State assistance is typically based on financial need with no obligation for work or repayment. The following state grants are available to students enrolled at CSU Channel Islands:
State University Grant (SUG)
The State University Grant is a state-funded program that provides money to assist with State University Fees. SUGs are awarded to undergraduate students who are California residents. Priority awarding consideration will be given to students who submitted their FAFSA by the March 2 deadline and who demonstrate exceptional financial need.
If you receive another award designated specifically to pay University fees, your State University Grant will be canceled or reduced.
Educational Opportunity Program (EOP)
Educational Opportunity Program grants are awarded to freshmen who have been admitted to the University through EOP. Students must demonstrate extreme financial need to qualify for this grant.
You may apply to EOP if you meet all six of the following requirements:
- You are a California resident.
- Your family has a history of low income based on the EOP Income Criteria on Cal Sate Apply.
- You are the first generation in your family to attend college. Your parents have never received a four-year college degree, including any degree(s) from a foreign country.
- You are a first-time freshman.
- You are a high school graduate or passed the High School Proficiency Examination OR you did not graduate from high school but meet the CSU freshman eligibility requirements through a GED program.
- You demonstrate academic potential and motivation.
If you meet these qualifications for EOP, you may complete an EOP application at Cal Sate Apply.
Cal Grants
Cal Grant awards are state-funded monetary grants awarded by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to students who are California residents to help pay for college expenses. Awards are pending based on approval of the state budget, need and institutional award to verify the need of the student.
Cal Grant A is based on a student's grade point average and financial need. This grant is designated specifically to pay State University Fees.
Cal Grant B is awarded to pay for living expenses (and sometimes State University Fees). Cal Grant B awards are similar to those for Cal Grant A. Freshmen awards are limited to non-fee college costs such as living expenses, books and supplies, transportation, etc.
Each award is renewable for four years, subject to verification of need. When renewed by sophomores, juniors and seniors, a Cal Grant B may also cover all or part of State University Fees. Amounts are subject to change based on the state budget.
Student Authorization of Financial Aid and Disbursement
Federal and State governments offer financial aid funding to those students who qualify. Disbursements of federal and state financial aid, (e.g. Title IV* funds and/or Cal Grants), are applied to a student's account for allowable institutional charges. Allowable charges are tuition, fees and contracted room and board. If other educational costs are charged to a student's account, they may be paid by financial aid if, the student submits a signed authorization to the Student Business Services Office located in Sage Hall. The authorization will remain in effect from the signature date through the entire period of enrollment at California State University, Channel Islands. The University credits a student's account with federal and state awarded funds based on enrollment. Various types of state aid, (e.g. Cal Grant B Access), allow a student the right to opt out of having future state funds applied towards paying the student's institutional charges and to have those funds be delivered directly to the student, payments cannot be delivered to a third party. To opt out, students must contact Student Business Services.