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Updated 8/13/2024

Greetings! An important announcement:

There have been recent unexpected legislative changes to the Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program | California Student Aid Commission for the 2024-25 academic year.  Here is a quick update based on our last communication with the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC):

“Please note that due to pending legislative changes to the GSTG Program, all application review and awarding for the 2024-25 academic year is on hold. Institutions may not be able to certify award eligibility for the 2024-25 academic year for several months until our system is enhanced to support the changes. The Commission understands that financial aid is a significant factor in students’ higher education plans. All 2024-25 applicants should expect future email communications from us regarding the status of their 2024-25 application or pending renewal award.”

As of August 7th, the application for the 2024-25 year has reopened to students enrolled in a credential program. However, the application review and awarding for 2024-25 academic year is still on hold.

  • Students that submitted their application for the GSTG before June 30th, may be eligible to receive $20,000 from this program with a service agreement to work at a California Priority school for a 4-year period. These students are being prioritized and currently reviewed by CSAC for eligibility. The likelihood is great that these students will receive $20,000, but it is possible based on criteria from the latest legislation that these students could be awarded $10,000 with a service agreement to work at a California Priority school for a 2-year period.

  • Students that submitted their application for the GSTG after June 30th are eligible to receive $10,000 from this program with a service agreement to work at a California Priority school for a 2-year period.

If you have not yet applied for the Golden State Teach Grant (GSTG), you can start the application here: https://gstg.csac.ca.gov/

Please note with the new legislation, it will now be required for GSTG applicants to submit a 24-25 FAFSA in order to be reviewed for eligibility.

Frequently Asked Questions:

What Does this Mean?

Students who have already applied to the GSTG program will be awarded as soon as the state releases the funds to schools. Priority will be given first to students who applied prior to June 30th and then to students who have applied after June 30th. The state has increased their budget for this program from last year and now is the best time to enroll and take advantage of this program.

When will these funds be available?

CSAC has not released permissions for schools to award students yet. While it is impossible to predict when these funds will become available, we anticipate that permission to begin awarding students will open towards the end Fall 2024. The Financial Aid Office will update GSTG applicants of any updates regarding the timeline of these awards.   

What should I do about my Tuition and Fees for this semester?

Financial Aid is still available through FAFSA and other institutional aid programs.

  • Students are eligible for $20,500 as a graduate student and payment on these loans is deferred until after you completed the program or drop below half-time enrollment.
  • FAFSA Application is open for 2024-25. https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa

I still have a balance after my Unsubsidized Loans. And the GSTG hasn’t been funded yet.  What do I do next?

CBU offers a couple of opportunities to offset your award in addition to outside resources:

  • CBU’s Preferred Partner program offers a 20% scholarship to students who are working at a preferred employer. Many of our partners are school districts. To view a full list of our partners, visit: https://calbaptist.edu/admissions-aid/graduate/preferred-partnerships/
  • Scholarship Universe curates’ scholarship specifically for graduate students. Make sure you apply to all that apply. Access here: https://calbaptist.scholarshipuniverse.com/
  • Grad Plus Loan: This federal loan is available to graduate students who need additional loans outside their Unsubsidized loans (FAFSA required). It can be used to help pay for any remaining educational expenses. Application approval based on credit-check
  • Private Education Loan: Terms and conditions applicable to these loans vary greatly. Factors such as interest rate, APR, length or repayment, loan minimum and maximum, and fees should be carefully considered when researching and choosing a private educational loan. 
    • Click on the link to view a list of private loan lenders. ELM Select      
  • Student Accounts offers payment plans for students via CashNet here: https://insidecbu.calbaptist.edu/ICS/Student_Accounts/

We hope that this news about the continuation of the Golden State Teach Grant is encouraging for you! If you have any questions or concerns about funding your balance for Fall 2024, feel free to contact your admissions counselor – Judy Parga at jparga@calbaptist.edu or by phone at (951) 343-4696 to review of the information here.

Graduate Admissions
graduateadmissions@calbaptist.edu
(951) 343-4249

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