Financial Aid Guidelines
This information sheet provides MPA students with most of the steps necessary to apply for financial aid. Any questions must be directed to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Department. Please identify yourself as an MPA student.
To be considered for financial aid, the MPA student must be admitted into the Master's program by California State Northridge, Admissions and Records (A&R) AND complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Based on the information provided on the FAFSA, all MPA students may qualify for a Subsidized and or Unsubsidized Stafford Loan, if enrolled in at least four units per term. Other financial aid criteria must also be met.
The priority-filing deadline is March 2nd for the next academic year. Filing by this deadline improves your chances of having your aid available at the beginning of the Fall Term. If you apply after the deadline, it is still possible to receive financial aid. In approximately four to six weeks, you should receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) that should be retained for your records and can be used to make corrections. Make sure CALIFORNIA STATE UNIVERSITY, NORTHRIDGE is listed as one of the schools to receive your information (our Title IV Federal School Code is 001153).
Financial Aid and Scholarships receives your information from the Federal Government electronically. You may then be requested to provide more information. RESPOND TO THIS REQUEST IMMEDIATELY. Once all required documentation is in, you will be sent a Financial Aid Award Notice. You must submit a Loan Activation Request form form to receive any aid. Complete the bottom portion of the form to activate your loan.
You must pay for your tuition and other fees for all classes for a specific term and enrollment must be posted at Admission and Records before aid is released. Enrollment will be verified prior to any aid disbursement. Your Fall MPA grades will be reviewed in order to have your Spring Stafford funds released from an academic year loan. You must maintain at least half time status (4 units) during the Fall term to be eligible to receive a Spring disbursement.
The University Cash Services disburses all aid. Your funds will be mailed to you using the address you have provided the University. Any disbursement questions should be directed to University Cash Services at (818) 677-8000, Option 3. Questions regarding the application of Financial Aid funds to your student account should be directed to Student Accounting at (818) 677-8000, Option 2.
Once again, please contact us if you have any questions, as well as to ensure that policies and procedures have not changed. They can vary from year to year. If you have any other questions feel free to contact the MPA Office at (818) 677-5635.
Good luck and remember to start this process as soon as possible.