Financial Aid for Future Students | Cal State East Bay

Prospective Students

Financial Aid Information for Future Students

At Cal State East Bay, we are proud to support our future students with our extensive financial aid programs. Over 72% of students at CSUEB receive some form of financial aid. We understand that as an incoming student, affordability is one of the most important aspects of your enrollment consideration. That’s why we are here to help you explore your financial aid options and provide you with additional information on how to fund your education.

 

Cost of Attendance

At Cal State East Bay, our low tuition rates put your degree within reach. The estimated tuition and fees for in-state undergraduate and graduate students are $7,583 and $9,107 per year, respectively. For out-of-state students, tuition is paid on a per-unit basis of $420/unit. Details about tuition costs can be found on the Student Financial Services site. Other expenses such as books, food, and housing should be also taken into account aside from the mandatory tuition and fees. View the detailed cost of attendance.

Our goal is to make CSUEB as affordable as possible for you. With financial aid and scholarships, the cost of attending Cal State East Bay can be significantly lower. You can use our Net Price Calculator to estimate the financial aid awards you might receive. Please note that the calculator is a tool for estimation, not an actual offer.

 

Financial Aid Requirements

Various types of financial aid are available for future students including scholarships, loans, grants, and work study. Depending on your citizenship status, you are required to complete different financial aid applications before being considered for financial aid awards. If you are a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen, such as a permanent resident or refugee, you need to submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for federal aid. If you are neither a US citizen or an eligible non-citizen, you may have the option to apply for the California Dream Act Application (CADAA) and available scholarships on our Pioneer Scholarship Portal.

 

Financial Aid Deadlines 25/26

We encourage our students to apply for financial aid as early as possible, as many awards are available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Future students set to begin courses in the 2025/2026 academic year should start their application now or by the official launch on/by December 1, 2024, complete the Pioneer Scholarship application by March 3, 2025, and submit the FAFSA or Dream Application by April 2, 2025. You can expect to receive an Award Offer by end of April, 2025.

After receiving your Award Offer, don’t forget to confirm your admission acceptance by June 1. The financial aid for the Fall 2025 term should be disbursed to your student account in August 2025, by the start of the semester. Click here to view the CSUEB Important Dates calendar.

FAFSA/Dream Application Priority Deadline: April 2, 2025

Pioneer Scholarship Application: March 3, 2025 (log in to view listing of scholarships with different application deadlines)

Confirmation of Admission Acceptance: June 1, 2025. For questions about your status, please reach out to the Office of Admissions.

 

Financial Aid Deadlines 26/27

FAFSA/Dream Application Priority Deadline: March 2, 2026

 

How to Apply for Financial Aid

Essentially, as a new student, you need to provide information about you or your family’s finances before the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships can evaluate your qualifications and determine your Award Offer. To assist new students in completing their financial aid applications, we provide useful guidelines illustrating important steps in the application process. Please review the Important Announcements page for webinars and workshops hosted by the CSUEB Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Learn more about applying for financial aid.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships

Do you have more questions about applying for financial aid as a new student? We understand that it could be a daunting task to navigate through the financial aid process. That’s why our knowledgeable counselors are here to work with you and help you understand your financial aid options. If you need more information or assistance, please contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships at (510) 885-2784 or finaid@csueastbay.edu.

Next Steps

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  • Financial Aid Timeline (25/26)

    Available now: Start your financial aid application 

    March 3, 2025:  Deadline to complete your Pioneer Scholarship Application (log in to view listing of scholarships with different application deadlines)

    April 2, 2025:  Priority deadline to complete the 2025/2026 FAFSA/Dream Application

    Month of April 2025:  Financial aid Award Offer will be sent to admitted students with processed FAFSA/CADAA applications

    June 1, 2025:  Deadline to confirm your admissions acceptance

    Month of August: Financial aid awards disburse to your student account shortly before the start of the semester

     

     

  • New student financial aid FAQ's

    1. What is a financial aid Award Offer?
      1. The financial aid award offer includes information on the types of financial aid you were awarded.  You can view your financial aid award information through your Award Offer (a pdf version), which is emailed directly to your CSUEB Horizon email account, or through your MyCSUEB Portal. 
    2. I've been admitted, when will I receive my Award Offer?
      1. Award Offers are sent to new students starting in April.  Students will receive an email to their CSUEB Horizon account when their award offer information is available.  If you have not received award offer, please contact us and we will be happy to give you an update. 
    3. What is an estimated Award Offer?  
      1. If we need to collect additional information from you to finalize your award offer, you may receive an estimated award offer.  Please remember that estimated awards may change after we have reviewed the information you submit.  
    4. Tuition is due now, how do I inform the Student Financial Services/Cashier's Office I am using my financial aid to pay my bill?
      1. Students that have enough term financial aid to cover their term bill will not be dropped for non payment. Although the disbursement date is after the payment deadline, Student Financial Services will accept your pending financial aid as payment. If your financial aid is less than your term bill, you will need to settle the difference with the Student Financial Services Department. To help you review your aid and charges, please review the instructions as listed on the Dynamic Bill.
    5. I received a loan on my financial aid award, but I do not want to take a loan?  How do I decline it?
      1. You can accept/decline/reduce your loan award amount through your MyCSUEB Portal, under the financial aid tab. 
    6. My family's financial circumstances have changed since we applied for aid.  Can CSU East Bay take these changes into consideration?
      1. If you or your parent(s) financial situation changed after you applied, or any time during the academic year, you may be eligible to submit a special circumstance SAI appeal.  For more information, please refer to the Special Circumstances section of our website or reach out to our office.