State Grants

The Cal Grant A and B programs are administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), and they are only available to California residents. Cal Grants provide long-term assistance toward earning a first undergraduate degree. Cal Grant A pays tuition fees, while Cal Grant B pays tuition fees and also provides an additional yearly allowance for books and other expenses. You must maintain half-time enrollment to be eligible. Cal Grant applicants and recipients may make changes to their school of choice and view important information about their award at WebGrants for Students.

Keep in mind these Cal Grant guidelines:

• Students must file a FAFSA or California Dream Application and submit their GPA verification by March 2. The GPA verification form on the CSAC website contains all the instructions.
• Students must maintain at least half-time enrollment to be eligible.
• Newly admitted Cal State Northridge students currently attending high school must have their GPA verification sent by their high schools.
• New and continuing Northridge students with fewer than 24 college units who are not currently receiving a Cal Grant must submit a GPA verification form from their previous college attended (if 24 units have been earned) or from their high school.
• Northridge will send the GPA verification by the end of February for those students who have at least 24 college units, are not currently receiving a Cal Grant, have a valid FAFSA or California Dream Application on file for the current school year, and are currently enrolled at Northridge.
• Current Cal Grant recipients do not need to submit a GPA verification form.
• New and continuing Cal Grant recipients must meet the CSAC's designated financial need and income ceiling requirements to maintain Cal Grant eligibility.
• Cal Grant awards will be prorated based on enrollment status. You must be enrolled full time to qualify for the maximum eligibility of your Cal Grant. 

Below is an estimate of Cal Grant award amounts based on enrollment:

Find out more about the Cal Grant program by watching a short video clip. You can also read more on the Cal Grant website and get answers to frequently asked questions.

If you are or were in foster care and demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for a California Chafee Grant.

Keep in mind these California Chafee Grant guidelines:

• The Chafee Grant provides up to $5,000 a year for college.
• You are required to file a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) and a Chafee Grant application.
• Your caseworker or independent living program coordinator can help you complete the FAFSA and Chafee applications.
• You must stay in school to keep your Chafee Grant, and you may lose your grant if you enroll less than half time or receive low grades.
• Chafee applicants and recipients may make changes to their school of choice and view important information about the Chafee award at WebGrants for Students.

Find out more about the Chafee Grant by watching a short video clip.

The California National Guard Education Assistance Award Program (CNG EAAP) is administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC). It is designed to assist active members of the California National Guard, the State Military Reserve or the Naval Militia with education-related expenses. To find out if you qualify, visit the CNG EAAP program page.

Keep in mind these CNG EAAP guidelines:

• You must have completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online prior to June 1.
• You cannot receive the CNG EAAP Grant and the Cal Grant during the same award period.
• If you want to renew your grants, you must submit the Renewal Application and Statement of Understanding by June 1. The Statement of Understanding must be printed and hand delivered to your commanding officer for signature.
• Those awarded a CNG EAAP Grant will be contacted via email by Cal State Northridge when checks are ready for pickup.

The Middle Class Scholarship (MCS)* provides a scholarship for new and continuing undergraduate and credential students with family incomes and assets up to $226,000 attending a CSU or UC.

  Additionally, the student must:

• Be a California resident or eligible AB 540 student
• File a FAFSA or California Dream Application by the March 2 deadline
• Be enrolled at least half-time
• Be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress standards
• Meet certain income/assets and other financial aid standards
• Not be in default on a student loan
• Must not be incarcerated

MCS 2.0 award amounts are based on the student cost of attendance and the following program requirements: federal, state, institutional and private scholarship aid, a self-help student contribution of $8,154 (applied to all students), and a parent contribution for dependent students with a household income of over $100,000.

Under this formula, award amounts will vary widely among students, with each student’s award reflecting their costs and available resources. Any federal, state, or institutionally administered student financial aid grants or fee sponsorships/waivers received by an eligible student may impact the amount of award received.

Students that are determined to be eligible to receive an MCS award will be notified by the California Student Aid Commission. Students may log in to their WebGrants for Students (WGS) account to review their Middle Class Scholarship California Aid Report (MCSCAR). The MCSCAR does not have to be submitted to CSUN.

When will funds be available?
MCS is awarded on an ongoing basis. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will send you an award notice when the scholarship has been awarded. Once awarded, the funds will be credited to your student account. Go to www.csun.edu/financialaid/financial-aid-process and click on the “Receive Aid Payment” tab to read about financial aid payments. 

What affects the MCS award amount?
Several factors can impact the MCS award amount. Your MCS can be affected by:

• Change in Enrollment/Withdrawal from the University
• Change in original reported housing status
• Changes to income or Cost of Attendance after you have been awarded
• Receiving additional federal, state, private, or institutional financial aid

Check this link for more information on What Affects My Aid?

Credential Students
Students enrolled in an eligible teaching credential program may be eligible for up to one-year of Middle Class Scholarship 2.0. 

Enrollment and Satisfactory Academic Progress
To be eligible for a Middle-Class Scholarship 2.0 award, students must be enrolled in at-least 6-units of coursework required for their degree. Students must also meet CSUN’s Satisfactory Academic Progress policy. 

MCS and Withdrawing from CSUN
Students who withdraw from coursework may be subject to return all or part of their Middle-Class Scholarship 2.0 award in addition to any other federal, state, or institutional aid received. Withdrawing from coursework may also affect your Satisfactory Academic Progress policy.

For more information about the program and additional eligibility requirements, visit the California Student Aid Commission website.

* Middle Class Scholarship 2.0
The state of California has modified the Middle Class Scholarship. While the name stays the same, the program has changed. The California Student Aid Commission uses data from CSUN, the FAFSA, or CADAA to make awards. Any federal, state, institutional, or private grants and scholarships received will affect the amount awarded in the Middle Class Scholarship.