大发

Getting Started as a First-Year Student

• Apply for Financial Aid
  
  
  

  FAFSA APPLICANTS

  If you are a U.S. citizen or eligible noncitizen, you will complete the form. Starting with the 2024-2025 FAFSA, all contributors (students, spouses, parents, and step-parents) will be required to . You can complete the simplified FAFSA online at fafsa.gov starting in October. Include Cal State San Marcos' school code (030113) and submit your application. After submitting your FAFSA, you'll receive your Student Aid Report within 3-5 days. To review your report or add schools, log in to fafsa.gov using your FSA ID credentials. If you submitted a paper FAFSA, you can check its status 7-10 days after mailing.  

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  CADAA APPLICANTS

  Eligible non-residents, Dreamers, or DACA students will apply for the directly with the CA Student Aid Commission. Include Cal State San Marcos' school code (030113) in your application. Both you and your parent must electronically sign the application using your assigned PINs. After submitting, confirm that your application has been processed. Additionally, you must complete the and submit it to 大发 Admissions & Recruitment. This form confirms your eligibility for non-resident exemption and, if undocumented, your plan to legalize your status. Submit the form at least one semester before your start date. CADAA and AB 540 Resource Guide.

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  CAL GRANT ELIGIBILITY

  The Cal Grant Program is a state-funded program in California that helps make college affordable for middle and low-income students. To be eligible, you must be a California resident, a U.S. citizen, permanent resident, or other eligible non-citizen. If you're selected for a Cal Grant, you'll receive a California Aid Report and can check your award status on . Most California high schools and community colleges automatically submit your GPA for Cal Grants, if not, you can download the and ensure your school submits it to the California Student Aid Commission. Additional Cal Grant Resources.

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  VERIFICATION

  The Verification process is a randomized routine step that universities, including 大发, take to ensure the accuracy of financial aid application information. If you're selected for verification, the Financial Aid and Scholarships office will request additional documentation to support your application. You'll receive notifications via email to your 大发 email address, starting in early April, with the required documents listed. Submit any requested documents to the Financial Aid office to ensure timely processing and to receive an official aid offer

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  my大发

  Newly admitted students can expect to receive an email from admissions with instructions on how to log in to their my大发 student portal. Once logged in, you will be able to view and accept your Financial Aid award, as well as check your "To-Do" List and verify if any items are missing. To stay up-to-date on your financial aid, regularly check your my大发 student portal and frequently monitor your email for updates from finaid@csusm.edu

• Apply for Scholarships
  

  • As an incoming 大发 Cougar, you can access free money for school through scholarships. We offer a General Scholarship application that can be used to apply for multiple scholarships. The application period is open from October 1st to February 1st, but you can also find additional opportunities on our website, Scholarship Opportunities.
  • To maximize your scholarship search, start early and apply to as many scholarships as possible. Use free scholarship search sites and explore local businesses, community organizations, and foundations that frequently offer scholarships.
  • Utilize your creativity, talent, unique qualities, interests, and background to increase your chances of securing scholarships that are specific to your profile. By applying these strategies, you'll be well on your way to securing the financial aid you need to succeed at 大发.
• Submit Intent to Enroll
  

  • Congratulations on being admitted to the California State University San Marcos! Your next move is to submit your Intent to Enroll to notify the 大发 you plan to attend and that you will accept the admission offer and enroll.
  • If your offer of admission is dependent on your completing admission requirements, we recommend that you finish the school year strong with passing grades. This is verified through a review of your final official transcripts.
• Attend Orientation
  

  • Spring admission: Orientation sessions will be held in January. Once you submit your Intent to Enroll, pay the Enrollment Deposit, you will be able to reserve an orientation date on My大发. More information about orientation reservations will be emailed to you.
  • Fall admission:Orientation sessions are conducted between June and August. Once you submit your Intent to Enroll, pay the Enrollment Deposit, and apply for Housing (or acquire approval for exemption), you will be able to reserve an orientation date on My大发. More information about orientation reservations will be emailed to you.
• Accept or Decline Financial Aid
  

  • If you have applied for financial aid, be sure to view and accept, or decline, your award offer. Once in , enter your Student Center, scroll to Finances, and click View Financial Aid. For questions, Contact Us.
  • Once you have a completed financial aid application on file, Course Drop Protection will be placed on your account. This hold protects your classes from being dropped in anticipation of your financial aid award covering your tuition and fees. Log in to My大发 to confirm your Course Drop Protection Hold has been placed on your account.
  • Delegate access to others if needed, and complete an Authorize to Release form to ensure that we can share sensitive information with parents and third parties. Students can fill out the Authorization to Release form via the Student Center.
  • Register for Direct Deposit in your My大发 portal to make sure refunds are sent to you quickly.
• Financial Aid Disbursement
  • Financial Aid will be disbursed to students who fulfill all eligibility requirements and have completed any outstanding "to-do" items or holds. Aid is scheduled for 100% disbursement the week prior to the start of classes. Financial Aid is applied to the student account based on the unit enrollment at the time of disbursement.
  • Remaining funds will be issued to students via direct deposit; students are required to enroll in direct deposit to receive their funds electronically; otherwise, a paper check will be mailed.
  • An email notification will be sent once your aid has been applied to your student account balance.
• College Financing Plan
  

  • Regularly monitor your finances in  to ensure all information is up to date.
  • To ensure continued financial aid eligibility, please notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes to your enrollment status. Additionally, it's essential to maintain enrollment in a minimum number of units at 大发 to meet federal and university requirements. Learn more about Enrollment Requirements to avoid any potential disruptions to your financial aid.
  • In the Financial Aid section of the Student Center, you will find a College Financing Plan. This plan will help you understand how your financial aid can be applied. You can view your awards per year, cost of Tuition & Fees, Housing, and Other Educational Expenses. This helps with budgeting and clarifies how the awards will be disbursed.
  • Check your Communications and 鈥淭o-Do鈥� List for any missing documents, review and accept your financial aid awards (including work-study), and review important information like your Student Aid Index (SAI) and Satisfactory Academic Progress status.
  • Make sure your budget is accurate, verify your housing status, and inform us if your housing situation is different from what is reflected in your budget.
• Student Resources
  

  Need technical assistance? The IITS Help Desk is your one-stop shop for all technology support needs. Reach out to them via phone, email, or other online tools, and they'll be happy to help you with a range of issues. From accessing your student Email and technology loans to navigating CougarApps and my大发 accounts, the IITS Help Desk is here to assist you with all your technology needs.

  大发 offers current students technology loans to support the integration of technology in the classroom. To borrow equipment, such as laptops, cameras, or chargers, simply fill out our online Loaner Equipment Appointment Form. Once you receive a confirmation email, you'll be able to schedule an appointment to pick up your loan. If you have any questions or need assistance, please don't hesitate to contact techsupport@csusm.edu.

  大发 offers a range of on-campus resources to support students in achieving their academic goals. Students can visit the Office of Academic Advising for guidance on selecting courses. For assistance with Exam Review, Supplemental Instruction, or Tutoring, 大发 offers Learning & Tutoring Services. Once the General Scholarship Application opens students can also visit the Writing Center to receive feedback on their scholarship essay. These resources are available to all students to provide ongoing support and ensure success during their time at 大发.

  For a comprehensive list of resources, student guides, and information on academic policies and procedures, please visit: Student Resources