Financial Information

Fees and Expenses

https://afd.calpoly.edu/fees/

The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 through 66028.6 of the California Education Code).

The following reflects applicable systemwide tuition and fees for both semester and quarter universities.

These rates are subject to change.

2021/22 Basic Tuition

Basic Tuition Fees

Units	Per Quarter
Undergraduate Tuition
6.1 or more units	$1,914
0 to 6.0 units	$1,110
Credential Program Tuition
6.1 or more units	$2,220
0 to 6.0 units	$1,288
Graduate/Post Baccalaureate Tuition
6.1 or more units	$2,392
0 to 6.0 units	$1,388

The graduate business professional fee is paid on a per unit basis in addition to basic tuition and campus fees for specific graduate business programs authorized to assess the fee:

The total nonresident tuition paid per term will be determined by the number of units taken. 

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards may be used for payment of student tuition and fees but may be subject to a non-refundable credit card processing fee.

2022/23 Doctorate Tuition*

Doctorate Tuition Fees

	Units	Per Quarter	Per Academic Year
Audiology	All Students		$14,742
Education	All Students	$3,946	$11,838
Nursing Practice	All Students		$15,270
Occupational Therapy	All Students		$17,196
Physical Therapy	All Students		$17,196
Public Health	All Students		$18,900

*Applicable term tuition applies for universities with special terms, as determined by the university. Total college year tuition cannot exceed the academic year plus summer term tuition. The summer term tuition for the education doctorate at quarter universities is equal to the per semester tuition listed in the table. Total tuition for the education doctorate over the college year equals the per academic year tuition plus the per semester tuition for the summer term at all CSUs.

2022/23 Graduate Business Professional Fee

Schedule of Fees

Please refer to https://afd.calpoly.edu/fees/ for complete information on fees, including on-campus housing, meal costs, and parking fees.

All regularly enrolled students, both undergraduate and graduate, pay registration and tuition fees determined by the number of units per quarter. In addition to registration and basic tuition fees, nonresident and foreign students pay nonresident tuition fees. Mandatory system-wide tuition and other fees are waived for those individuals who qualify for such exemption under the provisions of the California Education Code (see Student Fee Waivers).

Registration and Tuition Fees Per Quarter

Registration and Tuition Fees are the sum of two types of fees:

1. Campus-Wide Fees that are payable irrespective of college, and
2. Campus Academic Fees, which vary by college/academic unit. Campus-wide fees include: basic Tuition Fee, Associated Students Fee, Health Facilities Fee, Instructionally Related Activities Fee, Health Services Fee, University Union Fee, and Campus Services Card Fee. Nonresident and foreign students are also charged per unit the nonresident tuition fee and an annual Opportunity Fee.

Cal Poly registration and tuition fees are due at the time of registration, and all prior term balances must be paid in full in order to register. Fees that are not paid by the seventh day following a student’s registration become past due, and a registration hold is placed on the account that prevents adding or swapping classes. If registration and tuition fees are still past due as of the next published cancellation date, then the student may be canceled from all enrolled classes. Students who have accepted financial aid, have an approved third-party contract on file, or are receiving fee waivers are not subject to class cancellation or financial registration holds until the quarter's first financial aid disbursement date. Financial aid students whose awards are insufficient to pay fees in full are billed for the balance, and are unable to register for subsequent quarters until the balance has been paid.

Refund of Tuition and Mandatory Fees, Including Nonresident Tuition

Regulations governing the refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, for students enrolling at the California State University (CSU) are included in Section 41802 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. For purposes of the refund policy, mandatory fees are defined as those systemwide and campus fees that are required to be paid in order to enroll in state-supported academic programs at the CSU. Refunds of fees and tuition charges for self-support, special session, and extended education programs or courses at the CSU are governed by a separate policy established by the University available at https://extended.calpoly.edu/about/policies.html

In order to receive a full refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, less an administrative charge established by the university, a student must cancel registration or drop all courses prior to the first day of instruction for the term. Information on procedures and deadlines for canceling registration and dropping classes is available online at https://registrar.calpoly.edu/.

For state-supported semesters, quarters, and non-standard terms or courses of four (4) weeks or more, a student who withdraws during the term in accordance with the university’s established procedures or drops all courses prior to the university-designated drop period will receive a refund of mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, based on the portion of the term during which the student was enrolled. No student withdrawing after the 60 percent point in the term is entitled to a refund of any mandatory fees or nonresident tuition.

A student who, within the university-designated drop period and in accordance with the university procedures, drops units resulting in a lower tuition and/or mandatory fee obligation shall be entitled to a refund of applicable tuition and mandatory fees less an administrative charge established by the university.

For state-supported non-standard terms or courses of less than four (4) weeks, no refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including non-resident tuition, will be made unless a student cancels registration or drops all classes, in accordance with the university's established procedures and deadlines, prior to the first day of instruction for state-supported non-standard terms or courses or prior to the first meeting for courses of less than (4) weeks.

Students will also receive a refund of tuition and mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, under the following circumstances

• The tuition and fees were assessed or collected in error;
• The course for which the tuition and fees were assessed or collected was canceled by the university;
• The university makes a delayed decision that the student was not eligible to enroll in the term for which tuition and mandatory fees were assessed and collected and the delayed decision was not due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the student; or
• The student was activated for compulsory military service.

Students who are not entitled to a refund as described above may petition the university for a refund demonstrating exceptional circumstances and the chief financial officer of the university or designee may authorize a refund if they determine that the fees and tuition were not earned by the university.

Information concerning any aspect of the refund of fees may be obtained from the Student Accounts Office in Building 1, Room 211. Contact information can be found at https://afd.calpoly.edu/student_accounts/.

Fees and Debts Owed to the University

Should a student or former student fail to pay a fee or a debt owed to the institution, including tuition and student charges, the institution may "withhold permission to register, to use facilities for which a fee is authorized to be charged, to receive services, materials, food or merchandise, or any combination of the above from any person owing a debt" until the debt is paid (see Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Sections 42380 and 42381).

Prospective students who register for courses offered by the university are obligated for the payment of charges and fees associated with registration for those courses. Failure to cancel registration in any course for an academic term prior to the first day of the academic term gives rise to an obligation to pay student charges and fees including any tuition for the reservation of space in the course.

The institution may withhold permission to register or other services offered by the institution from anyone owing fees or another debt to the institution. The institution may also report the debt to a credit bureau, offset the amount due against any future state tax refunds due the student, refer the debt to an outside collection agency and/or charge the student actual and reasonable collection costs, including reasonable attorney fees if litigation is necessary, in collecting any amount not paid when due.

The institution may not withhold an official transcript of grades by the institution from anyone owing fees or another debt to the institution (see Title 1.6C.7 (commencing with Section 1788.90) Part 4 of Division 3 of the Civil Code). The institution can still charge a fee for the issuance of the transcript pursuant to their published transcript processing fees.

If a person believes they do not owe all or part of an asserted unpaid obligation, that person may contact Student Accounts at (805) 756-1428. The Student Accounts office to which the business office may refer the person, will review all pertinent information provided by the person and available to the university and will advise the person of its conclusions. 

Credit Cards

Visa, Master Card, Discover Card, and American Express may be used for payment of registration and tuition fees, nonresident tuition fees, housing, dining plans and certain other University fees using the web credit card system. The University also accepts electronic check payments, known as eCheck or ACH, using the web on-line payment systems. Details concerning the use of electronic checks and credit cards for fee payments may be obtained from the University website at https://afd.calpoly.edu/student-accounts/payments/how-to-pay. Credit cards may be used for the purchase of theatre and sports events tickets from the Ticket Office or PolyTIX online ticketing website, Bookstore purchases, parking permits and payment of parking citations with University Police, and for Extended Education program fees. Contact the individual service center for specific credit card information.

Fee Waivers and Exemptions

The California Education Code provides for the waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition fees as summarized below:

Section 66025.3(a) - Dependent eligible to receive assistance under Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code; child of any veteran of the United States military who has a service- connected disability, has been killed in service, or has died of a service-connected disability, and meets specified income provisions; dependent, or surviving spouse who has not remarried of any member of the California National Guard who, in the line of duty, and while in the active service of the state, was killed, died of a disability resulting from an event that occurred while in the active service of the state, or is permanently disabled as a result of an event that occurred while in the active service of the state; and any undergraduate student who is a recipient of a Medal of Honor, or undergraduate student who is a child of a recipient of a Medal of Honor who is no more than 27 years old, who meets the income restriction and California residency requirement.

Section 66025.3(b) - Current or former foster youth who are 25 years of age or younger; has been in foster care for at least 12 consecutive months after reaching 10 years of age; meet any of the following:

i.    Is under a current foster care placement order by the juvenile court;

ii.  Was under a foster care placement order by the juvenile court upon reaching 18 years of age;

iii. Was adopted, or entered guardianship, from foster care;

iv. Completes and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA);

v.   Maintains a minimum grade point average and meets other conditions necessary to be in good standing at the university; and

vi. Meets the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A awards under Chapter 1.7 (commencing with Section 69430) of Part 42.

The waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees under this section applies only to a person who is determined to be a resident of California pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41 of the California Education Code.

Section 66602 – A qualifying student from the California State University (CSU) who is appointed by the Governor to serve as Trustee of the California State University (CSU) for the duration of the student member's term of office.

Section 68120 – Surviving spouse or child of a deceased California resident who was employed by a public agency or was a contractor, or an employee of a contractor, performing services for a public agency, or was a firefighter employed by the federal government whose duty assignment involved the performance of firefighting services in this state. The deceased person's principal duties consisted of active law enforcement service or active fire suppression and prevention, and was killed in the performance of active law enforcement or active fire suppression and prevention duties (referred to as Alan Pattee Scholarships). Additionally, a person who qualifies for the waiver under this section as a surviving child of a contractor, or of an employee of a contractor, who performed services for a public agency, must be enrolled as an undergraduate student at the California State University and meet the applicable income restriction requirement with supporting documentation (i.e. student's income, including the value of parent support, does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant B award).

Section 68120.3 - Surviving spouse (until January 1, 2033) or surviving child (until attaining the age of 30) of a deceased California resident who was a licensed physician or licensed nurse employed by or under contract with a health facility regulated and licensed by the State Department of Public Health to provide medical services, or a first responder employed to provide emergency services as described in Section 8562 of the Government Code. The deceased person's principal duties consisted of providing medical services or emergency services during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency (started March 4, 2020, until the Governor lifts the state of emergency), and the deceased person died of COVID-19 during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency. The person who qualifies for this waiver must enroll as an undergraduate student at a CSU, was a resident of California during the COVID-19 pandemic state of emergency, and the annual income (including the value of parent's support) does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant A award, as set forth in Section 69432.7.

Section 68121 – A qualifying undergraduate student (until attaining the age of 30) who is the surviving dependent of any individual killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in southwestern Pennsylvania, if the student meets the financial need requirements set forth in Government Code Section 69432.7 for the Cal Grant A Program and either the surviving dependent or the individual killed in the attacks was a resident of California on September 11, 2001.

Section 69000 – A California resident who has been exonerated, as that term is defined in Section 3007.05 of the Penal Code; completes and submits the FAFSA; and meets the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A awards. The student's mandatory systemwide tuition and fees waived pursuant to this subdivision shall not have in excess of the equivalent of six years of full-time attendance in an undergraduate program.

Students who may qualify for the above benefits should contact the Admissions/Registrar's Office for further information and/or an eligibility determination.

The California Education Code provides for the following nonresident tuition exemptions as summarized below:

Section 68075 - A student who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this state, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education, is entitled to resident classification only for the purpose of determining the amount of tuition and fees. If that member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is in attendance at an institution is thereafter transferred on military orders to a place outside this state where the member continues to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, the member shall not lose the member's resident classification so long as the member remains continuously enrolled at that institution.

Section 68075.7 – A nonresident student is exempt from paying nonresident tuition or any other fee that is exclusively applicable to nonresident students if the student:

1.   Resides in California;

2.   Meets the definition of "covered individual" as defined in Section 3679(c)(2) of Title 38 of the United States Code; or

3.   Is eligible for education benefits under the federal Montgomery GI Bill–Active Duty program (Chapter 30 (commencing with Section 3001) of Title 38 of the United States Code), the Veterans Readiness and Employment program (Chapter 31 (commencing with Section 3100) of Title 38 of the United States Code), the Post–9/11 GI Bill program (Chapter 33 (commencing with Section 3301) of Title 38 of the United States Code), or the Survivors' and Dependents' Educational Assistance program (Chapter 35 (commencing with Section 3500) of Title 38 of the United States Code), as each read on January 5, 2022.

Section 68122 – A student who is a victim of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes who has been granted a status under Section 1101(a)(15)(T)(i) or (ii), or Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i) or (ii), of Title 8 of the United States Code shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition to the same extent as individuals who are admitted to the United States as refugees under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code.

Section 68130.5 – A nonresident student, other than a person excluded from the term "immigrant" for purposes of the federal Immigration and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. Sec. 1101), pursuant to paragraph (15) of subsection (a) of Section 1101 of Title 8 of the United States Code, shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition if the student meets the requirements of (1) through (4), below.

1.   Satisfaction of the requirements of either subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B).

a.   A total attendance of, or attainment of credits earned while in California equivalent to, three or more years of full-time attendance or attainment of credits at any of the following:

i.   California high schools;

ii.  California high schools established by the State Board of Education;

iii. California adult schools established by a county office of education, a unified school district or high school district, or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (subject to the class hours' requirement);

iv. Campuses of the California Community Colleges (subject to the credit requirements); or

v.   A combination of those schools set forth in clauses (i) to (iv), inclusive.

b.   Three or more years of full-time high school coursework in California, and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of both.

2.   Satisfaction of any of the following:

a.   Graduation from a California high school or attainment of the equivalent thereof;

b.   Attainment of an associate degree from a campus of the California Community Colleges; or

c.   Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements established for the California State University for students transferring from a campus of the California Community College.

3.   Registration as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an accredited institution of higher education in California not earlier than the fall semester or quarter of the 2001–02 academic year.

4.   In the case of a person without lawful immigration status, the filing of an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize the student's immigration status or will file an application as soon as the student is eligible to do so.

Procedure for the Establishment or Abolishment of Campus-Based Mandatory Fees

The law governing the California State University provides that specific campus fees defined as mandatory, such as a student association fee and a student body center fee, may be established. A student association fee must be established upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the students voting in an election held for this purpose (Education Code, Section 89300). The university president may adjust the student association fee only after the fee adjustment has been approved by a majority of students voting in a referendum established for that purpose. The required fee shall be subject to referendum at any time upon the presentation of a petition to the university president containing the signatures of 10 percent of the regularly enrolled students at the university. Student body association fees support a variety of cultural and recreational programs, childcare centers, and special student support programs. A student body center fee must be established upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the students voting in an election held for this purpose (Education Code Section 89304). Once bonds are issued, authority to set and adjust student body center fees is governed by provisions of the State University Revenue Bond Act of 1947, including, but not limited to, Education Code sections 90012, 90027, and 90068. A student success fee may be established or adjusted only after the university undertakes a rigorous consultation process and a fee referendum is held with a simple majority favorable vote (Education Code, Section 89712). The student success fee may be rescinded by a majority vote of the students only after six years have elapsed following the vote to implement the fee.

The process to establish and adjust other campus-based mandatory fees requires consideration by the campus fee advisory committee and a consultation or student referendum process as established by California State University Student Fee Policy, Section III (or any successor policy). The university president may use consultation mechanisms if they determine that a referendum is not the best mechanism to achieve appropriate and meaningful consultation, and referendum is not required by the Education Code or Student Success Fee policy. Results of the referendum and the fee committee review are advisory to the university president. The president may adjust campus-based mandatory fees but must request the chancellor to establish a new mandatory fee. The president shall provide to the campus fee advisory committee a report of all campus-based mandatory fees. The university shall report annually to the chancellor a complete inventory of all campus-based mandatory fees.

For more information or questions, please contact the System Budget Office in the CSU Chancellor's Office at (562) 951-4560.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office
Administration Bldg. (01), Room 212
Phone: 805.756.2927; Fax: 805.756.7243
https://www.calpoly.edu/financial-aid

The University has a variety of scholarships, grants, part-time employment opportunities and loans designed to assist students financially. Additional current information may be obtained by accessing the Financial Aid Office website.

The application for financial aid is called the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).  The FAFSA is available at studentaid.gov.  The priority filing period for Cal Poly is October 1st through March 2nd for the following fall. Students who submit a valid FAFSA during that time are given priority for limited grant and scholarship funds.  All students are encouraged to file the FAFSA if they believe that they need financial assistance to pay for their educational expenses.

Typical Student Expenses

Each year the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office posts its anticipated student Cost of Attendance (COA) on their website at: https://www.calpoly.edu/financial-aid/costs-and-affordability

Please refer to that website for the most up-to-date information.

Cancellation of Registration or Withdrawal from the Institution and Financial Aid

Students who find it necessary to cancel their registration or to withdraw from all classes after enrolling for any academic term are required to follow the University’s official withdrawal procedures. Failure to follow formal University procedures may result in an obligation to pay fees, the assignment of failing grades in all courses and the need to apply for readmission before being permitted to enroll in another academic term. Information on canceling registration and withdrawal procedures is available from the Office of the Registrar, Administration Building, Room 222, 805.756.2531.

Students who receive financial aid funds must consult with the Financial Aid and Student Accounts Offices prior to withdrawing from the University regarding any refunds or repayments of grant or loan assistance received for that academic term or payment period. Students who have received financial aid and withdraw from the institution during the academic term or payment period may need to return or repay some or all of the funds received, which may result in a debt owed to the institution.

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University Scholarships

General Information

Scholarships are awarded each spring for the following fall.  Criteria include financial need, scholastic achievement, participation in school activities, community service, honors and organizational affiliations, and educational objectives. Some scholarships have additional requirements which relate to a concentration or field of study, geographic origin, class level, and project or design portfolios.  Generally a student must have at least a 3.0 grade point average.

There are numerous scholarships available due to the generous support of individuals and corporations. Please refer to the Financial Aid web site for detailed information.

Annual Deadline Date to Apply: Incoming students are automatically considered for scholarships. Continuing students should check with their department for any departmental deadlines.

How to Apply

The Financial Aid Office website offers the latest information at https://www.calpoly.edu/financial-aid. For need-based scholarships, completing the FAFSA is required.

Scholarship Notifications

Scholarships are normally awarded during the spring and summer for the following academic year. During that time award offer notices are emailed directing the student to the self-service portal to view financial aid awards which include scholarship amount, disbursement and donor information. Awardees must accept on-line scholarship offers acknowledging program responsibilities and requirements. Recipients must be in good academic standing and maintain full-time enrollment while receiving a scholarship (continuing education and Open University units are excluded). Some scholarships require recipients to have earned at least one-half the value of the scholarship during the previous year.

Scholarships are awarded for an academic year and are typically disbursed in quarterly increments. Non-attendance results in cancellation or a prorated amount.

Athletic Program Grants-In-Aid

Cal Poly athletic grants-in-aid are offered to selected students participating in intercollegiate athletics. Grants are renewable on a quarterly basis, the requisites for renewal being at the discretion of the University.

The grant-in-aid is subject to the financial limitations imposed by the National Collegiate Athletic Association and any conference of which the University is a member. Financial aid, scholarships, specific outside resources and employment are considered in determining compliance with these limitations. Additional information can be provided by the Athletic Department.

Other Scholarships

In addition to University scholarships, awards from various private donors and organizations are available to assist students with University expenses. Interested students should make inquiries for such awards directly to sponsoring organizations. Currently, Cal Poly students are beneficiaries of several million dollars of outside scholarship assistance each year. Students should take advantage of FREE scholarship search services; many who charge are selling information that is readily available at no cost. Other sources of scholarship funding may be available from:

• community organizations
• employers
• professional, career and trade associations

For valuable links visit the scholarship website a https://www.calpoly.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/scholarships/outside-scholarships.

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Grants

Federal Pell Grants are designed to help undergraduates and teaching credential candidates pay for their education. The Pell Grant amount is determined by the Expected Family Contribution, the cost of education, full-time or part-time enrollment and terms of enrollment. To apply, complete the FAFSA for the upcoming year.

Federal TEACH Grants are available to students who commit to four years of teaching in a high need area (science, mathematics, special education, and, in California, agriculture) in a school serving low income families. The grant converts to a federal unsubsidized loan if the teaching commitment is not met. To apply, complete the FAFSA for the upcoming year and contact the financial aid office.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG) is designed to assist undergraduate students who have substantial financial need. To apply, complete the FAFSA by March 2 for the upcoming school year.

Cal Grants

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) awards entitlement and competitive Cal Grants. To qualify, students must be California residents or eligible under AB 540. If applying for a Cal Grant for the first time, students must complete the FAFSA and a Cal Grant GPA verification form. Request the GPA Verification Form from your high school or college. To apply, complete the FAFSA and mail the GPA Verification Form to CSAC by March 2.

For the latest information on the Cal Grant program, visit the CSAC website at www.csac.ca.gov.

Cal Grant A is awarded to middle- and low-income undergraduates. New awards are limited to students who are freshmen, sophomores or juniors. Cal Grant A covers a portion of student registration fees and eligibility is tied to a family's incoming and assets as reported on the FASFA. Cal Grant A may be renewed until completion of four years of college attendance. Recipients must continue to meet eligibility standards. Students may be eligible for an additional year of Cal Grant A at Cal Poly if enrolled in a designated five-year program or the teaching credential program.

Cal Grant B is awarded to low-income undergraduate students. First year recipients receive stipend only. Cal Grant B renewal recipients receive stipend plus a portion of registration fees. Eligibility is tied to a family's incoming and assets as reported on the FASFA. Cal Grant B may be renewed until completion of four years of college attendance and students must meet eligibility standards. Students may be eligible for an additional year of Cal Grant B at Cal Poly if enrolled in a designated five-year program or the teaching credential program.

State Educational Opportunity Program Grant (SEOP) assists undergraduate students who have been admitted to the University through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP). To apply, complete the FAFSA by March 2 for the upcoming school year.

State University Grant (SUG) covers a portion of student registration fees. SUG is available to undergraduate and graduate students who are California residents or eligible under AB 540 and show financial need. To apply, complete the FAFSA by March 2 for the upcoming year. The SUG and the Cal Grant pay the same portion of registration fees. Students can receive only one or the other, not both.

Employment

Federal Work-Study (FWS) is a need-based program which provides part-time employment for students. Work-Study jobs assist students financially and may provide career related work experience. FWS positions are either on- or off-campus with approved departments/ organizations. Pay rates vary depending on job requirements and student skills. To receive priority consideration, complete the FAFSA by March 2 for the upcoming school year.

Loans

Loans are for educational purposes only, with specific provisions for repayment. There are three types: Federal Direct Student Loans (FDSL), Federal Parent Loans (PLUS), and on a very limited basis, Cal Poly Long-Term Educational Loans.

Federal Subsidized Direct Loans are available to students through the U.S. Department of Education. Annual amounts are based on the students' need as determined by the FAFSA and federal limits. The federal government pays the interest on the loan while the student is in school and there are deferment provisions. To apply, complete the FAFSA for the upcoming year.

Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loans are available for students who are ineligible for some or all of a subsidized Federal Direct Loan. With the exception of demonstrated financial need, borrowers must meet all eligibility criteria under the Federal Direct Loan program. Interest payments begin immediately after the loan is disbursed or the borrower may elect to defer payment and add the interest to the amount owed. An additional amount of Unsubsidized Direct Loan, above the Federal Subsidized Direct limit, may be available to independent students and to dependent students whose parents are denied a PLUS Loan.

Federal Parent Loans (PLUS) enable borrowers to obtain low interest loans for educational costs through the U.S. Department of Education. PLUS loan repayment begins when the loan is disbursed. To apply, complete the FAFSA.

University Long-Term Educational Loans are available to students who demonstrate long-term financial need. Some require written application, recommendations and interviews. The interest rate is four percent on the unpaid balance during repayment. Typically, interest accrues after the specified due date, graduation or withdrawal from the University. A one percent service charge is deducted from each loan disbursement.

University Short-Term Emergency Loans are designed to help students cope with unanticipated, educationally-related financial emergencies. Registration fees, rent, or utility bills are expenses that students should plan and are not considered emergencies as defined under this program. Full-time enrollment and a minimum 2.0 GPA are required. Each application is reviewed on a case-by-case basis. For further information, visit the Financial Aid Office website at https://www.calpoly.edu/financial-aid/types-of-aid/other-loans/emergency-loans, or stop by the office.

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