Claremont Graduate University can assist students with financial aid packages that may consist of fellowships, on campus employment, loans and more. Follow these steps to make the most of your financial aid opportunities.
International and Undocumented Students: Skip to Step 3.
Step 1: Create an FSA ID
What to Do:
Create an FSA ID at fsaid.ed.gov.
What Does It Mean?
Your FSA ID will allow you access to your personal financial aid records and will serve as your electronic signature for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and the application process for federal financial aid programs.
Step 2: File your FAFSA
What to Do:
Using your FSA ID, file the free application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa available beginning October 1st each year and submit by the filing deadlines. CGU’s School Code is G01169.
What Does It Mean?
Filing the FAFSA is the first step toward getting federal aid for graduate school. The federal government has work and graduate loan programs for eligible students. Be sure to verify which FAFSA to complete based on your plans for enrollment.
Step 3: Review Your Financial Aid Award
What to Do:
The CGU Financial Aid Office will notify you via your CGU email to review your financial aid award. You will be directed to our student portal to review your award.
What Does It Mean?
All students enrolling in coursework should see their fellowship posted once their email is received. Fellowships are posted within three business days of a student’s admittance to CGU.
For federal aid applicants, the CGU Financial Aid Office will determine your federal loan and work study eligibility based on the FAFSA submitted. This process generally takes 7-10 business days after you submit the FAFSA. Please note that federal award processing does not begin until February of each year.
Step 4: Explore External Scholarships/Fellowships
What to Do:
Explore scholarship search engines and review CGU’s Fellowship Support List.
What Does It Mean?
If you are interested in additional fellowship or scholarships, seek more information on Financial Aid’s External Funding page or contact your Financial Aid or Admissions Representative.
If you are expecting to receive external scholarships, please be sure you’ve notified the Financial Aid Office so that it may be reflected in your financial aid award.
Step 5: Explore Campus Jobs
What to Do:
Explore campus employment and part time work opportunities.
What Does it Mean?
If you are interested in working on campus, please view job opportunities on Handshake or through the Career Development Office. If you are interested in Federal Work-Study and are not currently awarded it, please contact the Financial Aid Office to check your eligibility and/or to be placed on the waitlist.
International Students: Visit the International Students community for specific requirements.
Step 6: Explore/Finalize Loan Processes
What to Do:
Review loan offers or explore additional loan options. For Federal Loan Acceptance, complete the following processes:
1. Entrance Counseling
2. Loan Agreement/Master Promissory Note (MPN)
What does it mean?
Complete online Entrance Counseling and Master Promissory Note (MPN) at studentloans.gov. Both must be completed to finalize the federal loan process. Use your FSA ID to sign into studentloans.gov. If additional funds are needed to cover the cost of your education, complete the Federal PLUS Application for Graduate/Professional Borrowers (Grad PLUS Application) at studentloans.gov.
Step 7: Arrange Payments
What to Do:
View payment options and solidify payment arrangements with CGU Student Accounts Office. An installment plan is available on your MyCGU student portal under Financial Account. Please note there is a flat $35 enrollment fee when using the installment plan, but no financing charges are applied.
What Does It Mean?
Arrangements must be made to pay the remaining balance of your tuition and fees (less financial aid) prior to the tuition deadline.
Questions?
- Federal Aid & External Awards: finaid@cgu.edu or (909) 621-8337.
- International Students: international@cgu.edu or (909) 607-0434.
- Fellowships: Contact your academic department or admission specialist.
- Housing: housinginfo@cgu.edu or (909) 607-8506.
- Student Accounts: student.accounts@cgu.edu or (909) 607-2613.