Frequently Asked Questions

Q What happens if I miss the FAFSA deadline of March 2?
A

You can still apply for the Federal Pell and Federal Direct Loan programs since their deadlines are much later. You will be considered a late applicant for campus-based funds (FSEOG, EOP, SUG, Federal Perkins, and FWS). Contact our office to find out about the appeal process for on-time status if you have extenuating circumstances.

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Q What is the difference between the Dependent and Self-supporting Student?
A The basic philosophy of federal and state need-based financial aid is that students and their families have the first responsibility toward meeting educational expenses. A major issue in the determination of financial resources is the dependency status of students: are they considered to be dependent upon their parents or are they self-supporting? The criteria used to make this determination includes:
  • Age of Student
  • Veteran's status of the student
  • Student's status as a graduate or professional student
  • Student's marital status
  • Student's status as an orphan or ward of the court
  • Legal dependents of student other than a spouse
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) asks specific questions related to the above criteria, which will in turn determine the student's dependency status. If the student is determined to be dependent, a parental contribution is calculated from the financial information reported by the parents. This information will include, but not be limited to, income, assets, family size, number in college, and age of older parent. Large portions of the parental income and assets are protected by offsets in the determination of the parental contribution.

If the student is determined to be self-supporting, then the resources of the student and spouse (if applicable) are used in the financial aid eligibility determination.

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Q What does "verification" mean?
A

Verification is the process whereby counselors, to ensure accuracy of reporting, compare information on the FAFSA against federal income tax returns and other documentation. Students selected for verification will need to submit their and/or their parents' appropriate federal income tax returns before awards can be finalized. If discrepant information exists, awards will be revised.

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Q Must I be admitted to the University before I can receive an award letter?
A

No, but when awarded financial aid you must apply for admission within three weeks of the date of your award letter.

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Q I have received a Stafford Loan before. Must I reapply for the Federal Stafford Loan each year?
A

Financial Aid including Federal Stafford (now Federal Direct Loan at CSUB) must be reapplied for each year. For a Direct Loan, this involves completeing a FAFSA and a Federal Direct Loan master promissory note (MPN).

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Q Who needs to complete the Direct Loan Entrance Counseling Session for the Federal Direct Loan programs?
A

Only first time borrowers at CSUB or previous borrowers who have not received a loan in the past two years.

Click here to complete this Loan Entrance Interview online

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California State University, Bakersfield · Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships · Building SA 114
9001 Stockdale Highway 48SA · Bakersfield, CA · 93311 · (661) 654-3016 · School Code: 007993