financial aid basics
WHAT AFFECTS MY AID?
Bayramian Hall, first floor
(west of the Oviatt Library)
1-818-677-4085
Monday and Thursday: 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-6:30 p.m.
Friday: 8:30 a.m.-4 p.m.
Monday: 10 a.m.-3 p.m.
Tuesday and Wednesday: 10 a.m.-5:30 p.m.
(referral slip required from the first-floor financial aid window)
Please be in line at least 30 minutes before closing; hours are subject to change.
Enrollment
Why should I enroll full time and what are the benefits?
We highly recommend you enroll full time to achieve degree completion in the shortest amount of time. It's the most cost-effective option: It provides the maximum amount of financial aid and you may end up with less loan debt.
Do I have to be enrolled full time to receive financial aid?
No, your financial aid award will be adjusted based on your enrollment status. Most awards require at least half-time enrollment. If you are registered less than full time, your initial award amount is subject to reduction or cancellation.
Please note that some awards require full-time enrollment. Refer to the "Grants" section or review your scholarship details to determine if you must be a full-time student.
What happens if I'm not enrolled full time?
Your aid is subject to reduction or cancellation. Your initial award represents the maximum amount you may receive if registered full time. The amount that is disbursed to your student account may change depending upon the number of units you are enrolled in. Refer to our withdrawal policy on our website.
My financial aid award is based on full-time status, but I indicated on the FAFSA that I would be enrolled less than full time. Why is that?
At Northridge, your initial award is always based on full-time enrollment. At the time financial aid is applied to your account, your award will be adjusted if you are enrolled less than full time.
What is considered part-time enrollment for an undergraduate, credential and graduate student?
|
Undergraduate Credential Second Bachelor's |
Master's | |
|---|---|---|
| Full Time | 12 units | 8 units |
| Three-Quarter Time | 9 to 11 units | 5 to 7 units |
| Half Time | 6 to 8 units | 4 units |
| Less Than Half Time | 1 to 5 units | 1 to 3 units |
Why do I need to meet with an academic advisor to plan my graduation?
A good academic plan helps you complete your degree in a timely fashion, which saves you money in the long run. Consult your academic advisor for help with academic progress concerns.
How will my financial aid change if my unit load changes?
If you are registered less than full time, your initial award amount is subject to reduction or cancellation. Your initial award represents the maximum amount you may receive if registered full time. The amount disbursed to your student account may change depending on the number of units you are enrolled in.
Financial aid counselors can explain the pros and cons of changing your enrollment status and how it affects your financial aid. Please visit the financial aid counter on the first floor lobby of Bayramian Hall during counselor walk-in hours.
If I drop a class that brings me below full-time status, will it affect my financial aid?
Yes, we will adjust your aid depending on the award type. If you have a Stafford loan and you drop below half time, any amount not disbursed for the academic year will be canceled, and any refund will be sent to your lender.
What happens if I receive a payment and then I drop a class?
If you drop a class, you may be required to repay part or all of the funds received. For example, if you receive a full-time federal Pell grant payment, 100 percent of the awarded amount, and you drop to 9 units, your enrollment status changes from full time to three-quarter time; therefore, you may have to repay 25 percent of the amount already received.
What if I drop any or all my classes?
Please read the withdrawal policy.
What happens if I receive a part-time payment and then I add a class to increase my enrollment status?
It is possible to receive several disbursements at the beginning of the semester if your enrollment status changes. For example, if you are enrolled in 6 units when the initial payment is made, you may receive only 50 percent of your federal Pell grant award.
If you add a class for a total of 9 units, your eligibility will be recalculated as three-quarter time status and your payment will be adjusted accordingly. If you add another class for a total of 12 or more units, you will qualify for a full-time payment and another adjustment will be made. Disbursements occur once a week.
What happens to my financial aid if I do not complete my classes?
Completing your classes is a necessary part of meeting the campus Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements. If you do not complete your classes, it may affect your ability to receive aid the next semester or academic year. Please read the Satisfactory Academic Progress policy for further details.
If I stop attending, will I be disenrolled?
No. It is the responsibility of the student to withdraw from all courses. Refer to the attendance policy at Northridge.
If I stop attending, will I have to repay my financial aid?
If you withdraw from all or some of your classes, even if it is a medical withdrawal, your financial aid may be reduced or canceled. A balance may be due on your account.
Do I need to be enrolled full time to receive financial aid in the summer?
No, the number of units you enroll in for one summer term will determine the type and amount of summer financial aid. Normally, summer aid is limited to loans, the Pell grant and tuition fee grant.
For more detailed information, refer to the summer fact sheet, which is usually available in the spring. To receive Stafford loans, students must be enrolled at least half time. For undergraduate, credential, and second bacehlor's students, half-time enrollment is six units. For students enrolled in a master's program, half-time enrollment is four units.
Do I need to be a full-time student to receive my scholarship?
It depends on the scholarship. Some require full-time enrollment. Check with your donor or one of our scholarship representatives in Bayramian Hall 130.
What is a pro-rated award?
Your award may be reduced if you are not enrolled as a full-time student. You may also be required to repay your financial aid award if you drop classes after your financial aid has been paid.
Lower enrollment may lower your award amount; an award revision will be done and you will be notified. Please submit a Status Change Notification Form to the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department if you will not attend classes for any semester.
Financial Aid & Scholarship Department
© California State University, Northridge
18111 Nordhoff St. Northridge, CA 91330
Phone: 1-818-677-4085
