Financial Aid News - Financial Aid

2026-27 Financial Aid Application Update

2026–27 Financial Aid Applications
The FAFSA is now open. The CADAA is still expected to go live on October 1, 2025, along with our CI Scholarships. The California state priority deadline is March 2, 2026.

Federal Student Aid Changes Starting 2026–27
Congress has passed new legislation that will bring changes to federal student aid beginning July 1, 2026. We are currently reviewing all of the changes and will provide updates as soon as more information is available.

FAFSA Simplification

The FAFSA Simplification Act first took effect with the 2024–25 application cycle, marking the beginning of major changes to the federal financial aid process moving forward. Learn more about FAFSA Simplification.

CSU Tuition Increase

The California State University Board of Trustees approved a multi-year tuition proposal that will increase tuition and help to bring stability to the budgets of universities across the CSU system, including CSU Channel Islands. Visit the CSU Tuition Increase webpage for more information and resources.

Interest Rates for Direct Loans

Congress sets interest rates on Direct Loans from the U.S. Department of Education through legislation that ties the rate to financial markets. The chart below displays the interest rates for Direct Subsidized, Direct Unsubsidized, and Direct PLUS Loans first disbursed on or after July 1, 2025 and on or before June 30, 2026.

Loan	Interest Rate
Direct Subsidized Loan (Undergraduates)	6.39%
Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Undergraduates)	6.39%
Direct Unsubsidized Loan (Graduate/Professional Students)	7.94%
Direct PLUS Loans (Parents and/or Graduate or Professional Students)	8.94%

IMPORTANT!

Our primary form of communication is via email. Students must check their CI email for important notices and updates.