Graduate FAQ's

The Doctoral Student

Which programs are inlcude under the CSUF Doctoral student? 

• Doctor of Nursing Practice (33NDNPPDNP)
• Doctor of Nursing Practice-Nurse Anesthesia (33NDNAPDNP)
• Educational Leadership Higher Education (50EDCMPEDD)
• EdD Educational Leadership K- 12 (50EDLDPEDD)

I was told that I am in a “Special Program”, what does that mean?

Certain academic programs, such as the doctoral programs listed above, require year-round attendance and/or may have additional expenses that are above and beyond those of the standard student. These programs require special handling. In addition to the standard academic year terms of fall and spring, students enrolled in a Special Program are required to attend summer during at least one year of their academic program. As mentioned, some of these programs may have additional fee costs above and beyond the standard costs for fees, books, transportation, etc. The Office of Financial aid is required to reserve 1/3 of annual Federal Direct Loan eligibility for the mandatory summer term; and if applicable, update costs of attendance with any additional, allowable, educational expenses.

How does the financial aid process work while enrolled in a Special Program?

The financial aid process begins every year with the completion of the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or *California Dream Act Application (CDA); and submission of any additionally required information to the Office of Financial Aid. After submission of a FAFSA or CDA, and other required documentation has been reviewed by an office staff member, aid awards will be offered for fall and spring. The time frame from document submission to award posting is 4-6 weeks. Doctoral students required to attend summer, at a minimum of half-time status (6 units) will be awarded 2/3 of their annual Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility for fall/spring, reserving the remaining 1/3 of loan eligibility for the summer term. The remaining 1/3 reserve of loan aid will be offered between March-April for the upcoming summer term.*Exceptions-please note: California Dream Act applicants are not eligible for federally funded loan aid programs.

When I complete my financial aid application, what types of aid am I applying for?

As a Doctoral student, you are applying for the following two aid types when you complete your FAFSA:

• Tuition Grant : Doctoral programs provide fee grants toward covering a percentage of eligible students’ tuition fees. A percentage ofcumulative tuition fees paid, per program is set aside to be awarded to those students demonstrating financial need. Tuition fee revenuetotals must be determined at fall and spring census, prior to the initiation of the awarding process. After census, the amount of availablegrant funding to award is determined, and evaluations of eligibility per financial need begin. Preliminary award information is sharedwith college department representatives. Designated department representatives provide feedback, award amounts are finalized andsubsequently posted to eligible students’ accounts for fall, spring, and summer (if applicable) within 3 weeks after census.
• Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan : In completing a FAFSA as a doctoral student, the only other aid type considered for eligibility is aFederal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. The federal direct loan borrowing maximum for one academic year-fall/spring/summer is $20,500.00.

What if additional funding is needed to pay for program costs?

If an accepted financial aid award is not sufficient, and to pay out-of-pocket is not possible, borrowing an outside, alternative student loan may be an additional option to consider. Students may apply for an alternative private loan through the lending institution/bank of their choice. As a doctoral student, applying for a Federal Graduate PLUS loan may also be considered. 

When & how will financial aid be disbursed?

Based on federal regulations, accepted financial aid funds for those students enrolled in a minimum of 6 units per term will not be released any earlier than 10 days prior to the standard term, start date. Each term, all accepted financial aid will first be applied toward outstanding tuition and campus fees. If a financial aid award exceeds the amount of tuition and campus fees, the remaining funds will be disbursed directly to the student via direct deposit (if process is initiated by student with Student Business Services) or paper check.

Who can I contact if I have further questions about financial aid?

Please contact the  Titan Hub link opens in a new window  for additional support.