Newly Admitted Toros

Apply for financial aid for the 2023-24 academic year from October 1, 2022 through March 2, 2023. 

Visit to studentaid.gov to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form.
Complete the FAFSA form to be considered for all types of state and federal aid, such as grants, work study, loans, and some scholarships.

Visit dream.csac.ca.gov to complete the California Dream Act Application.
The California Dream Act allows undocumented & nonresident students who qualify for a non-resident exemption under Assembly Bill 540 (AB 540) to receive certain types of financial Aid.

If you need help or have questions about applying for financial aid, register for a Financial Aid Workshop.

A financial aid offer  will list the types and amounts of aid offered to you. The aid offer may include a grant, a scholarship, a student loan, parent loan or a combination. You can also view your offer on MyCSUDH, your student portal.

1. Login to your Student Center at My.CSUDH.edu and view your financial aid offer by following the “View Financial Aid” link
2. Review the Types of Aid section of the CSUDH Financial Aid Office website for specific information.
   1. Please note that any grant aid is automatically accepted on your behalf.
   2. If you are offered a student loan, you must accept or decline your loan award(s) within 15 days of the email notification to avoid cancellation.
   3. You are not require to accept the entire loan amount offered.
   4. Accepting the parent loan requires additional steps to be taken by your parent.
3. Monitor your To Do List for additional items that may be requested.
4. Monitor your Toromail (CSUDH email account) for updates and information.

If you need help understanding your financial aid offer, please attend a financial aid workshop or schedule a one-one-one meeting with a Financial Aid Specialist.

The expected family contribution is calculated from the income and asset information submitted on your FAFSA or CADAA and is the estimated amount you and/or your parents may be able to contribute toward your educational expenses, which includes direct and indirect costs.

Your financial need is derived simply by subtracting the “parent and/or student contribution” from the cost of attendance.

Changes in Expected Family Contribution

In certain cases, your EFC may be adjusted if you have a change of circumstances (e.g., loss of income). If you or your parent(s) experience a reduction in or loss of 2023 or 2024 income or a change of household size, please complete the 2023-24 Income Adjustment Appeal Form at 5dexam.com/financial-aid/forms.

When you look at the total cost to attend CSUDH, you may see different amounts listed. That is because the cost of attendance may vary depending on your specific situation. The only amount that stays consistent is tuition and fees (resident and/or nonresident). Other costs like books and supplies, housing (commuter, on or off-campus), transportation, and personal expenses are all just estimates. This estimate includes only the academic semesters or approximately nine months of the year and are established by the California State University Chancellor's Office and the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).

Financial Need can be met with various types of financial aid (e.g. scholarships, grants, student loans and work opportunities).

Financial aid offer is based on full-time enrollment (12 units for undergraduate and credential students, and 8 units for master’s students). To receive the aid listed on your offer, you must be enrolled. If you enroll 3/4 time (9-11 units), your Federal Pell Grant and Cal Grant offers will be prorated to 75% of the award amount. If you enroll half-time, your Federal Pell Grant and Cal Grant offers will be prorated to 50% of the offer amount. Only the Federal Pell Grant may be available for enrollment less than half-time (25%) depending on eligibility.

Once you attend New Student Orientation (NSO) and register for classes, you will notice tuition and fees charged to your account. All students who have completed your FAFSA or CADAA by the March 2 priority deadline will have your classes protected from being dropped due to nonpayment, because Student Financial Services will wait until financial aid is disbursed. It is important to complete your FAFSA or CADAA as quickly as possible.

Financial aid offers will begin to be credited to student accounts approximately 10 days prior to the first day of classes for each semester. Before any Federal Direct Loan funds can be released, you must sign a Master Promissory Note or complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment steps as well have completed the Entrance Loan Counseling requirements. Fall 2023 and Spring 2024 financial aid refunds are scheduled to be processed by Student Financial Services a few days before the first week of classes.

If you have received your financial aid offer prior to the start of the semester, you may receive a refund close to the first day of classes. 

CSUDH offers Direct Deposit as an option for you to receive refunds. By establishing a direct deposit of the refund(s) to your bank checking or savings account, you will receive your University refund in approximately 2 to 3 days, instead of 7 to 10 business days for a mailed check.  

To sign up for direct deposit and for more information, please visit 5dexam.com/accounting-services/student-financial-services/refund-direct-deposit/. 

Pursuant to federal regulations, institutions of higher learning are required to inform prospective and continuing students, staff and faculty regarding information about the Annual Security Report, crime statistics, graduation rates, Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) and athletic participation rates/financial support (Equity in Athletics Disclosure Act, or EADA). To learn more, visit 5dexam.com/student-affairs/important-information. The website includes links to the following: Annual Security Report, Jeanne Clery Campus Crime Statistics, Copyright Policy, Drug- and Alcohol-Free Campus Policy, Graduation Rates, EADA, FERPA and Important Campus Policies.

This law ensures that you and your family’s information will be confidential, even among family members. If you want the Financial Aid Office to discuss your information with a parent, spouse or guardian, please submit the FERPA Consent to Release Student Information Form to the Registrar’s Office at registrar@5dexam.com.

We are available Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. For questions, please call 310-243-3691 or email finaid@5dexam.com and include your name, student ID number and the reason for contacting us.