Summer sessions provide students with an opportunity to catch up, get ahead, or finish their degrees sooner. However, the cost of summer school can be a significant obstacle for many students. Fortunately, there are a variety of financial aid options available to help cover the costs of summer classes at California State University, Northridge (CSUN).
Types of Summer Financial Aid
Federal Pell Grants
* Up to $6,895 for the 2023-24 academic year
* Available to undergraduate students who demonstrate financial need
* Does not have to be repaid
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (SEOG)
* Up to $4,000 for the 2023-24 academic year
* Available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need
* Does not have to be repaid
Work-Study Program
* Provides part-time jobs on campus to help students earn money to pay for school
* Many jobs are available during the summer months
Summer Stafford Loans
* Loans available to undergraduate and graduate students
* Up to $12,500 for undergraduate students and $20,500 for graduate students
* Must be repaid with interest
How to Apply for Summer Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is used to apply for all federal and state financial aid, including summer financial aid. The FAFSA can be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The deadline to submit the FAFSA for the 2023-24 academic year is June 30, 2023.
After submitting the FAFSA, students must also complete the following steps:
- Accept their financial aid awards
- Complete a Summer Financial Aid Request Form
- Register for summer classes
Tips for Finding Summer Financial Aid
- Apply early. The earlier you apply for financial aid, the more likely you are to receive it.
- Complete the FAFSA accurately. Errors on the FAFSA can delay or even prevent you from receiving financial aid.
- Investigate all of your options. There are a variety of financial aid options available, so be sure to research all of your options before making a decision.
- Contact the Financial Aid Office. The Financial Aid Office can provide you with more information about summer financial aid and help you complete the necessary paperwork.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Not completing the FAFSA. This is the most common mistake students make when applying for financial aid.
- Not applying for summer financial aid early enough. The deadline to submit the Summer Financial Aid Request Form is June 1, 2023.
- Not accepting all of your financial aid awards. If you are offered financial aid, it is important to accept all of it, even if you do not think you will need it all.
- Not using your financial aid wisely. Financial aid should be used to pay for educational expenses, such as tuition, fees, books, and supplies.
Conclusion
Summer financial aid can help make summer classes more affordable for CSUN students. By following the tips in this article, you can increase your chances of receiving financial aid and make the most of your summer session.
