CSUN Scholarships

At California State University, Northridge we are dedicated to helping students have equal access to higher education by providing resources. The CSUN Dreamers Scholarship offers financial support for undergraduate students not eligible for the full range of federal financial aid typically available to students.

Awards

• Scholarships of $2,500 for the academic year to students enrolled in 12 units or more. Eligible students may apply for this award up to four years.
• Scholarships of $1,250 for the academic year to students enrolled in less than 12 units. Eligible students may apply for this award up to four years. Must be enrolled in at least 6 units.
• Scholarships of $12,500 for the academic year for students residing in Student Housing.  Full-time students may receive this award one time only.

Eligibility

• Student must have an approved California Nonresident Tuition Exemption Request (AB 540 Affidavit) on file with the University. For information on this process, go to https://www.csun.edu/admissions-records/residency-csu-tuition
• Student must have a completed Dream Act Application on file for the award year being applied for. The application to apply is located at https://www.csac.ca.gov/post/resources-california-dream-act-application
• Must be a matriculated undergraduate student in an eligible program
• Must have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
• Must be enrolled in at least 6 units for half-time award
• Must be enrolled in at least 12 units for the full-time and Student Housing awards

How to Apply

• Complete the confidential online scholarship application at: myMatadorScholarships
  *First-time freshman undergraduate students entering their first semester are highly encouraged to apply!

For information on resources and services provided to undocumented students, please visit the DREAM Center.

The Matador Scholarship program recognizes students who excel academically and who demonstrate financial need (must complete a financial aid application). Over the years, thousands of students have been awarded scholarships through the Matador Scholarship Program with awards ranging from $250 to $8000.

There are approximately 60 scholarship opportunities available under the Matador Scholarship Program. The online application for programs under the Matador Scholarship Program will be available mid-February through May. If you have software-related questions regarding the online scholarship application, please contact the scholarship staff at 818-677-4907.

Please visit the "International Student Aid" and "Scholarship Web Sources" sections for additional resources, if you are an international student.

Eligibility (General Criteria)

• Must file a financial aid application by March Priority Deadline. Go to http://www.csun.edu/financialaid/apply for information on how to apply.
• Minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA for incoming freshmen, transfer students and current Northridge undergraduates
• Minimum 3.5 cumulative GPA for incoming and current Northridge graduate students
• Full-time enrollment (12 units for undergraduate and credential students, 8 units for graduate students) each semester scholarship funds are received
• Pursuing your first bachelor's or master's degree, or credential

Application Process

Begin the scholarship application process using our online application. You may be required to attach or request the following documents:
• Degree Progress Reports or unofficial transcripts must be uploaded through the online application.
• Letters of recommendation
• Personal statement or essays
• Unofficial transcripts if you are a freshman, transfer student or incoming graduate student
• A copy of a Degree Progress Report if you are a current CSUN student

Unfortunately, not everyone who applies for the Matador Scholarship Program will be awarded. Scholarships are a competitive process.  Recipients will be notified sometime in fall semester via their official CSUN e-mail address.  Applicants may check their application status by logging into the myMatadorScholarships portal and clicking on ‘My Applications’

Responsibilities

If you are selected to be a Matador Scholar, you must:

Provide a thank you letter to your donor. Many scholarships are provided by private donors who take interest in supporting Northridge students. It is common courtesy to respond with a short note to show appreciation for their commitment to your education. In your award email, you will receive instructions on how to format and submit your thank you letter.  Your scholarship will not be released until a copy of your thank you letter is received by the Scholarship Office. If you need assistance, please see the sample thank you letter here.

Maintain a minimum cumulative 3.0 GPA for undergraduates and 3.5 cumulative GPA for graduate students.  If your scholarship requires that you maintain a different GPA, it will be noted in your award email.

Enroll as a full-time student each semester during the academic year you are awarded.

If you are unable to meet the conditions of your scholarship, or if your enrollment status changes, notify the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department by calling 818-677-4907 or emailing .

The Northridge Scholarship Program is for undergraduate students and includes:

• GE Honors Rising Scholar Award
• University Scholarship
• Presidential Scholarship

For additional information about these programs, please visit the Northridge Scholarship Program Pre-Application Information webpage.

The California State University, Northridge Outstanding Graduating Veteran Award is given to a student who demonstrates meritorious achievement, strength of character and commitment to service. The award recognizes an extraordinary student who has overcome challenges in reaching an academic milestone and honors those who couldn’t complete a degree because their health or lives were sacrificed in national service. The award expresses the gratitude of the CSUN community and is entirely funded by public contribution.

Award Amount

The award amount is $1,000. The recipient will be recognized at the Veteran Graduation Reception and the Honors Convocation.

Eligibility

• You must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA.
• You must be a CSUN student who is currently or has formerly been placed on active duty as a member of the U.S. Armed Forces (the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps or Coast Guard) or the Reserve or National Guard.
• You must graduate in Fall 2021, Spring 2022 or Summer 2022 (must have an official graduation date on file with Admissions and Records).
• You must be enrolled full time (12 units for undergraduate and credential students, 8 units for graduate students).

How to Apply:

1. Go to myMatadorScholarships to begin your online application. Please note that you will be required to complete the General Application before you can complete the application for the Outstanding Graduating Veteran Award.
2. Request two academic letters of recommendation through the online application. At least one of the two required letters must be submitted by a CSUN faculty member.
3. Upload a copy of your most recent transcript.
4. Respond to essay questions.

This scholarship opportunity is open February-March of the current academic year for applications.