Applying for Aid

As you begin your journey to college, an important step is to apply for financial aid. This process begins with applying for the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). The FAFSA is required for state, federal and some CBU Aid. You need to complete a new FAFSA each academic year. To fill out the FAFSA, you will need both your parents’ and your own demographic and financial information.

 

Applying for Aid

Getting Started

As you begin your journey to college, one of the most important steps is applying for financial aid. Financial aid can include grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study opportunities designed to help make your CBU education affordable.

The first step in the process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
For our page on the California Dream Act please click here.

The FAFSA is required to determine your eligibility for federal, state, and institutional (CBU) financial aid programs.
You’ll need to complete a new FAFSA each academic year to remain eligible for aid.

How to Apply

1. Create the FSA ID:
   • Visit the FSA ID Creation Page
   • Both student and at least one parent (if the student is a dependent) will need to make an FSA ID
   • Your account may be verified on the spot or it may take 1-3 days

2. Complete the FAFSA:
   Visit FAFSA Application to start your application.

   • Be sure to include CBU, our school code: 001125.

   • You will need both your own and your parents’ (if applicable) demographic and financial information.

   • Log in about a week after you complete your FAFSA to make sure it was processed and there are not any issues that need to be resolved.

3. Review Your FAFSA Submission Summary
   After your FAFSA has been processed by the Department of Education (1-3 days) you will be able to access your FAFSA Submission Summary from studentaid.gov. This will contain your Student Aid Index (SAI), Pell Grant eligibility, and additional information. This is not your full financial aid offer, only your Pell Grant and student loan eligibility. 

4. Check Your LancerMail
   CBU will contact you if additional documents or steps are needed to complete your financial aid file or once your financial aid offer it ready to view.

5. Review and Accept Your Awards:
   Once your file is complete, you can view and accept your financial aid awards from LancerLink on the My Financial Aid card.

FAFSA Assistance

Have questions about completing the FAFSA?
Our Financial Aid Office is here to help you every step of the way. We can walk you through the process, explain terminology, and help you avoid common mistakes by making an appointment from our appointments page.

First-time Borrowers 

In order to receive your Federal Student Loans all first-time borrowers must complete both:

• Master Promissory Note (MPN) — legal agreement to repay your loans. (Complete your MPN)
• Entrance Counseling — interactive session on borrower rights and responsibilities. (Complete entrance counseling)

Applying for Additional Aid

Visit CBU's Scholarships and Grants page to view additional aid options

 

Special Circumstance Petition

Sometimes your FAFSA doesn't fully reflect your current financial situation. If your family has experienced a significant change in income or other special circumstances you may be eligible for a Special Circumstance Petition.
This process allows our Financial Aid Office to review your situation and determine if your aid can be adjusted based on more accurate or current information.
For more information please look for Special Circumstance Petition option on the Financial Aid Office Card from LancerLink.