Apply for Financial Aid in 3 easy steps!
Step 1: Apply for a "FAFSA PIN." If you are a dependent student, your parent must also request a PIN. Your FAFSA PIN will serve as an electronic signature.
Step 2: Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid FAFSA online. The FAFSA will allow you to apply for federal student financial aid, such as grants, loans, and work-study.
Step 3: Sign and submit the FAFSA eletronically using your PIN.
View a step-by-step video tutorial.
Remember to renew your FAFSA every year beginning January 1!Apply between January 1 and March 2 for priority status. Applicants applying by this deadline will receive priority consideration for funds with limited allocations. After March 2, awards will consist of the remaining available funds.
Avoid Common FAFSA Mistakes (PDF, 140.7KB)
Unique Situation FAFSA Tips (PDF, 188.3KB)
Other Helpful Tips:
- Answer all questions unless indicated otherwise.
- To ensure CSU Channel Islands receives your FAFSA, list 039803 in the college code section
- Approximately one week after filing the FAFSA, you will receive an email notification form the U.S. Department of Education with a link to you Student Aid Report (SAR). Review the SAR carefully and follow the instruction to make corrections if necessary.
- New applicants for Cal Grants, including entering freshman, must submit a GPA Verification Form as well as the FAFSA by the March 2 deadline.