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National Student Exchange

National Student Exchange (NSE) offers undergraduate students an opportunity to study at another NSE member university in the U.S., some Canadian provinces or a U.S. territory. Students may choose semester or yearlong programs. For detailed information about the NSE program and eligibility requirements, visit the Student Development & International Programs office.

Outgoing students: Northridge students studying at another university

Student Development & International Programs will determine where you will apply for aid based on one of the following plans.

Plan A: You must apply for financial aid with the host campus and pay fees to them. You will need to use the host campus' federal school code on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). To find the federal school code for the host campus, you can contact their financial aid office, visit their website or search for it through the FAFSA website. If you will be returning to Northridge for a semester, you must add the Cal State Northridge federal school code, 001153, to your FAFSA. We will process your financial aid for the semester you attend Northridge.

Plan B: Cal State Northridge is your home campus; you pay fees to and are considered for aid at Northridge. You must file a FAFSA and enter the Cal State Northridge federal school code, 001153. Your aid is determined as it is for regular Northridge students and will disburse based on the Cal State Northridge disbursement schedule. The funds are sent to your home address or via e-Refund after tuition and fees have been deducted.

Incoming students: Students from another university studying at Northridge

Plan A: You are considered for financial aid and pay fees through Cal State Northridge for the semester you will be attending. You must file a FAFSA and include the Cal State Northridge federal school code, 001153. Financial aid is based on the cost of attendance at Northridge. After tuition and fees have been deducted, financial aid funds are sent to your address on record with Northridge or via e-Refund. Note: some campuses fund their own outgoing Plan A students. You may contact your home campus find out if you are a part of that group.

Plan B: You must apply for financial aid and pay fees through your home campus. Cal State Northridge cannot consider you for financial aid. You will need to list your home campus on the FAFSA and contact the financial aid office at your home campus for funding; they will be responsible for disbursing your aid.

How do I notify the financial aid office that I will be an NSE participant?

If you are a Cal State Northridge student, you must apply for National Student Exchange through Student Development & International Programs. If you are approved, Student Development & International Programs will notify the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department to confirm your acceptance. We will then process your financial aid accordingly.

If you are an incoming NSE student Cal State Northridge's Student Development & International Programs will notify the Financial Aid & Scholarship Department at Northridge. Your aid eligibility will be determined based on your incoming NSE plan.