SA.10.001 - Policy on Financial Aid Packaging
Purpose
This policy establishes guidelines for the allocation of financial aid funds to eligible
students.
Background
A packaging policy is needed in order to allocate limited financial aid resources.
Accountability
The Financial Aid Office
Applicability
All registered students at CSUCI
Definition(s)
Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) – An electronic record received by
CSUCI from the Federal Government when the student files a FAFSA form (Free Application
for Federal Student Aid).
Policy
Eligibility
Financial aid eligibility is measured using federal, state, CSU and institutional
standards. All students must meet program eligibility criteria as established by the
funding entity. All students are required to have a valid Institutional Student Information
Report (ISIR) on file before aid is awarded. All students must be enrolled or accepted
for enrollment in an eligible university program. The enrollment and program record
must be recorded in the Student Administration System. These packaging standards given
are for full time enrolled students. The Financial Aid Office is authorized to reduce
funding for part time enrollment.
Pell Grant
Pell Grant is the foundation of the aid package. As Pell eligibility is assessed by
a national standard, no institutional adjustment of the amount of a Pell award can
be made, except as required by regulation due to changes in enrollment status.
State University Grant
State University Grant funds are awarded in accordance with CSU policy which was issued
on March 8, 2001, to CSU Presidents from Executive Vice Chancellor David Spence. This
CSU policy establishes system wide standards as well as sets the maximum award amounts
based on the enrollment category.
CSUCI policy on State University Grant eligibility can be found in the CSUCI policy
manual.
A State University Grant is awarded up to the full amount of fees minus any fee based
Cal Grant awards or waivers. Additional amounts may be awarded up to the maximums
established by the Chancellor on a case-by-case basis. Awards may vary based on state
funding. The Financial Aid Office is authorized to adjust award amounts to maximize
program effectiveness.
A State University grant is awarded only to students accepted in degree or credential
programs. Post baccalaureate unclassified students are not eligible for financial
aid.
Priority is given to on-time undergraduate applicants with an expected family contribution
of $800 or less and no award is made to students whose expected family contribution
exceeds $4000.
EOP Grant
EOP grant funds are awarded only to undergraduate students accepted for admission
through the CSU EOP program. Eligibility must be confirmed by the EOP Office.
An EOP grant is awarded up to a maximum of $1000 per academic year.
Priority is given to on-time undergraduate applicants with an expected family contribution
of $800 or less.
Stafford Loans
Subsidized Stafford loans are awarded to meet a remaining need. Federal rules regarding
class level and cumulative maximum amounts are followed by the Financial Aid Office.
Unsubsidized Stafford loans are awarded to upper division and post baccalaureate students.
Lower division students may receive unsubsidized loans after a review of their circumstances.
Work Study
State Work Study funds are awarded to undergraduates who prefer that their eligibility
for Stafford Loans be reduced. This program has limited funding and is subject to
the State budget process.
Coordination
As required by regulation, all aid components and other available resources are reviewed
to insure that aid is awarded appropriately and that no duplication of aid resources
occurs. Consultation with awarding authorities will take place to determine award
priorities.