Financial Aid

Grants are a type of aid that do not have to be repaid. They are based on financial need determined through completing a Financial Aid Application. Grants can come from the federal government, your state government, or a private or nonprofit organization.

Federal Grants

• Federal Pell Grant
• Iraq & Afghanistan Service Grants

State Grants

• Cal Grant
• California Chafee Grant
• Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)

Federal Loans

Federal student loans are available to most students regardless of income and provide a range of repayment options including loan forgiveness benefits, which alternative educational loans are not required to provide.

The Direct Loans have an annual loan limit based on class level. The loan programs also have a lifetime aggregate loan limits based on a student’s undergraduate or graduate status. Students may borrow loans up to the annual maximum amount each year. An academic year begins with the Fall semester and ends with the Summer semester. Students are encouraged to only borrow what is needed for their educational expenses. Loans must be repaid after the student graduates, leaves school or drops below half-time. Click on each loan below to find more information.

• Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
• Federal PLUS Loans (Graduate and Parent)

Alternative (Private) Loans

Students should always exhaust all of their federal financial aid eligibility options, including loans prior to applying for alternative loan programs. Fees and interest rates can be based on your credit score, therefore, you are encouraged to shop different lenders for the best option available. Sacramento State does not endorse or recommend private lending programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Alternative loans requiring a School Certification are specific to students admitted to a degree program. We are unable to certify alternative loans for Open University, certificate programs, career enhancing seminars/workshops, etc.
• Eligible students must apply for the alternative loan according to their degree program
• Loans cannot be disbursed until courses have begun

Alternative Loan Process:

• The student initiates and completes a loan application with a alternative lender for their choice
• If credit is approved, the lender will electronically send Sacramento State a School Certification request
• If necessary, an Alternative Loan Counseling To-Do list item may be initiated on the To-Do list
• If the private loan is awarded, the student will receive a revised award notification
• Once the loan is awarded, the School Certification is electronically sent to the lender
• If the loan is certified prior to the start of the semester, the school must request for the funds to (electronically) arrive no earlier than a week before the semester begins. Otherwise, the lender must wait two weeks before sending funds.
• Sacramento State will disburse funds accordingly and if there is a balance owed, the Bursar’s Office will apply the loan funds to the debt and refund the student (if applicable) the balance.

Loan Certification Information:

• Sacramento State begins certifying ALL student loans in July for the next school year
• Credit based loans with a credit expiration date should start the loan application process no earlier than June 1 for the upcoming year
• Loans are certified one academic year at a time (i.e. Fall & Spring semesters, Fall or Spring or Summer session only)

• Federal and state training funds
• Corporate reimbursement
• Scholarship funds
  • Other various scholarship programs may be available from campus departments, community organizations, and private industry. Students should contact their major department as well as their employers, service and religious organizations, and other professional affiliations for possible scholarship opportunities

The application is free for students and features short response questions about their academic goals and involvement. Apply on the Scholarships Portal.

Be sure to check out scholarship databases like FastWeb, Scholly, and Unigo for additional scholarships! Search for opportunities based on your interests, heritage, or unique characteristics.

Need a break from the boring, typical scholarship applications? Check out these Weird Scholarships from Unigo.

Bonus Tip: You should never pay to apply for financial aid or scholarships. If you come across an opportunity that asks for a credit card number or payment it’s probably a scam.

The 2026-27 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are now available. Students can begin their financial aid applications for the upcoming academic year by accessing the FAFSA or CADAA through the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) homepage.

• • U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen: FAFSA Application

• • Non-U.S. Citizen (AB 540) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): DREAM Application

Be sure to include our school code: 001150.

2026–27 Priority Deadline for State Aid

To be considered, make sure to submit your 2026–27 financial aid application by March 2, 2026.

Application Review

For new students: Your Financial Aid Application will be reviewed once you have applied for admission to your program AND completed the Financial Aid Application for the current academic year.

For continuing students: Your Financial Aid Application will be reviewed after January 1st of the upcoming academic year. Award notifications will be sent out beginning in July, after all items from the To-Do list are submitted.

• • 2025/26 FAFSA will include fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026 semesters.

• • 2026/27 FAFSA will include fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027 semesters.

Log in to your Student Center to review Holds and/or To-Do List items that require action.

Review your To Do List for any of the following statuses:

• • Initiated: Item(s) that require action by the student

• • Received: Item(s) have been received and are pending review by the office

Documents will remain on your To-Do list with a Received status until they are reviewed and processed by the Financial Aid Office. Processing is completed in the order documents are received, and reviews may take 4–6 weeks.

Once a document has been reviewed and processed, it will be removed from your To-Do list. Please check your student email regularly for any updates from the Financial Aid Office.

Important: Do not email documents, as they will not be accepted due to privacy and security concerns.

Verification

Students selected for verification must submit the required documentation in order to determine financial aid eligibility. Verification is a process mandated by Federal Regulations to confirm the information provided on the Financial Aid Application. Applicants selected for verification may be asked to provide additional documentation. Monitor your My Sac State Student Center frequently to view your To-Do list for outstanding items placed by the Financial Aid Office.

CCE information request form

This form will appear in your To-Do list and is required to determine your financial aid eligibility for the regular academic year (Fall and/or Spring). Please list all the courses you plan to enroll in at Sacramento State for these semesters. If your enrollment changes after submitting the form, you must submit a revised version.

If you are unsure of your course information, please contact your CCE program coordinator for guidance. A separate application is required for summer, which will be available in mid-April before the start of the summer term.

Documents can be submitted by

• Uploading online
  • This is the best and fastest method for the office to receive your documents!
  • You can also use the “Upload Docs Here” link on your Student Center
• Submitting in person to the Student Service Center in Lassen Hall
  • Use the document drop-box located outside the Student Service Center in Lassen Hall, Room 1000 (near the main entrance).
• Mailing to the Financial Aid Office
  • Financial Aid and Scholarships
    6000 J Street
    Student Service Center, MS 6044
    Sacramento, CA 95819

Be sure to include your name and Student ID at the top of each page.

The status of submitted documents will update from Initiated to Received once they have been received by the Financial Aid Office. Documents will remain on your To-Do list in Received status until reviewed and processed. After the document has been processed, it will no longer appear on your To-Do list. Please remember to regularly check your SacLink student email for any updates from the Financial Aid Office.

Visit the Student Center.

You will receive an award notification once all documents are received and reviewed and you are packaged with financial aid. This notification will be sent to your SacLink (student) email.

If there are adjustments to your awards once you have been packaged, you will receive a revised financial aid notification. Reasons for adjustments can vary from a change to enrollment or notification of a new award. Award adjustments may result in an increase, decrease, or, in some cases, cancellation of funds.

Financial aid awards in an Offered status may be canceled if you do not take action to accept or decline them. You have the option to reduce the loan amount offered, and we encourage you to only borrow what you need to cover your educational expenses.

Visit the Student Center.

You can review more information about holds by clicking the “details” link under the Holds section. This information will display which department placed the hold and if there is any action required from you. Financial aid holds are semester-specific and do not prevent registration in classes.

Census is the date the University locks your enrollment for the semester. Financial aid will determine your aid based on the enrolled units at Census. Any courses enrolled after Census for the semester will not be included when determining your eligibility for aid. See the Academic Calendar for Census date each semester.

The Financial Aid Office offers awards based on the courses listed on the CCE information request form. However, disbursement of funds is based on the number of units you are enrolled in at the time of disbursement. Prior to each disbursement, the system will verify the number of units you are currently enrolled in or are enrolled as of Census for the semester and disburse aid accordingly.

Financial aid disbursements are made in the fall, spring, and summer semesters. There are no additional financial aid disbursements made for Winter Intersession classes.

Students enrolled in programs through CCE have financial aid disbursed based on when they begin attending certain enrollment for each type of financial aid (grants vs loans). Since classes begin at different times throughout the semester, each student’s disbursement is dependent on when they reach the required minimum units. Once eligible for aid based on enrollment, your aid will disburse to your student account and apply to fees that are due.

• Federal Direct Loans are disbursed for students enrolled and actively attending at least half-time (6 units undergrad, 4 units grad).
• Grants will disburse once enrolled and actively attending all or at least 12 units.

Refunds

After your balance is paid, any remainder funds are issued within 2-3 days to your eRefund account. If you did not sign up for eRefund, a paper check will be issued to the address on file. Please allow 5-7 days for the check to arrive via postal mail. See the Bursar’s Office for more information on eRefund.

The following conditions apply for summer aid:

• Must be a current student (new students starting fall 2026 are not eligible)
• Must have a 2025/26 completed Free Application for Federal Student Aid on file
• Must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
• You must be enrolled in at least six (6) units for undergraduates or four (4) units for graduates for most aid programs

Awards for summer are based on remaining financial aid eligibility not used in the prior fall 2025 and/or spring 2026 semesters at any college. To qualify for most types of aid, you must be enrolled at least half-time (6 units undergraduate, 4 units graduate).

The Financial Aid & Scholarships department must first determine whether students are meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) after the end of the spring semester. This occurs after final grades and end-of-term processes are complete. To get an idea of what financial aid you may qualify for, you can always view your Student Aid Report by logging in to studentaid.gov.

Eligible students will be automatically awarded a Summer Pell Grant within two weeks of enrollment in summer courses. The Summer Pell Grant is awarded up to the full-time amount, but the actual amount you receive will be based on enrollment.

Direct Federal Student Loan requires the student to submit a request using the Summer Loan Request Form. Access the Summer Loan Request Form from your Student Center to the bottom right > under the Financial Aid links > Summer Loan Request Form link. The last day to submit an initial Summer Loan Request form is mid-June. You must be enrolled in at least one summer course to submit the Summer Loan Request Form.

Note: A revised Summer Loan Request Form must be submitted anytime there are changes to your class schedule.

A Pell Grant is offered to students who are currently receiving the award and are eligible. Students may be awarded up to the standard amount they typically receive within the fall/spring semesters (based on full-time). However, amounts can vary based on your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) and the number of units enrolled for the summer session. Utilizing this award for summer will count toward the student’s overall lifetime Pell limit (6 years or 12 full-time semesters). View the Federal Student Aid website for more information.

If a student is eligible for a Summer Pell Grant, the grant will be automatically awarded to the student’s account within two (2) weeks of enrollment in at least one summer course (half-time enrollment is required to be eligible for most aid programs). No need to inform the office of your enrollment status.

In addition to the standard criteria, students must also meet the following:

• • Have remaining Pell Grant eligibility

• • Be enrolled in at least one (1) summer course

Award amounts will be based on 12 units (full-time) and disbursement will reflect actual summer enrollment.

If you are interested in Federal loans, request funds by submitting the Summer Loan Request Form found on your Student Center > Financial Aid Links box (bottom right-hand side of the page).

The Summer Loan Request Form opens in April 2026.

In addition to the standard criteria, students must also meet the following:

• Have loan eligibility remaining from the 2025-26 aid year
• Be enrolled in at least half-time: 6 units for undergraduate or 4 units for graduate

Direct loans have an annual and lifetime aggregate loan limit, which sets the maximum a student can receive for an academic year (fall, spring, summer). The Direct loan annual and aggregate loan limits are available on the Federal Student Aid website.

You will only be able to access the Summer Loan Request form beginning mid-April 2026 if you are:

• Admitted to a degree program that includes the summer 2026 semester,
• Enrolled in at least one class in the summer 2026 semester,
• Have a 2025/26 FAFSA on file and
• Meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.

Note: A revised Summer Loan Request Form must be submitted ANYTIME there are changes to your class schedule.

Changing Your Class Schedule

A revised Summer Loan Request Form must be submitted anytime there are changes to your class schedule. Processing of the request form can take up to four weeks. Please do not resubmit the Summer Loan Request Form unless there are updates to your summer courses. Resubmissions override any previous submissions and restart your timeframe for review.

If you’re eligible for any summer 2026 funds, they will be posted to your Student Center > View Financial Aid link > 2026. Funds are estimated to pay out when your LAST class begins.

Summer disbursements usually begin once all enrolled classes have begun, and not when your fees are due. Check your class schedule for start dates.

Summer Pell Grants will be automatically awarded to eligible students upon enrollment in at least one summer course. In most cases, your Pell Grant will be disbursed when enrollment in your LAST class begins.

• • Example #1:  If you enroll in three (3) units in Session 1 and three (3) units in Session 2, your Pell Grant should disburse the week Session 2 begins.

• • Example #2:  If you enroll in a total of six (6) units during Session 1, then your Pell Grant should be disbursed during the week Session 1 begins.

Direct Loans will be disbursed once your enrollment begins at least half-time in the summer (6 units undergraduate, 4 units graduate).

Enroll in all courses for the semester by Census. Census is the date the university determines and locks your enrollment for the semester. The Financial Aid Office will determine your aid based on enrolled units at the Census.

Any courses enrolled after the Census will not be included when determining your eligibility for aid for the semester. Direct loans require a minimum of half-time (6 undergraduate units, 4 graduate units) to be enrolled at Census for the semester.

Students must meet the annual minimum cumulative GPA based on their career.

• 3.0: Graduate (Doctoral, Master’s, and Credential)
• 2.5: Second Bachelor’s
• 2.0: Undergraduate

Students are required to complete their degree/certificate within 150 percent of their program degree objective.

All graded coursework are counted, including transfer units, repeats, in-progress and withdrawals. SAP review also incorporates all unsuccessful coursework attempted at Sacramento State (i.e. “F”, “I”, “NC”, “W”, “WU”).

Probation Warning

Students who have completed 120 percent of attempted coursework will receive a warning notification. This early warning enables the student to seek academic advisement for degree completion.

The satisfactory pace standard is an overall ratio of Sacramento State units earned to Sacramento State units attempted. Students must pass at least 67 percent of units attempted.

All graded coursework are counted, including repeats, in-progress and withdrawals. SAP review also incorporates all unsuccessful coursework attempted at Sacramento State (i.e. “F”, “I”, “NC”, “W”, “WU”). Transfer units are not included in this calculation.

If eligible, a link to the SAP Appeal will appear on your Student Center > To-Do List in late June (after your SAP status is determined). The appeal will be an electronic form with specific questions for you to address. Documents to support your answers should be uploaded through your Student Center for a complete appeal.

Review the SAP Appeal Checklist PDF to learn how to submit a complete appeal.

SAP Over Unit Disqualification: You did not pass SAP due to attempting coursework that is more than 150% of the minimum units required for a degree program.

A complete Over Unit SAP Appeal must include: The SAP Appeal, SAP Appeal documentation, and an Official Academic Plan. Your appeal should explain all coursework attempted that does not apply to your current degree program.

SAP GPA (Grade Point Average): You did not pass SAP based on cumulative GPA (Undergrad, 2.0 GPA/ Post-baccalaureate, 3.0 GPA).
A complete GPA SAP Appeal must include the SAP Appeal and SAP Appeal documentation. Your appeal should explain coursework where earned grades affected the GPA per the university catalog.

Consider the following grades that affect GPA: “A” – “D,” “F,” “WU.” Grades with no effect on the GPA: “CR,” “NC,” “I,” “RP,” “W,” “RD.”

SAP Unit (Current Percentage Earned): You did not pass SAP based on not successfully completing 67% of units attempted in the previous academic year attended.

A complete Unit SAP Appeal must include the SAP Appeal and SAP Appeal documentation. Your appeal should explain coursework where non-passing grades affected 67% of completion.

Consider the following grades that are considered non-passing: “F,” “I,” “NC,” “W,” and “WU.”

Most extenuating circumstances should be documented. If you are unable to provide documentation, submit an additional signed statement to thoroughly address your situation and clarify why there are no supporting documents.

Supporting documentation should address the timeline of the incident and your involvement, which caused you not to meet the SAP standards. Suggested documents can include, but are not limited to, third-party letters from other person(s) or professionals who can attest to your extenuating circumstance should be submitted. Example: documentation supporting an auto accident.

Federal regulations require the review of all students the same for attempted and earned coursework during their degree progress, even during the periods where aid was not used, so determining aid eligibility will be equitable for all.

If your appeal was approved in the fall semester, you will be placed on SAP Probation for that semester. To receive your spring financial aid, you must pass SAP Probation standards from coursework attempted in the fall.

If you fail the fall grade check, your spring aid will be canceled, and a hold will be placed on your account. If you are eligible for a secondary appeal, you will be notified through your My Sac State.

If your appeal was approved in the fall semester but you plan to attend in the spring instead (of the same academic year), inform the Financial Aid Office in writing using the current Change in Aid eForm to have your awards adjusted.

This link provides a list of financial aid dates and deadlines for Sac State.

• Fall 2025 appeal/document deadline: Nov. 14, 2025
• Spring 2026 appeal/document deadline: April 24, 2026

Refer to the complete list of SAP FAQ’s for details. Watch the Satisfactory Academic Progress | What is SAP? How to Appeal video to learn more!

1. 1. Make sure to address the circumstances that led up to your SAP disqualification.

1. 1. Upload all SAP documentation “initiated” on your Student Center > To Do List.

Appeal processing timelines are approximately five to six weeks and may increase during peak periods.

Filing Tips

It’s important that you thoroughly explain the extenuating circumstances that impacted your academic progress. The Financial Aid & Scholarships Office will begin processing your appeal AND supporting documentation (if “initiated”) is received.

While waiting for a decision continue to check your Student Center regularly for updates or additional information that may be needed to process your appeal. You will be notified on your Student Center & csus.edu email when a decision is made.

• What is SAP and How to Appeal (video)
• SAP FAQs
• SAP Appeal Checklist

Resources from CCE

• Financial Aid at Sac State – A Guide for CCE Students
• Financial Aid Process for Undergraduate Students
• Financial Aid Process for Graduate Students
• Budget for College
• Budget for Summer

Resources from Sac State and the CSU

• One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBA)
• Financial Aid Policies and Requirements
• Financial Aid Forms
• Understanding the Financial Aid Forms

Videos

• Types of Federal Student Aid
• Loan Repayment
• Accepting, Declining, and Viewing Financial Aid Awards

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) offers free Cash for College webinars to help students and families navigate the financial aid application process. During these webinars, financial aid experts are available to answer questions in real-time.

• View the Cash for College webinar schedule
• Find local workshops hosted by community partners on the Cash for College Workshop page.

• Tips for completing the FAFSA
• Non-SSN Contributor Tip Sheet
• Instructions for making corrections to your FAFSA
• Videos

  • Applying for Financial Aid (FAFSA)

• • CADAA: California Dream Act Application, Accessing the Application

• • FAFSA: Understand and Prepare Contributors

• • FAFSA: Who is a Contributor

• • How to Report Separated or Divorced Parents

• • FAFSA: Create and Access your Student Aid Account

• • FAFSA: Information Needed to Complete Your Application

• • FAFSA: What Happens After I Submit My App?

• • SacLink Creation, My Sac State and Student Center Login

• • How to navigate your Student Center

How to Request:

• • The Non-filing Tax Letter

• • The Federal Tax Return

• • The Federal Tax Transcript

How to complete:

• • The Parent Household Size and Number in College form

• • Statement of Clarification Form

• • Parent Income Verification

How to upload Financial Aid Documents

Be sure to enroll in all classes for the semester by Census!

Eligibility for financial aid is determined based on your enrolled units as of the Census date. Census is the point at which the University finalizes and locks your enrollment for the semester. Any courses added after the Census will not be considered when determining your aid eligibility for that semester. You can find the Census dates for the Fall and Spring semesters on the Academic Calendar.

Financial aid is initially offered based on the information you submit through the CCE information request form. At Census, your enrollment is reviewed, and if it differs from what was previously submitted on the form, your financial aid will be adjusted accordingly.

If your enrollment changes, you must notify the Financial Aid Office in one of two ways:

• • Submit a revised CCE information request form

• Update your units in your Student Center under the “Accept/Decline” awards link and ensure you are registered for the same number of units.

The first step in the process of applying for aid is to complete the Financial Aid Application for the applicable academic year. Be sure that you are completing the application for the semesters in which you are applying for aid. A new Financial Aid Application is required for each academic year you apply for aid.

The Financial Aid Application becomes available each year on October 1. Students are encouraged to submit their applications by the March 2 priority deadline for the upcoming academic year. Be sure to include our school code (001150) so we can receive your application.

• The 2025-2026 application will include fall 2025, spring 2026, and summer 2026.
• The 2026-2027 application will include fall 2026, spring 2027, and summer 2027.

Select the Financial Aid Application that is right for you:

• U.S. Citizen or an eligible non-citizen: FAFSA Application
• Non–U.S. Citizen (AB 540) or Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA): DREAM Application

001150

There are grants, loans, and scholarships available.

• Grants are funds that do not require repayment and are from federal and state funds.
• Loans are borrowed monies that require repayment.
• Scholarships are similar to grants but are awarded by a third party.

1. ONLINE: Upload documents securely using your My Sac State account (RECOMMENDED). You can find the link to upload documents under the Financial Aid Links section.

Note: Compatible with Google Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Microsoft Edge web browsers. This is the best and fastest option for the office to receive your documents.

2. IN-PERSON: Use the document dropbox located outside the Student Service Center, Lassen Hall 1000, near the main entrance.

3. POSTAL MAIL:
Attention: Financial Aid and Scholarships
6000 J Street
Sacramento, CA 95819-6044

Reminder

It’s important to include your name and student ID number on all physical forms. Use a coversheet when provided and sign all areas that require a pen-to-paper signature. Never email your documents due to sensitive data.

Allow two (2) business days for the status of your document to change from “Initiated” to “Received” in your Student Center > To-Do List. Documents will remain on your To-Do List in “Received” status as it is pending review by the office.

Note: Incomplete documents (i.e., illegibility, missing information or signatures) will remain in “Initiated” status and will require a resubmission.

Check the document status on your To-Do list by selecting the “more” link.

To-Do List Statuses:

• Initiated: Item(s) require action by the student
• Received: Item(s) received by the office and pending review.

Allow four to six weeks for processing upon receipt of ALL requested documents by the Financial Aid office. Processing timelines may increase as the semester approaches. All financial aid forms can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.

Note: Documents will remain on your To-Do list in Received status until reviewed and processed. Processed documents will no longer be listed on your To-Do List.

If you encounter issues submitting the form from your To-Do list, please try using a different browser.

To add classes to the form for the Fall and Spring semesters you will need to be sure to fill in all five sections marked with an asterisk on the form:

• Semester – click in the box to access the drop-down box to select the semester
• Course ID
• Number of units
• Start Date
• End Date

Once all five sections are completed, you will be able to click the add button to add each class for the fall and spring semesters. If you are unsure of your classes, please contact your program coordinator at CCE for assistance. If you are not enrolling in a program through CCE, please contact the Admissions Office to verify the program you listed when applying to Sacramento State.

There is a separate application required for summer that will be available to complete in your Student Center in mid-April.

The U.S. Department of Education picks some students at random, and if you’re chosen, you will be asked to prove the info on your application is correct. You may need to submit extra documents, but don’t worry – it’s normal and doesn’t mean you did anything wrong. It’s just to make sure everything’s accurate. Sometimes, you may get selected by the school or students can self-initiate this verification process. The end goal is to make sure you get the correct and maximum amount of aid.

If your financial aid application is selected for Verification — a process that requires the Financial Aid Office to confirm the information you reported — you will see a request on your To-Do List for additional documentation.

Please check your Student Center > To-Do List regularly for any required documents that must be submitted.

You may be notified via three methods as outlined below:

• To-Do List: Students will have the “Verification Documents” on their My Sac State > Student Center.
• Email Message: Students will receive messages to the email address they note in the Verification Document platform when they set up their account.
• Via text Message: Students will have the opportunity to sign up for text notifications upon providing their cell phone information when creating their account.

Student E-Signature

We highly recommend that students electronically sign their financial aid forms. After creating an account, students will be prompted to set up a PIN, which will serve as their electronic signature.

Parent E-Signature

If a parent’s signature is required, the student will be redirected to their main task page after signing their form. To invite a parent to e-sign:

• Click the “Request” button.
• A pop-up will appear showing the parent(s) listed on the financial aid application.
• Select the parent who will electronically sign the document. (Note: If two parents are listed, only the selected parent will have signing access.)

The chosen parent will receive an email notification with instructions to sign the document. If they haven’t already, they must create an account.

The parent can then review and electronically sign the document through their account.

Important: If the parent finds any inaccuracies in the document, they must inform the student. The student must update the information and resend the signature request.

If you submitted a FAFSA

At least one parent must have a valid SSN for both the parent and student to e-sign. If the parent does not have a valid SSN, they will not be able to electronically sign, and neither will the student.

The student will instead click “Opt out of E-sign,” which will allow them to download and print the document so that both the student and parent can provide signatures. Once the document has been signed, the student will upload it through the Verification Document platform.

If you submitted a CADAA

If the parent does not have a valid SSN, they can provide all zeros for their SSN and create an account, as long as they can provide all of the required information. The information must match the information submitted on the CADAA application.

Error Code 1010: This error indicates that you are entering information into the confirmation section (First Name, Last Name, DOB, & SSN) that does not match what is on the FAFSA or CA Dream Application. Students who have NOT completed a FAFSA or Dream Application will also receive this message.

Error Code 1005: You are unable to create an account in Verification Documents if there is a social security administration mismatch on your FAFSA application. You will need to correct this issue with FAFSA.

For the Financial Aid Office to move forward with your file, all documents/items requested by the Financial Aid Office must be in a “Received” status. After all the items say “Received,” you should allow 4-6 weeks for processing.

The first step is to submit your Federal Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) or Dream Act Application and apply for admission to your degree program.

You may have outstanding tasks to complete on your To-Do list, or your file may still be under review. Please check your Student Center > To-Do List and Holds for details and instructions.

Documents marked as ‘Received’ mean they have been submitted but not yet reviewed or processed, so your file remains under review. Be sure to monitor both your student email and Student Center regularly for updates from the Financial Aid Office.

Note: New students typically receive their award notifications in June. Continuing students are typically awarded after spring grade review, around the beginning of July. Be sure to act on any Holds or To-Dos ahead of time. Always check your My Sac State account and student email regularly.

You will receive an award notification in your student email after your financial aid application has been received and all required documents have been processed. This will occur four to six weeks after all requested documents have been received in the Financial Aid Office.

Once you are notified of your financial aid offers, you can review and accept or decline them through your Student Center > Finances Section > Accept/Decline Award link.

• Grants and scholarships will already appear as ‘accepted’ on your award letter.
• Direct loans are borrowed funds and require you to take action— they will not be automatically accepted.

Your offers for the academic year will be available in your Student Center under the Accept/Decline Award link. To view a semester-by-semester breakdown of your awards, use the ‘View Financial Aid’ link.

Note: New students are typically awarded in June. Continuing students are typically awarded after the spring grade review in July.

Once you are notified of your financial aid offers, you should have access to accept/decline the offers on your Student Center > Finances Section > Accept/Decline award link. If awarded grants and/or scholarships, they will already reflect “accepted” on your award letter.

Remember, loans are borrowed funds and will require you to take action. They will not be automatically accepted on your behalf.

Financial aid is offered based on the CCE information request form submitted to the Financial Aid Office. Any time you make a change to your enrollment from the previously submitted CCE information request form, you will need to notify the Financial Aid Office in one of two ways:

• Submit a revised CCE information request form. The form can be found on the Financial Aid Office website.
• Update the units on your Student Center when you click the “Accept/Decline” awards link and be registered in the same number of units

Enrollment is reviewed again at Census for the semester and if enrollment differs then what your financial aid is based on, an adjustment would be made at that time.

Revised award notifications for change in units are processed within three (3) weeks once the Financial Aid Office is notified through a revised CCE information request form, updated units on your Student Center, or after the Census for the semester.

No, the minimum eligibility is part-time (6 units undergrad/ 4 units post-baccalaureate). Please note that your award amounts will adjust to match the part-time enrollment.

Use the current Change in Aid e-form located on the Financial Aid Offices’ Forms page. Select the e-form that is applicable to the current aid year. Allow up to three (3) weeks for processing upon submission.

Students enrolled in programs through the College of Continuing Education (CCE) have financial aid disbursed based on when they begin attending certain enrollment for each type of financial aid (grants vs loans).

Since classes begin at different times throughout the semester rather than all at the beginning of the semester, each student’s disbursement is dependent on when they reach the required minimum units.

• Direct loans can be disbursed once enrolled and in attendance for at least half-time (4 units graduate, 6 units undergraduate) for the semester.
• Grants will disburse once enrolled and attending ALL classes or at least twelve (12) units for the semester.

At the time you reach the minimum attendance for the semester, your financial aid will disburse to your account; there is nothing you need to do. For more details on disbursements and refund processes, please visit our website.

Disbursement is the process by which the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office authorizes payment of aid. Not all aid programs may be available for full disbursement at one time, and as a result, you may receive multiple disbursements of aid.

After the Financial Aid & Scholarships Office disburses your aid, the Bursar’s Office then begins the application of your aid to any debt and if applicable, the refund process.

Refund is the process of any remaining funds after the Bursar’s Office has applied your disbursed aid to your university debt. If you have remaining financial funds after the debt has been satisfied for the semester, the Bursar’s Office will process the remaining funds as a refund.

Any excess aid after all school fees are paid will be issued to the student. There are two refund methods offered:

• Paper-check (default method) occurs within five to seven days of the posted disbursement date to the current address on file. Take into consideration additional mailing time.
  • Parent PLUS loan refunds are issued via a paper check to the parent borrower; direct deposit is not offered.
• Direct deposit occurs within two to three business days from the posted transaction date. The student must be signed up for eRefund to receive a direct deposit.

Log in to your Account Activity page located on the Student Center > Finances section to identify if a disbursement occurred and/or if a refund is issued.

It is your responsibility to submit all requested financial aid documents and clear any disbursement holds to ensure the timely disbursement of aid.

1. To confirm if a disbursement occurred, identify the financial Aid programs (i.e., Federal Pell Grant, Cal Grant, etc.) transaction item(s) and amounts listed line-by-line.
2. To confirm if a refund is issued, identify the transaction item that states “Financial Aid Refunds” with the listed amount for the applicable semester. From the “Posted Date,” you can determine when you will receive financial Aid based on your refund method.

Financial aid is a resource to assist with educational expenses, which include but are not limited to books, supplies, food, housing, transportation, etc. The school does not require receipts for proof of purchases.

If your financial aid does not cover the total charges on your account, you will be responsible for the remaining balance. You are encouraged to work with Enrollment Services and Credit Registration (ESCR) for payment options at ccecreditreg@csus.edu.

To discuss your financial aid options, connect with CCE financial aid at ccefinancialaid@csus.edu. Be sure to include your Student ID.

The best way to estimate your eligibility for the Summer Pell Grant is to review your spring Pell Grant award. If you were enrolled full-time in spring, you would have received up to the full amount for that semester. For summer, you can be eligible for half of your Pell Grant if you are enrolled in 6 units (half-time).

Example: If you received a spring 2026 Pell Grant of $3,447* at 12+ units (full-time), you may be eligible for a Summer 2025 Pell Grant at $1,724 at 6 units (half-time). Note: award amounts will vary based on the student’s eligibility and file.

*Based on a Zero Expected Family Contribution (EFC).

Summer Pell Grants will be automatically awarded to eligible students upon enrollment in at least one summer course. In most cases, your Pell Grant will be disbursed when enrollment in your LAST class begins.

• Example #1: If you enroll in three (3) units in Session 1 and 3 units in Session 2, your Pell Grant should pay out the week of the start date of Session 2.
• Example #2: If you enroll in a total of six (6) units during Session 1, then your Pell Grant should payout during the week of the start date of Session 1.

Yes, if you have not used up your loans (Subsidized/Unsubsidized) from the 2025-26 school year. Visit the Federal Student Aid website for more information.

You may receive Direct Loan offers once you have submitted a Summer Loan Request Form. Access the Summer Loan Request Form from your Student Center to the bottom right under the Financial Aid links > Summer Loan Request link. You will only be able to access this form if you are admitted to a degree program that includes the summer 2026 semester, are enrolled in at least one class in the summer 2026 semester and meet Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) standards.

If you pursue federal loans, they will disburse once you begin attending half-time (6 units undergraduate, 4 units graduate).

The Consortium Agreement allows undergraduate students to consider courses taken at a school other than Sac State and have those courses count toward the degree at the home school. Units enrolled at another school and approved under the Consortium Agreement will be combined with the units at the home campus (Sac State) for consideration of federal aid programs.