Financial Aid
The Office of Financial Aid at California Lutheran University offers a variety of resources to help bridge the gap between the institution’s cost of attendance and a family’s ability to pay. Awards of financial assistance to CLU students may include funds from the federal or state government, the institution and/or from outside organizations.
Students need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to apply for financial aid which is available online at www.fafsa.gov. The Title IV school code for California Lutheran University that students need to indicate on the FAFSA is 001133.
Procedures
To be considered for financial assistance, the applicant needs to do the following:
- Apply for admission to California Lutheran University and be admitted or be a currently enrolled student who is continuing enrollment at CLU for the following academic year.
- Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be completed and submitted online at www.fafsa.gov.
- If selected for verification, students must submit all requested documentation to the Financial Aid Office within 30 days of receipt of the letter from the Office of Financial Aid.
After a student is awarded financial aid, an email notification is sent to the student’s callutheran.edu email address and the student can review the award in WebAdvisor. Incoming new students also receive a paper financial aid award letter. The student must accept the award(s) he or she wants and decline the award(s) he or she does not want. If the student chooses to borrow funds, he or she must follow the steps to complete the loan application (Master Promissory Note) and Entrance Counseling (if applicable).
To receive the full amount of federal and state grant aid and any institutional gift money awarded as part of an undergraduate student’s Financial Aid Award, the student must be enrolled in at least 12 undergraduate units per semester. Students enrolled in less than 12 undergraduate units per semester will not be eligible for institutional gift aid and will most likely see a reduction in federal and state grant aid. Students must be enrolled in at least six undergraduate units per semester to be eligible for federal loans.
If a student is in his or her last semester prior to graduation and requires less than 12 units to complete his/her graduation requirements, he or she will only be eligible to receive a prorated amount of institutional gift assistance and federal loan funds. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
New Students
For priority awarding, all of the above steps need to be completed between January 1 and March 1.
California residents who are applying for a Cal Grant must complete the FAFSA and the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form by March 2. The GPA Verification Form is available at www.csac.ca.gov and is normally completed using the student’s high school grade point average (GPA) or the GPA submitted by the student’s community college of attendance.
Renewal Applicants
Financial aid awards are made for one year only. Continuing students must re-apply each year by resubmitting/renewing the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline. Failure to submit the FAFSA by the March 1 priority deadline may result in a reduction of federal and/or institutional aid. Failure to submit the FAFSA by the April 15 final deadline will result in a reduction of institutional aid. Please note that CLU will submit all continuing students’ GPAs to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) for consideration for Cal Grant by March 2.
Academic Scholarships and Visual and Performing Arts Scholarships are renewable if the student maintains the required GPA and meets all department requirements. Renewal award letters are prepared for continuing students by early June of each year provided the March 1 priority deadline has been met.
Dependency Status
A student is considered “independent” if he or she falls within one of the following categories at the time the FAFSA is filed:
- Is 24 years of age or older
- Is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
- Is currently serving on active duty for purposes other than training
- Is pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree
- Is married
- At any time after age 13, both parents are deceased, were in foster care or were a dependent or ward of the court
- Has children he or she supports more than 50%
- Has legal dependents (other than children or a spouse) he or she supports more than 50%
- Is an emancipated minor as determined by a court in the student’s state of legal residence
- In a legal guardianship as determined by a court in your state of legal residence
- Other categories as listed on the FAFSA regarding being an unaccompanied youth who was homeless or were self-supporting and at risk of being homeless
If a student has special circumstances, a dependency override may be considered. Contact the Office of Financial Aid for the forms needed to appeal dependency status.
CLU Academic Scholarship
Academic Scholarships are awarded to new freshman and transfer students who qualify. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years based upon the student’s grade level at entrance, cumulative Grade Point Average (GPA), and Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP). Students must maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA to retain the scholarship if they started at CLU as a freshman and must maintain a 2.5 cumulative GPA to retain the scholarship in subsequent years if they started at CLU as a transfer student. To meet SAP, a student must complete at least 12 units in the fall semester and at least 12 units in the spring semester of enrollment at CLU.
CLU Presidential Scholarship
Presidential Scholarships recognize and reward graduating high school seniors in the top tier of CLU’s applicant pool who embody the University’s educational and leadership goals. Students invited to come to campus for Honors Visit Day will interview for the top scholarships offered by the University. These scholarships are renewable for up to four years as long as the student maintains a 3.0 or higher Grade Point Average (GPA) and meets Satisfactory Academic Progress. The scholarships awarded through this program will replace any Academic Scholarship the student received at the time of admission and will also replace the CLU Guarantee Scholarship in its entirety if it is higher.
CLU Guarantee Scholarship
CLU offers first-year and transfer students who are also admitted to UCLA, UCSB, UC Davis, UC Berkeley, or UCSD a renewable scholarship based on the Cost of Attendance (COA) at CLU and the average COA of these five public institutions. The scholarship makes the cost of attending CLU approximately the same as the cost of attending these five state institutions. To receive the CLU Guarantee Scholarship in subsequent years, the student must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 if entered CLU as a freshman or 2.5 if entered CLU as a transfer student. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years based on the student’s grade level at time of enrollment. The CLU Guarantee Scholarship will replace any CLU Academic Scholarship the student received at the time of admission and will also replace the Presidential Scholarship in its entirety if it is higher.
Visual and Performing Arts Scholarship (VAPA)
Students with talent in the areas of visual arts, theatre arts, or vocal or instrumental music can audition for a VAPA scholarship prior to enrolling at CLU. For fall enrollment, the application must be completed by February 1 and the audition completed by February 22. The application is available online at www.callutheran.edu/vapa. For spring enrollment, students are considered on a case-by-case basis by the faculty. For more information, please contact the Admission Office.
Cal Grant
Awards of up to $9,708* for Cal Grant A and up to $11,259* for Cal Grant B and Access are offered by the California Student Aid Commission to students who are residents of California, have financial need as defined by the state, and who meet the academic and income/asset requirements in effect at the time of application. A Cal Grant GPA Verification Form is required for first-time applicants. The Verification Form and the FAFSA must be submitted by March 2 to be considered for eligibility.
* These amounts are subject to change based on the annual amounts as determined by the California Student Aid Commission (www.csac.ca.gov) and funding available from the state of California.
Federal Pell Grant
Federal Pell Grant is available to undergraduate students with exceptional financial need. To apply, students must complete the FAFSA form. For 2012-2013, eligible students received up to $5,550* if they meet eligibility requirements.
*This amount is subject to change each year depending on government regulations and the federal budget allocations. Please go to the Office of Financial Aid’s website for the most up-to-date information.
Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)
Federal SEOG is provided to eligible students with extremely high financial need. Unlike Federal Pell Grants, FSEOG funding is very limited. CLU receives a specified amount of FSEOG funds each school year. Once those funds are depleted, no additional awards can be made to students.
Federal Work-Study
Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a part-time employment program which helps high-need students meet educational expenses. While FWS offers students the opportunity to apply for a job, there is no guarantee of obtaining a position as job availability is limited. FWS jobs are highly competitive and it is the student’s responsibility to be proactive in applying and following up with prospective employers. Students who have a Federal Work-Study position cannot be a Resident Assistant or Departmental Assistant.
Student Employment
The Student Employment Coordinator lists part-time, full-time, and seasonal jobs for both on- and off-campus work on the student employment website. Off-campus job listings are posted as received. On-campus jobs are posted as positions become available. All CLU students seeking employment information may contact the Student Employment Coordinator in the Office of Financial Aid for further information.
Federal Perkins Loan
This low interest subsidized loan is made available to students who qualify on the basis of verified financial need. Based on available funds, undergraduate students may borrow up to $4,000 per year at CLU. Students are awarded a Federal Perkins Loan by the Office of Financial Aid based on EFC, need, and grade level. If a student is offered a Perkins Loans, he or she must complete Entrance Counseling and an application in order to receive the loan.
Repayment begins nine months after graduation or at the time the student leaves the University or drops below half-time enrollment. Repayment may be extended for up to 10 years. Loan deferments are available for individuals who return to school for the purpose of furthering their education. Exit Counseling is required prior to leaving CLU, graduating, or when the student is no longer eligible to receive a Perkins Loan.
*The information above regarding the Federal Perkins Loan is accurate as of time of printing. Due to potential legislation from the government, the rules and regulations surrounding the Perkins Loan may change at any time.
Federal Stafford Loan
The Federal Stafford loan program is divided into two types of loans – subsidized and unsubsidized. Both have fixed rates (please contact the Financial Aid Office for the most current interest rate information) and are available to students who are fully admitted to an eligible program of study and are enrolled at least half time (for traditional undergraduate students this means being enrolled in at least six units per semester).
The U.S. Department of Education funds the loan. Students must apply and may need to complete Entrance Counseling. At the present time, the maximum amount that can be borrowed by a dependent student for an academic year is $5,500* for freshmen (up to $3,500 of this amount may be subsidized); $6,500* for sophomores (up to $4,500 of this amount may be subsidized); and $7,500* for juniors, seniors and teacher preparation students (up to $5,500 of this amount may be subsidized).
At the present time, the maximum amount that can be borrowed by an independent student for an academic year is $9,500* for freshmen (up to $3,500 of this amount may be subsidized); $10,500* for sophomores (up to $4,500 of this amount may be subsidized); and $12,500* for juniors, seniors and teacher preparation students (up to $5,500 of this amount may be subsidized).
The federal government pays the interest on the subsidized Stafford loan while the student is enrolled in school at least half time (at least six units per semester). Students who do not qualify for the subsidized Stafford may borrow the unsubsidized Stafford loan which does accrue interest. Students have the option of making interest-only payments or allowing interest to accrue. To apply, students must complete a FAFSA form, accept the loan as part of the Financial Aid Award, and submit an online loan application.
*Amounts are subject to change based on government regulations and allocations. Please contact the Financial Aid Office for the most up-to-date information.
**The information above regarding the Federal Stafford Loan is accurate as of time of printing. Due to potential legislation from the government, the rules and regulations surrounding the Stafford Loan may change at any time.
Parent PLUS Loan
Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) are available to parents of dependent undergraduate students. The interest rate is fixed at 7.9 percent. The annual loan limit is the student’s cost of attendance minus other financial aid.
If the parent PLUS loan is denied, the dependent student may apply for additional unsubsidized Stafford loan money in the following annual amounts: for freshmen and sophomores $4,000, and for juniors and seniors $5,000.
Private Loans
Alternative Student Loans are loans that are available to students who need additional assistance after exhausting any Stafford and/or PLUS loan options. These are credit-based loans with variable interest rates and are recommended as a last resort. Please contact the Office of Financial Aid for additional information.
Resident Assistantships
Resident Assistantships are stipend positions. Selection is made through the Residence Life Office. Students who are Resident Assistants cannot be Departmental Assistants or have another on-campus job through Federal or Campus Work-Study.
Departmental Assistantships
Departmental Assistantships are awarded each year to students of high academic standing in their major fields of study. Application should be made to the appropriate department chairs. Each assistantship carries a stipend to be determined at the beginning of each academic year. Students who are Departmental Assistants cannot be Resident Assistants or have another on-campus job through Federal or Campus Work-Study.
Veterans’ Benefits and Responsibilities
As students of California Lutheran University, veterans or their eligible dependents may be entitled to education benefits through Veterans Affairs. Students must submit a Veterans School Form in the Registrar’s Office to notify CLU that they are a recipient of those benefits. Students who receive VA benefits are responsible for promptly notifying the VA certifying official in the Registrar’s Office of changes in academic program, course load, address, marital or dependent status and of withdrawal from one or more courses. Questions about enrollment status should be directed to the VA certifying official in the Registrar’s Office. For information about benefits, contact the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
ROTC Scholarship Program
ROTC scholarships pay all costs for tuition, registration, laboratory fees and books, plus a monthly cash allowance. Full four-year scholarships are offered to high school seniors selected in a nationwide competition. A limited number of less-than-four-year scholarships are available to outstanding students enrolled in the ROTC program.
Aid for Native Americans
Native American students who can prove membership of a federally recognized tribe may receive educational grants from the federal Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA).
Congregational Partners in Education (CPE) Award
This renewable award allows congregations to assist outstanding young people who have demonstrated a commitment to the life and work of their church. CLU will match gifts from the congregation in support of a student in $100 increments to a maximum of $2,500 as long as the student is enrolled full time (12 units per semester).
ELCA Pastor’s Family Award
The ELCA Pastor’s Family Award of $1,500 per academic year is available to children of all ELCA clergy. To be eligible, students must be unmarried, under the age of 23, and enrolled full time at CLU (12 units per semester).
Required Reporting
It is the student’s responsibility to report any change in status or resources while receiving financial aid. Failure to do so may result in denial of further financial aid.
The Office of Financial Aid receives periodic reports from the Housing, Registrar, and Payroll offices listing student resources in the form of room and board awards, nontaxable income (VA, Social Security, private scholarships) and earnings other than Work-Study. These reports are checked against previously reported student resources to determine ongoing eligibility.
Financial aid awards will be adjusted if receipt of additional resources results in a reduction of financial eligibility. If funds in excess of the revised eligibility figure have already been received, the student is responsible for the immediate repayment of those funds.
Similarly, if circumstances change to increase financial need, consideration will be given to an increased award if funds are available.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
In accordance with Federal Financial Aid Regulations, financial aid recipients are required to meet SAP requirements toward graduation in order to continue to receive financial aid.*
In order to receive financial aid [which includes CLU Scholarships, CLU Grants/Match Programs, Federal Pell Grants, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants (FSEOG), Cal Grants, Federal Work-Study (FWS), Perkins Loans, Federal Stafford Loans, PLUS Loans, and Alternative Loans certified by CLU], a student must be enrolled in an eligible program of study that leads to a Bachelor’s Degree. In addition, there are three requirements that students must meet to be eligible to receive financial aid:
1. Qualitative requirement: the minimum grade point average (GPA) the student must maintain
2. Quantitative requirement: the number of units the student completes versus the number of units attempted
3. Maximum Timeframe: the maximum length of time for which the student may receive financial aid
* To learn more about the SAP policy and other academic progress policies that affect continued eligibility for federal, state, and/or institutional funding such as Academic Scholarship Eligibility (ASE) and Institutional Aid Eligibility (IAE) , please refer to the policies that are posted on the Office of Financial Aid website under the heading “Satisfactory Academic Progress."
Refund Policies for Federal Aid
Students who receive federal aid* are subject to federal return of funds policies. If the payment period for which a student received funds (semester) is not completed and the student withdraws from all courses, then the student is only eligible for a percentage of the aid equal to the percentage of the period completed. The following is an example of this concept:
Krista enrolls in the fall semester but drops out before the end of the semester. She actually completes 35 percent of the semester and, therefore, is only eligible for 35 percent of the aid awarded for that period (amount earned).
If the aid earned is more than the amount that was actually disbursed to the student (credited to their account), then California Lutheran University will offer the student a post withdrawal disbursement according to certain conditions such as whether or not a valid Student Aid Report has been received, the status of the verification process, etc.If the amount disbursed is more than the amount earned, then California Lutheran University must return the amount unearned to the U. S. Department of Education. The student will then be responsible for any balance owed to California Lutheran University caused by the return of funds.For additional information, please contact the Office of Financial Aid at (805) 493-3115. *Federal aid covered by the Return of Funds policies includes the Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, Subsidized Stafford Loan, Perkins Loan, PLUS loan, Pell Grant, and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG). Federal Work-Study is not covered by these policies.If a student must discontinue his or her studies before the end of a semester, the amount of institutional gift monies allowed to remain with the student will be in proportion to the amount of time the student was enrolled and amount charged. To determine the percentage of reduction applicable to university aid, please check with the Student Accounts Office.