Types of Financial Aid

Financial Aid and Scholarships offers loans and Work-Study to graduate students. Need is determined through filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application. We strongly recommend researching all possible funding options in order to minimize loans, and maximize any available grants or scholarships by contacting your respective department.

Admitted and continuing students may log in to their MyAwards to review the types of aid that may be included in their financial aid package available in:

  • Teaching Credential Program - April
  • Master in Education - August
  • CANDEL Program - August
  • All other Education Programs - June

Loans

Loans are financial aid awards that require repayment with interest under varying terms and conditions. Students may receive a maximum $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Students may also borrow up to the cost of attendance, minus other estimated financial aid in Graduate PLUS Loan. Students may also seek other alternative options such as Alternative Loans.

During designated times of the year, you may apply for Emergency, Short-term and Assistant loans. 

Work-Study

Work-study is a program for students with financial need, and the school pays for a percentage of the costs of Graduate Student Research (GSR) employment. In the School of Education, only PhD students are eligible for work-study. While you may be eligibile, there are a limited number of Work-Study units available to graduate students.

Grants and Scholarships

Merit-based awards, such as fellowships, stipends, block grants, and scholarships are managed by the School of Education. Some of these fellowships, federal training grants, or scholarships are need-based; therefore, Graduate Studies requests that all graduate students file a FAFSA or the California Dream Act Application for full consideration of all sources of support. The following links from the School of Education give an overview of additional funding options.

Apply for the Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Extension

Undergraduates who received a Cal Grant A/B and plan to enroll in a Teaching Credential Program (TCP) may be eligible to renew their grant in year one of the credential program. Recipients must reactivate their Cal Grant benefits within 15 months of the term for which they last received payment. The Request for Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Benefits Form (G-44) must be submitted to the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) to verify eligibility.