Frequently Asked Questions

How does Cal State East Bay determine my need?

When your (and your parents) completed the FAFSA, and Expected Family Contribution (EFC) was calculated for you. You were also assigned a Budget or Educational Cost, which is based on your at home, on-campus, or off-campus residency. Your need was determined by subtracting your EFC from your Budget as shown by the equation below. We also used your EFC to determine your eligibility for certain grants.

                   Cost of Attendance – Expected Family Contribution = Financial Need

Our Federal and State financial aid programs use this information to assist in forecasting a family’s ability to assist with college. Providing information on the FAFSA does not mean your parents are obligated to assist with college costs.

What can I do if I am financially independent from my parents?

The FAFSA uses a unique definition of “Independent.” If you answered NO to all questions in the FAFSA section 3, you must provide parent information on the FAFSA.

What if I cannot provide my parents’ information?

If you are unable to obtain your parents’ information, or if you believe you qualify for a dependency override, you may drop by our Warren Hall Student Information Lobby on the Hayward Campus to speak with a financial aid counselor.

How can I tell you that my income has changed since I completed the FAFSA?

If your or your parents’ income will be substantially less than the income reported for the previous year, you may request a Special Circumstance form in January of the year you plan to enroll. You should also meet with a financial aid counselor to discuss the changes in your income.

How many units do I need to take to remain eligible for financial aid?

While full time enrollment requires 12 units, the number of units you must maintain is determined by the type of aid you receive. Please refer to the unit requirements in the following aid category descriptions:

For an Undergraduate or Credential Classification: Full time is 12 or more units, three quarter time is 9 to 11 units, half time is 6 to 8 units, and less than half time is fewer than 6 units.

For a Masters Classification: Full time is 8 graduate level units, three quarter time is 6 graduate level units, half time is 4 graduate level units, and less than half time is fewer than 4 graduate units.

Students completing 36 units each academic year (12 units per quarter) will need at least 5 years to complete a bachelor's degree.

Will I lose my financial aid if I withdraw from a quarter or drop a class?

Most awards are based on full-time enrollment. If you drop classes during the Add/Drop period, the Office of Financial Aid may adjust some of your financial aid to the appropriate enrollment level. You may be required to repay the difference between the fulltime aid amount and the adjusted amount. If you must fully withdraw from a quarter, the financial aid office is required to recalculate your financial aid eligibility. You may be required to repay a portion or all of your aid.

Can I continue to receive financial aid if I do not pass all of my classes?

We will measure your academic progress at the end of each spring quarter. Financial aid recipients are expected to complete a minimum of 75% of all attempted units with a GPA of 2.0. You will receive the full Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy by mail.  Be sure to speak with a financial aid counselor if you are concerned about loss of your aid eligibility.

Will my financial aid pay my registration, orientation, and on-campus housing charges?

Yes, fees for students with financial aid are automatically postponed and are not subject to the regular deadline, provided you submit any required financial aid documents in your MyCSUEB To Do List by the financial aid document deadline. Financial aid awards will be credited to your account and applied to your fees for quarters where you have an award indicated in MyCSUEB. Students are responsible for any balance due after payments from financial aid are credited to your account in MyCSUEB; be sure to check your account regularly. Any outstanding balance must be paid before registering for subsequent quarter terms.

What do I do if my financial aid is not enough to pay my charges?

If your aid is insufficient to pay your University charges, you are responsible for paying your balance. If you owe a balance from a prior quarter, you may be denied access to future registration.

What should I do if I have a question about my aid?

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at your campus.

Student Information Lobby, Hayward Campus
Open Monday and Tuesday 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m., Thursday 8:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.
(510) 885-2784; FAX (510) 885-2161
finaid@csueastbay.edu

Academic Service Center, Concord Campus
Open 2nd Tuesday of each month.
(925) 602-6700