Financial Aid Opportunities
California Pre-Doctoral Program:
The California Pre-Doctoral Program is designed to increase the pool of potential faculty by supporting the doctoral aspirations of CSU students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages. Winners will be designated as Sally Casanova Scholars, as a tribute to Dr. Sally Casanova, for whom the award is named. With the aid of a faculty sponsor, these scholars are exposed to unique opportunities to explore and help prepare them to succeed in doctoral programs. The program provides travel funds to visit doctorate-granting institutions, options for summer research internships, and funds for other related activities.
Number Available: Varies
Dollar Amount: $3,000 plus funded summer internship opportunities
Deadline: Middle of March (Graduate Studies) / Early April (Chancellor's Office)
Process for Awarding: Applications are available in December. Students must obtain a faculty mentor and develop a budget for this program. Applications are reviewed for completeness by Graduate Studies and forwarded to the Chancellor's Office for final review and award selection.
Program Materials: California Pre-doctoral Program
Fleckles Fund Travel Award:
Funded by the Giles T. Brown Foundation, the Fleckles Fund seeks to support graduate education at CSUF by providing travel funds to graduate students presenting research at professional seminars. Awards are made from $100 to $500 for travel within the United States, and up to $800 for international travel.
Number Available: Varies
Dollar Amount: Varies
Deadline: Varies depending on availability of funding
Process for Awarding: A call for applications is sent if funds are available. Applications are returned to Graduate Studies Office. The Graduate Education Committee reviews and ranks the applicants. If funding is available, application information and materials will be posted here.
Program Materials: Not currently available
Giles T. Brown Outstanding Thesis Award
Honors a graduate student for their outstanding thesis.
Number Available: 1 winner, 1 honorable mention
Dollar Amount: $1000 winner & $100 honorable mention
Deadline: Middle of February (Graduate Studies)
Process for Awarding: This award is by faculty nomination only. Nomination materials include:
1. Four unbound copies of the thesis with the signed signature page.
2. Four copies of a non-technical summary, prepared by the student (1000-1500 words), describing the research and its significance for a general academic audience of non-specialists
3. An original and three copies of nomination letters from a member of the student’s thesis committee, the student’s Department Chair, and the College Dean. The letters should include information regarding the significance of the thesis, the contribution of the thesis to the department’s program, and the impact of the thesis on the knowledge base of the discipline. .
4. A short biography (minimum 125 words, not to exceed 150) of the nominee written by the student.
Program Materials: Thesis Award Program
Graduate Equity Program
Funded by the CSU, the Graduate Equity Program seeks to increase the diversity of students completing graduate degree programs, encourage further study in doctoral programs and promote consideration of university faculty careers. It provides fellowships of up to $2,500 to economically disadvantaged CSUF students who have overcome educational disadvantages or hardships. The fellowships are intended to minimize students’ debt burden, allowing them to complete their program more quickly and commence doctoral study.
Number Available: Varies
Dollar Amount: Varies
Deadline: First week in May (Graduate Studies)
Process for Awarding: Students must submit a FAFSA and have a minimum $1,000 need as determined by the U.S. Department of Education. Applications require a confidential letter of recommendation from a faculty member and a personal statement. Priority will be given to students involved in research or creative and scholarly activities with faculty members.
Program Materials: Graduate Equity Program
Non-Resident Tuition Fee Waivers (Executive Order 605):
A limited number of non-resident tuition fee waivers are available to recruit exceptional incoming international and non-resident students.
Number Available: Currently capped at 80. [Not to exceed: for undergrads (7.5% of undergraduate international student body); for graduates (25% of graduate non-resident & international students)
Dollar Amount: NA
Deadline: NA
Process for Awarding: College Deans, or Associate Deans, submit a nomination on the behalf of the student. Each college receives an allocated number of waivers for the academic year. Interested students should contact their department’s graduate program adviser or department chair.
Loans and Grants
Cal State Fullerton Financial Aid Office: http://www.fullerton.edu/financialaid/
