GENERAL FAQs
Why e-mail and not postal mail?
It is University policy to communicate to students via electronic mail. All financial aid communications are sent to student's campus e-mail account.
What is my National ID?
When submitting an electronic Perkins Promissory Note, your National ID is your Social Security Number (SSN).
I am continuing CSUN student. When will I be notified about my award?
We will begin the awarding process in late April.
Where can I get the 1098-T Tax Form?
The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department does NOT provide the 1098-T Tax Form, please contact Student Accounting for more information.
How do I release information to my parents?
You must submit a 
Student Authorization to Release Information to Parent Form authorizing the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department to release information to your parent. You must present a valid I.D. when submitting the form in person. Forms not submitted in person must be notarized. The form is only valid for the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department and not other departments. The form is in effect for the academic year in which it was issued or until the student submits a written request to rescind the authorization, whichever comes first.
How do I transfer my aid?
You can transfer your FAFSA information to different schools by adding the school code to your existing FAFSA. CSUN school code is 001153. Once you’ve successfully added CSUN’s school code, it may take 2-4 weeks for CSUN to receive your information. You must be an admitted CSUN student for your FAFSA to be reviewed.
I was supposed to graduate in the fall and was awarded for the fall. Now that I have extended my graduation date to spring, will the Financial Aid Department automatically award me for spring?
No, when we initially award you it is based on your enrollment period at that time. If your enrollment status has changed since then, please download and submit a Status Change Notification form to us so that we may revise your award.
I have an emergency. What do I do?
Please visit the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department to meet with a Counselor to discuss your situation.
ANTICIPATED AID
What is Anticipated Aid?
Anticipated Aid is grants, accepted loans, and scholarships available to pay for your current charges. If your charges are more than your Anticipated Aid, then you must pay the difference to University Cash Services.
I no longer see Anticipated Aid. Where did it go?
Once your aid disburses and is applied to your account, it will no longer show as anticipated aid. Check the myNorthridge Portal to confirm your financial aid award.
BALANCE CHECKS
When do I get my Balance Check?
Balance checks are mailed the Wednesday prior to the start of the term and weekly thereafter. If you are enrolled in the proper number of course units, your funds will be credited directly to your Student Account to pay registration fees and other charges first. If there is money left over, University Cash Services will mail a check to the address that you have indicated as your primary address.
Can I pick up my balance check?
No. Financial Aid Balance Checks are automatically mailed by University Cash Services to the address listed on your myNorthridge Portal account.
Why is my Financial Aid Balance Check less than the award amounts posted on the myNorthridge Portal?
Please keep in mind that financial aid money is applied toward paying any outstanding charges on your Student Account first. This may include tuition costs and other fees as well as housing-related charges. If you are owed anything, University Cash Services will mail you a Balance Check.
DISBURSEMENT
When do I get money?
You need to make sure you are meeting financial aid requirements before financial aid funds are released:
- You must enroll in sufficient units
- You must clear all Financial Aid Holds
- You must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress
Your financial aid funds are disbursed to your account to pay for any outstanding charges. University Cash Services will mail a balance check to your address on the portal for any financial aid funds in excess of your charges. Balance checks are mailed the Wednesday prior to the start of the term and every Wednesday thereafter.
EFC AND COA
What is EFC?
Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount students and their families are reasonably expected to contribute toward the year’s educational costs. The information students report on the FAFSA is used to calculate the EFC using a standard federal formula. A student’s EFC may or may not be what is actually paid.
What is my COA?
Each college has its own Cost of Attendance (COA) which includes standardized allowances for tuition, housing, books, transportation and personal expenses for the school year. Students may not be awarded aid (including grants, scholarships, loans, Federal Work-Study, stipends and 3rd Party Sponsored Fee Waivers) above their Cost of Attendance.
Can I increase my COA?
Your Cost Of Attendance will only be increased under special circumstances such as: unusually high medical unreimbursed expenses, secondary tuition expenses or unusually high transportation expenses. Please check with the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department regarding the filing period for an Income Appeal. You must submit an Income Appeal Form in order for the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department to consider your special circumstance.
FAFSA
How do I file a FAFSA online? What is CSUN’s Federal School Code?
Please visit http://www.fafsa.ed.gov
CSUN's Federal School Code: 001153
When do I file the FAFSA?
You may submit a FAFSA starting January 1st thru March 2nd of each year to meet priority filing deadline. If you miss the priority filing deadline of March 2nd, you can still file a FAFSA, but you may not be considered for certain state and institutional grants.
Can I file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) past March 2nd?
Yes, you may file a FAFSA past this date and still be considered for awards including the Federal Pell Grant, Federal Stafford Loans and Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS). However, March 2nd of each year is a Cal Grant deadline so we encourage you to file by this date. Also, certain grants are dependent on the availability of funds so it is always a good idea to file early.
Who should I contact if I have questions or problems with my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)?
You may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-4-FED-AID (800-433-3243) or the TTY line at 800-730-8913. You may also e-mail Customer Service at fafsaweb@pearson.com.
If I do not sign my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), will it still be processed?
No, your application will be rejected for missing signature(s). As a result, you may miss important deadlines. If it is determined that you are an independent student on the FAFSA, the federal processor is required to collect your signature. If you are dependent student on the FAFSA, both you and at least one parent must sign.
I received an email from CSUN stating that my Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) was incomplete. If I don’t take care of this, does this mean that I cannot be awarded?
Yes. You received this email because the Department of Education was unable to process your application. A common reason would be if the application was missing signature(s). Until you resolve the issue, the Financial Aid & Scholarships Department is unable to evaluate your aid eligibility. Please act quickly and contact FAFSA to research your problem.
I do not live with my parents and I am not financially dependent on them, so why does the FAFSA still consider me "dependent"?
You must be able to answer “Yes” to at least one of the conditions in the dependency section of the FAFSA to be considered “Independent”. You can complete the Dependency Status Worksheet through the FAFSA website to determine if you are considered a dependent student. Financial independence alone does not make a student “independent” even if you file your own tax return or if you live on your own. If you feel that you have unusual circumstances, please contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department.
My parents won't give me their information. What do I do?
If you are a dependent student, you must submit parental information. Special circumstances, which may prevent you from submitting parental information, may be discussed with a Financial Aid Counselor.
I answered that I am separated on the FAFSA but my husband and I filed a joint tax return. Do I report his income?
No. If you are separated, widowed or divorced at the time you file your FAFSA, please report only your income. When reviewing your joint tax return, please exclude income and exemptions related to your former spouse.
Do I have to include my spouse’s income on the FAFSA if we do not file joint tax returns and we do not share money?
Yes. Your household size includes your spouse. If you are married and you filed taxes separately, please combine the amounts taken from your individual tax returns.
FEDERAL WORK-STUDY
What is Federal Work-Study?
Work-Study is a federally-funded program and is awarded to eligible students through the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department at California State University, Northridge. Federal Work-Study (FWS) enables you to earn that portion of your expenses not covered by grants and loans. If you have been awarded FWS funds, you must work with an eligible FWS employer to earn them.
How do I get Federal Work-study?
You must indicate on your FAFSA that you are interested in Federal Work-Study, and you must file your FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 2nd. If you are offered work-study funds, you must find a job on campus in order to receive your work-study funds. If you are eligible for work-study, it will show as part of your award package.
Why no Federal Work-Study?
Federal Work-Study funds are limited and awarded on a first-come-first-serve basis. Priority is given to students who demonstrate the highest need. You must indicate on your FAFSA that you are interested in Federal Work-Study, and you must file your FAFSA by the priority deadline of March 2nd. If you are eligible for work-stduy, it will show as part of your award package.
Why can't I accept my Federal Work-Study?
You, the student, cannot accept the Federal Work-Study funds on the myNorthridge Portal. The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department will place your work-study funds in the accept status on the myNorthridge Portal after you have been hired, you have signed the work-study authorization, and your Supervisor has submitted your authorization to the Work-Study Office.
Where do I find a Federal Work-Study job?
Federal Work-study jobs are listed on the Career Center’s website. You must log in using your portal user ID and password to register and view a listing of available Federal Work-Study jobs. Once you find a job that interests you, write down the department contact information and contact the department for application instructions. The department will consider you for employment and let you know if you have a job offer.
Can I increase my Federal Work-Study amount?
If you are employed with an eligible Federal Work-Study employer, your Supervisor must give you a written memo addressed to the Work-Study Office, requesting an increase in your award. You can submit the written request to the Work-study Office in Bayramian Hall, Room 130 during regular walk-in hours
Monday, Wednesday, & Friday- 1:30 to 4:00
- 10:00 to 12:00
Click here for more information on the Work-Study Program
FEES AND PAYMENTS
When are my fees due?
You will have to check your Registration Access Mailer to see when your fees are due. The deadline for your fees depends on when you register.
I just registered. How do I pay with my financial aid?
If you are a financial aid student and have enough anticipated aid to cover your current charges by the scheduled fee payment deadline, your aid will be automatically applied towards your outstanding charges. If your "Anticipated Aid" is not enough to cover all of your charges, you must make a payment for the difference to University Cash Services. For additional information regarding payment methods and payment deadlines, please contact University Cash Services.
I received a notice that I have to pay, but I am on Financial Aid. Do I have to make a payment?
You must be awarded “Anticipated Aid” sufficient to cover charges by the scheduled fee payment deadline each term. If your award amounts are equal or greater to the charges billed to your Student Account (which may include tuition, lab and other fees as well as housing charges), you do not have to pay anything. However, if your aid does not cover your charges, you will be required to pay the difference by the deadline or risk disenrollment.
I was notified that I was awarded but I when I look under "Charges and Payments," I see a balance. Do I have to pay this amount?
You must be awarded prior to payment deadlines imposed by University Cash Services. Your financial aid award amounts will show up as “Anticipated Aid” on the myNorthridge Portal. If your anticipated aid is sufficient to cover your charges, then you will not have to pay. However, if the amounts are not enough, you will be required to pay the difference or risk being disenrolled from your classes.
I was notified that I owe a balance on my Student Account because my financial aid awards were adjusted. What does this mean?
The actual financial aid amount you will be entitled is based on your enrollment units. If you drop in units after financial aid funds have disbursed, we will need to adjust your award amounts and then bill you back the overpayment.
How do I pay for books?
Unlike your fees, books cannot be charged to your Student Account. If your financial aid exceeds your charges, University Cash Services will mail you a Financial Aid Balance Check for the difference. You may use these funds for books, supplies and other educational expenses.
FINANCIAL AID ELIGIBILITY
Why didn't I receive financial aid?
Financial Aid awards may consist of grants, student loans, scholarships, and Federal Work-Study. You must be an admitted student and have a current FAFSA on file to receive an award. Check your myNorthridge Portal "To-Do List" and your Webmail for the status of your award.
Why didn't I receive Grants?
Grant eligibility is based on need and is determined from the information on your FAFSA. If you believe your FAFSA contains errors or if you have further questions, please contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department.
Where is my Cal Grant?
California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) determines initial eligibility for Cal Grant. CSAC will provide your Cal Grant information to the school of first choice as listed on your California Aid Report (CAR). If you are a transfer student who received Cal Grant at another school, contact CSAC to report a change of school. Cal grant recipients must file a FAFSA every year.
I lost my job and need more money.
If your financial situation adversely changed because of unusual circumstances, you may file an Income Appeal Form with the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department. Applications are available beginning the 4th week of the Fall semester.
How do I appeal my aid?
You will need to submit an Income Appeal Form and proper documentation supporting your appeal.
LOANS
What is my National ID?
When submitting an electronic Perkins Promissory Note, your National ID is your Social Security Number (SSN).
What is the difference between Subsidized and Unsubsidized Stafford Loans?
Subsidized Stafford Loans are for students with financial need. The federal government pays the interest while you are enrolled at least half-time AND during your six-month grace period after leaving school.
Unsubsidized Stafford Loans are for qualified students regardless of income or assets. You are responsible for any interest accrued from the date the loan is disbursed to when the loan is repaid.
How do I accept my loan?
You may accept your loans through the myNorthridge Portal. If you need help accepting your loan, refer to the Loan Acceptance Tutorial.
Do I have to accept all of my loans?
No. You can choose to accept a lower amount on myNortridge Portal. If you need help accepting your loan, refer to the Loan Acceptance Tutorial.
Do I have to be a full-time student to be eligible for a Stafford Loan?
No, you only need to maintain half-time status per term to be eligible for the annual amounts. Half-time status for Undergraduates/Credential/2nd B.A. Students is 6 units. Half-time status for Graduate/Masters Students is 4 units. Contact the Office of Admissions & Records if you need further clarification of whether you are half-time.
How do I choose a Lender?
Please refer to the Lender Selection page.
I accepted / activated my Stafford Loan but my loan funds have not paid out yet. Why?
This could be due to a number of common reasons. All first-time CSUN borrowers must attend a Loan Entrance Counseling session on-campus or online so that we may release funds. This is mandatory even if you have borrowed before at another school. New borrowers must also complete a Master Promissory Note with the lender they chose. Lastly, you must be registered for classes equal to at least half-time enrollment in order to be eligible for disbursement. Half-time for Undergraduate/Credential/2nd B.A. Students is 6 units. Half-time for Graduate/Masters Students is 4 units.
I have accepted a loan. Why is it not my award page?
If you have followed the proper steps on myNorthridge Portal to accept your Federal Stafford and or your Federal Perkins loans, it will show as accepted aid on your award page. If you have difficulty in accepting your Federal Stafford or Federal Perkins loans, please follow the on-line tutorial. Private Alternative loans do not need to be accepted on the portal.
I have been awarded a total of $10,500 in Stafford Loans this year -- do I have to borrow all that money?
No, remember to borrow what you need. The Financial Aid Department is notifying you of the maximum amount you may borrow for your enrollment period. You will be able to indicate how much you would like to borrow when you “Accept” your student loan on the Web Portal. If you are unable to accept your loan online, please download a paper Stafford Loan Activation / Confirmation Request.
I have completed my online Loan Entrance Counseling, but why does it still show on my To-Do List?
Please allow 24 hours for the information to be updated on your To-Do List. Also, please keep in mind that you must select the "Entrance Exam" and NOT the "Exit Exam" option when taking the online Loan Entrance Counseling.
Can I get more loans?
Students are offered the maximum loan eligibility at the time of awarding. If you have accepted an amount lower than the maximum, then you may have eligibility for more loans. To apply for the remainder of your loan funds, you must submit the Loan Activation Request Form for the appropriate aid year.
How do I get additional loan funding?
Students are offered maximum Stafford and Perkins Loans when awarded. The Federal PLUS Loan and Private Alternative Loans will not be part of your initial award package. Application for these loans must be self-initiated with a lender of your choice. For more information on these loans, visit the Loans page.
How do I accept my PLUS or Alternative Loan on the myNorthridge Portal?
You must submit the Federal PLUS loan Information and Request Form to Financial Aid & Scholarship Department, so that your PLUS Loan can be certified. When your PLUS Loan is certified, it will show as an “accepted” award on the myNorthridge Portal. For Private Alternative loans, the award will be placed in the “offered” status at the time of loan certification. The award will not be placed in the “accept” until funds are picked up from University Cash Services. You will be notified thru your CSUN email account when your funds are available to be picked up.
Why was my Alternative Loan reduced?
Alternative loans must be coordinated with the rest of your financial aid. Total financial aid cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance.
Why do I have to file a FAFSA for an Alternative Loan?
The Financial Aid & Scholarship Department requires a FAFSA on file in order to certify your Alternative Loan. By submitting a FAFSA, you will be considered for Federal and Institutional Grants, and Federal Stafford Loans. Federal Stafford Loans offer better terms and conditions than Private Alternative Loans. International students are not required to file a FAFSA.
PIN
What is a PIN (number)? Where can it be used?
The PIN is issued by the U.S. Department of Education and it is very similar to the Personal Identification Number issued by your bank. The PIN allows you to retrieve and update your records at certain federal student aid Websites and it serves as an electronic signature for applications like the FAFSA. For example, you can use the PIN to sign and submit a FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA, and to make corrections to a previous application. A parent can also apply for one PIN number for all his/her dependent children. You can also check on your federal loan and grant history at the National Student Loan Data System Website (www.nslds.ed.gov).
How do I apply for a PIN? How long does it take?
If you have never been issued a PIN, go to www.pin.ed.gov and click on “Apply for a PIN.” You will be assigned a PIN instantly. After you receive the PIN assigned to you, we recommend you change it to something easy to remember.
How do I sign my FAFSA on the Web application if I am having problems obtaining my Personal Identification Number (PIN)? Do I really need a PIN?
Please remember that a PIN number is an electronic method of “signing” your FAFSA but it is not the only way to certify your application. For example, you can submit your application online but opt to print, sign and mail a Signature Page through postal mail instead of using a PIN. The Department of Education considers the receipt date and time of your FAFSA to be when you successfully submit your online application and this is recorded on the Confirmation Page. Please print a copy for your records. The date/time stamp is valid provided that your Signature Page is received within 14 days of transmission.
What if I forgot my PIN number?
If you have lost or forgotten your PIN, you need to request a duplicate. You can request a duplicate PIN at www.pin.ed.gov and click on “Request A Duplicate PIN”. You can choose to receive your duplicate PIN by e-mail, postal mail, or you may choose to view it instantly online.
Can I still sign my FAFSA application if it is already past 14 days?
Yes. It will be considered a correction to your FAFSA and the receipt date will be considered the date your correction is processed.
Can I change the last name associated with my PIN?
No. If you recently changed your last name, you will need to apply for a new PIN. Please make sure that the Social Security Administration already has your updated information. Otherwise, if your records still use your old last name, you will have to use your old PIN and last name to access those records.
Who do I contact with other problems?
You may call the Federal Student Aid Information Center at 800-433-3243 TTY 800-730-8913, or email technical support at fafsaweb@ncs.com.
Click here for more info about PIN
SATISFACTORY ACADEMIC PROGRESS (SAP)
What is SAP? Why did I fail? How do I get my financial aid back?
Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed at the end of each semester. Academic progress will be reviewed in several areas: units attempted versus units earned; academic disqualification by the University; and maximum units to complete a degree. Failure to meet satisfactory progress in any of these areas will disqualify a student for financial aid. A disqualification email notice will be sent detailing the reasons for denial. Reinstatement of aid is possible if there are extenuating circumstances for an appeal.
I failed one class. How will it affect my aid?
You may fail Satisfactory Academic Progress and be ineligible for aid. Satisfactory Academic Progress is reviewed at the end of each semester. Academic progress will be reviewed in several areas: units attempted versus units earned; academic disqualification by the University; and maximum unit limits to complete a degree. Failure to meet satisfactory progress in any of these areas will disqualify a student for financial aid. Reinstatement of aid is possible if there are extenuating circumstances for an appeal.
SCHOLARSHIPS
How do I apply for scholarships?
Go to Bayramian Hall, Student Services Center, Room 130 for information on University Scholarships and information on outside scholarships, including how to search for scholarships on the Internet.
Where do I search for Scholarships?
For information on both CSUN and Off-Campus Scholarship Programs, please refer to the Scholarship webpage. For Scholarships specific to your Major, inquire with your Department.
I was awarded a scholarship from an outside agency/former school. How do I get the money?
All outside scholarship checks should be taken to Bayramian Hall, Student Services Center, Room 130 or should be received by the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department. The funds will be coordinated with your other financial aid and then disbursed by University Cash Services.
Will my scholarship affect my aid?
The Financial Aid Office should be notified of all scholarships awarded. Scholarships will coordinated with existing financial aid awards, which may be reduced or canceled.
Click here to learn more about Scholarships
SPONSORED FEES AND STIPENDS
How do Sponsored Fees affect my aid?
If you have 3rd party sponsored fees, it must be coordinated with the rest of your financial aid. Grants such as State University Grant or Cal Grant may be reduced or cancelled.
How does my Stipend affect my FAFSA?
It may reduce or cancel all or part of your aid. Federal and State regulations require that students report to the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department all outside resources (other than employment) available to meet educational costs, so that all resources can be coordinated with student’s financial aid. Total financial aid and outside resources such as Stipends cannot exceed student’s total cost of attendance.
SUMMER AID
How do I apply for Summer Aid?
You must be a continuing CSUN student to be considered for Summer Aid. You must have a current year FAFSA on file, and you must submit a request for Summer Aid using the "Summer Academic Plan Form". Summer Aid instructions, forms, and deadlines.
UNITS OF ENROLLMENT
Do I have to be in 12 units in order to receive aid?
Your award represents the maximum amount you may receive if registered full-time. If you are registered less than full-time, your award is subject to reduction or cancellation.
What happens if I'm not enrolled full-time?
Your aid is subject to reduction or cancellation. Financial Aid Awards are projected at full time. The amount that will actually be disbursed to your student account may change depending upon the number of units you are actually enrolled in. This may show as less than your award amount. Refer to our Withdrawal Policy.
If I stop attending, will I be disenrolled?
No. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from all courses. Refer to CSUN’s Attendance Policy.
If I stop attending, will I have to repay my financial aid?
If you withdraw from all or some of your classes, including a Medical Withdrawal, all or part of your financial aid may be reduced or cancelled and you may have a balance due on your account.
What if I drop any or all my classes?
Please read the Withdrawal Policy.
VERIFICATION & FINANCIAL AID DOCUMENTS
Why was I selected for verification?
The Department of Education requires that all schools providing financial aid select a percentage of financial aid applicants to verify information on the FAFSA. If selected for verification, you must submit all requested documents to be considered for aid.
Why do I have to turn in my tax returns?
Your tax returns and W2 forms are necessary in order to verify the information submitted on your FAFSA.
I didn't file a tax return but it's on my To-Do List. What do I do?
If you did not file a tax return, you should report your earnings if any on the Verification Worksheet.
How long does it take for documents to be processed?
It can take from 2 to 4 weeks to process submitted documents. It may take longer if documents are incomplete. During peak periods, such as the beginning of the semester, it may take up to 6 weeks.
WINTER SESSION
Will financial aid cover my Winter Session?
Sorry. There is no financial aid funding for Winter Session.