FINANCIAL AID

CSU Foundation

The California State University Foundation works with donors interested in funding scholarship opportunities on a systemwide or multi-campus basis. Please review the description, eligibility criteria, and application process for each scholarship.

If you have any questions regarding these scholarships, please email scholarships@csun.edu.  

For a complete list of opportunities and to apply, please visit myMatadorScholarships

Howard C. Christiansen Endowed Scholarship

Award: $7,500

The Howard C. Christiansen Trust established an endowed scholarship fund in 2016 for students pursuing a bachelors or graduate degree in the study of engineering. Scholarship nominees for the CSU Trustees’ Award will be reviewed first. If there are not enough applicants nominated who are in an engineering field, then the scholarship may be awarded to a second pool of engineering applicants outside the CSU Trustees’ Award.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  • The applicant must have a completed FAFSA or California Dream Act application on file with the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department for the current and upcoming academic year.
  • The applicant must be a current full-time CSUN undergraduate or graduate student in any engineering major field and maintain full-time status.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

Glenn and Dorothy Dumke Fellowship

Award: $1,500

The Glenn and Dorothy Dumke Fellowship was established in memory of Dr. Glenn S. Dumke, Chancellor of the California State University from 1962 to 1982. The fellowship encourages student scholars to pursue graduate work in fields such as public policy, American history, economics, archival management and government. Preference will be given to projects that involve research about the state of California. The winning scholar is expected to pursue research projects within special California State University library and archival collections.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a current CSUN graduate student.
  • Applicants must be in good standing and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0
  • The applicant must be studying public policy, American history, economics, library science, archival management or government.
  • The applicant must use the award to pursue research projects within the Dumke Collection or other collections housed in the California State University archives at CSU Dominguez Hills, the Center for California Studies at CSU Sacramento, or other special collections within the California State University system. Read more about the CSUN Special Collections.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

Nathaniel R. and Valerie Dumont Scholarship Fund

Award: $4,000

The Nathaniel R. And Valerie Dumont Scholarship was established through a bequest in 1993 to assist exemplary students with financial needs, especially those with visual or physical impairments.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a current full-time undergraduate CSUN student and maintain full-time status.
  • The applicant must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8.
  • The applicant must have a completed FAFSA or California Dream Act application on file with the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department for the current and upcoming academic year.
  • The applicant will receive strong consideration if they are visually impaired, followed by consideration for students with other physical impairments. Applicants without visual or physical impairments are also eligible for this scholarship.
  • Provide verification from a licensed physician or disabled student services office of visual or physical impairment if applicable.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

Hampton Scholars Scholarship

Award: $4,500

Dr. Claudia H. Hampton was the first African American trustee of the California State University. She was on the board for 20 years from 1974 to 1994; serving as chair for three of those years from 1979 to 1981. She was a teacher and administrator in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 25 years, retiring in 1981 as director of the district’s Human and School-Community Relations Resource Office. The Hampton Scholars Scholarship was funded in her honor to recognize students who excel academically and exemplify Dr. Hampton’s dedication.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a graduate from the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS).
  • The applicant must have a completed FAFSA or California Dream Act application on file with the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department for the current and upcoming academic year.
  • The applicant must be in good academic standing.
  • The recipient must enroll full-time during the award year.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

The William & Janet Lahey Art Education and Visual Arts Scholarship

Award: $10,000

William Lahey served as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Faculty and Staff Affairs from October 1966 until he retired on June 1986.   He came to the California State University from federal civil service to the position of Statewide Dean of Faculty.  William and his wife Jan lived in Huntington Harbor. Jan was an avid volunteer with the Long Beach Museum of Art and William would invite staff to join them for special receptions and exhibit openings.  By supporting Summer Arts and scholarships for visual arts students, they are furthering both William’s commitment to education and Jan’s passion for the arts.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a current graduate student enrolled in at least four units and credential students must be enrolled in at least six units (‘half-time’)
  • The applicant must have a bachelor's degree in art or in one of the visual art specializations
  • The applicant must be enrolled in a post-baccalaureate program leading to a high school single subject teaching credential in the arts, or a Master of Arts/Fine Arts program in art or one of the visual art specializations
  • The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing.
  • Priority consideration will be given in the following order: 
  1. First priority will be given to students enrolled in a program leading to a single subject teaching credential in the arts;
  2. Second priority will be given to students enrolled in a graduate program in art of one of the visual arts specializations;
  3. Third priority will be given to eligible students who have a record of volunteer activities in the arts or who are currently engaged in arts volunteer activities in schools or community arts organizations.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

Richard K. Leffingwell Scholarship

Award: $3,000.00

After graduating with a bachelor’s of science degree from CSU Northridge, and serving as an officer in the US Army, Richard Leffingwell joined the CSU’s Chancellor’s Office as a member of the trustees’ audit staff.  He directed the CSU’s self-supporting financing activities, and later became the Director of Financing and Treasury.  Richard worked with trustees, campuses, and the municipal financing community to establish viable systems for financing non-state projects at the 23 CSU campuses before retiring in 2004.  This scholarship reflects his admiration for the university’s commitment to provide opportunities to foster the next generation of students who wish to be instrumental in serving the public.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must have a course of study within a discipline offered through the David Nazarian College of Business and Economics.
  • The applicant must have demonstrated an interest in and aspire to a career in nonprofit or public service.
  • The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 and be in good academic standing.
  • The applicant must have a completed FAFSA or California Dream Act application on file with the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department for the current and upcoming academic year.
  • The applicant must be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent upper division or graduate student at CSUN and must remain a full-time equivalent student during the award year.
  • Strong consideration will be given to eligible applicants who are also military veterans.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

California Society of Municipal Finance Officers Robert M. Odell Endowed Scholarship in Public Administration

Award: $2,500

The California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) established the Robert M. O’Dell endowed scholarship fund in April 1987 to honor the former city treasurer of Los Angeles.  The scholarships are awarded on an alternating basis between northern and southern geographic regions of California to the seventeen campuses offering degree programs in public administration.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be in a degree program in public administration
  • The applicant must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 and be in good academic standing.
  • The applicant must be currently enrolled as a full-time upper division or graduate student at CSUN and must remain a full-time student during the award year.
  • The applicant must not be a previous recipient of this award
  • Strong consideration will be given to an applicant who is a public administration major also specializing in finance and/or a first-generation college student

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

Jim Sanders Media and Leadership Scholarship

Award: $2,500

James Sanders wasn’t known by that name. He wasn’t often called Jim. People working at the television stations in Sacramento, CA; Columbus, OH; San Diego, CA; and San Francisco, CA where he presided as news director knew him as Sanders. He was a leader, not just a manager. As one former employee said about Sanders after his death in September 2015, “Sanders was all about integrity. From the choice and quality of the stories he put on the air to his mentoring of countless people in all areas of news, he operated from a base of encouragement, never negativity. From a heart full of courage instead of fear. Sanders didn’t force you to do your best, he made you want to do your best. And he led by example, holding himself up to the highest standard and trusting that his people would rise to their highest potential. I am not unique in my love and admiration for this funny, charismatic, intelligent man; there are many of us who would have followed Jim Sanders anywhere.” This scholarship is to honor and support the leaders of today and tomorrow among the California State University student population. The media industries are changing and as the continued gatekeepers of information, the industries need people to lead, take risks, be creative, have a sense of humor, be intelligent, and challenge the status quo.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must have an interest in journalism, news media, or communication.
  • The applicant must aspire to a career in media, but can be interested in any aspect of the industry including engineering, sales, production (audio, video and sound editing, etc.), graphic design, human resources, etc.
  • The applicant must be currently enrolled full-time or be entering a first semester as a student at CSUN and must hold a student status during the upcoming year. 
  • The applicant must express current leadership qualities or the desire to be a leader in journalism, media, or communication.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students

Award: $10,000

The Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students was established in 1991 by Mr. Schoettler, who was a successful businessman from Mountain View, California and blind the last eight years of his life.

Eligibility

  • The applicant must be a CSUN undergraduate or graduate student enrolled in 6.1 units or more.
  • The applicant must have a minimum 2.8 cumulative GPA and maintain a minimum 2.8 if awarded.
  • The applicant must have a visual disability and provide verification from a medical health professional that includes the best corrected visual acuity notations. The disability must be such that it impedes the educational process and necessitates accommodations, support services, or programs.
  • Students who have previously been nominated and/or awarded the Schoettler scholarship may continue to apply each year they meet the qualifications.

Application Process

  • Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

CSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement

Award: $1,000 - $17,000

The William Randolph Hearst Foundation established an endowed scholarship fund in 1984 to honor William Randolph Hearst, founder of the Hearst newspaper chain.  In 1999, the William Randolph Hearst Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to create the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. Contributions from CSU Trustees and private donors increase the value and number of available awards.  Special named scholarships will be awarded by the selection committee based on criteria such as studying in the STEM or Education fields, Veterans, and exemplary community service.

The awards recognize students who have overcome adversity, demonstrated financial need, and have attributes of merit including superior academic performance, significant personal achievements, and exemplary community service.  The recipient who receives the highest score by the CSU Foundation scholarship selection committee is designated the Trustee Emeritus Ali C. Razi Scholar and will receive a $17,000 scholarship. Also distributed will be the Reed Scholarship ($12,000), the Hampton Scholarship ($11,000) and the Galinson Scholarship ($9,000).

Eligibility

  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergraduate or graduate student in any major field at a CSU campus and remain a CSU full-time equivalent student during the academic year.
  • The applicant must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
  • The applicant must be involved in community service.
  • The applicant must have overcome adversity and demonstrate financial need.
  • The applicant must have a completed FAFSA or California Dream Act application on file with the CSUN Financial Aid & Scholarship Department for the current and upcoming academic year.

Application process

Western Union International Student Scholarship

Award: $1,000

Western Union pioneered the idea of moving money around the world and has been connecting people globally for over 169 years. As one of the world’s leading providers of cross-border business payments, Western Union Business Solutions is transforming how businesses can expand globally through one of the largest and most diverse payment networks in the world. The Western Union International Student Scholarship was established for international students studying at any of the California State University campus (add entire paragraph).

Eligibility:
•    Be an undergraduate or graduate student in any major field;
•    Be an international student;
•    Have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing at CSUN

Application Process:
Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.

Fly Fishers Club of Orange County Marine Studies Scholarship Fund

Award: $3,000

The Fly Fishers Club of Orange County was founded in 1966 to further the sport of Fly Fishing. In addition to being a way to meet others who enjoy the sport, there were three goals in mind when the club was founded: Educating the public, conserving the fisheries, and contributing resources to make fly fishing enjoyable and available to all who are interested. The club has been working hard to meet its goals by sponsoring clinics and workshops, hosting noteworthy speakers, participating in conservation projects, and contributing its resources to various conservation organizations such as the Federation of Fly Fishers and (FFF), Trout Unlimited (TU), Cal Trout, and the Nature Conservancy. In addition, the club contributes to numerous other conservation activities directly beneficial to fly fishing. The club has made an annual scholarship available to a CSU student who is studying marine sciences.

Eligibility:

  • Be in good standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid Office.
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergraduate or graduate student in a marine-related study at CSUN and must remain a full-time equivalent CSU student during the academic year.
  • Have a commitment to community service in the fisheries biology field.

Application Process:

Sign into myMatadorScholarships using your MYNORTHRIDGE PORTAL Login.  Complete a general application, then apply for this specific scholarship by submitting all required materials to this scholarship by the deadline.