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Payments to Students:  Prize/Award

Based on the information you provided, the payment is considered a Prize or Award, and should be paid through the Accounts Payable Department.

Notes Regarding Awards

An award is typically for recognition of outstanding achievement in teaching, research, academic performance, or other performance-related activities.

Monies given to students that are for recognition of performance must be part of a documented campus program that includes guidelines, selection criteria, and procedures and published on the CSUSM website.

Students in programs not eligible for financial aid (i.e., non-matriculated students) fall under the "Award" category. The award would be processed via Accounts Payable as they cannot be processed through the student information system.

Notes Regarding Prizes

A prize is typically cash or cash equivalent that is a result of winning a contest or competition. A prize can be labeled and processed as long as the prize monies are not required to be spent on the costs associated with the student's pursuit of a degree (tuition, fees, books, equipment required for a course, or room and board). If the prize monies are restricted towards the student's educational costs, it must be considered a Financial Aid payment and processed via the Financial Aid Office.

Prizes are generally taxable and reported by CSUSM on Form 1099-MISC if they meet the reporting threshold ($500 or more in a calendar year). See .