is the average amount of financial aid that CSUN students receive?
- The average amount of financial aid that CSUN students receive is $10,000.
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What percentage of CSUN students receive financial aid?
- Approximately 75% of CSUN students receive financial aid.
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What is the difference between a scholarship and a grant?
- Scholarships are free money that does not have to be repaid. Grants are also free money that does not have to be repaid. However, grants are typically awarded to students who demonstrate financial need.
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What is the interest rate on a federal student loan?
- The interest rate on a federal student loan varies depending on the type of loan. The current interest rates for federal student loans are available on the Federal Student Aid website.
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What is the repayment period for a federal student loan?
- The repayment period for a federal student loan is 10 years. However, you may be able to extend the repayment period if you have financial hardship.