Aid Programs: Newly Admitted & Current Graduate Students

Scholarships are available to FAFSA and DREAM Applicants. 

Scholarships are considered gift-aid:  They don't need to be repaid!  There are thousands of them, offered by schools, employers, individuals, private companies, nonprofits, communities, religious groups, and professional and social organizations. 

A scholarship might cover the entire cost of your tuition, or it might be a one-time award of a few hundred dollars. Either way, scholarships are worth applying for as they can help you cover your educational costs, and reduce your dependence on loans. 

Our Scholarships page is your resource for information on a variety of Cal Poly Pomona and outside scholarship opportunities. 

Cal Poly Pomona Grants are available to FAFSA or DREAM Applicants.

Students enrolled in programs offered through the College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) are not eligible for Cal Poly Pomona Grants (including the State University Grant).

Priority filing deadline for Cal Poly Pomona Grants for 2024-2025 is May 2nd!

State University Grant (SUG)

The State University Grant is available only for your initial graduate degree.   
SUG grants are available only to California residents (or eligible AB540 students) working on their initial graduate degree, who filed their FAFSA or Dream Application and have an eligible Student Aid Index (SAI). For 2024 – 2025 the eligible SAI range is -1,500 - 4,000.

Since funds are limited, you must have submitted your financial aid application by the priority filing deadline in order to be considered for SUG. 

SUG awards are not available to students who are not charged the State Tuition Fee, to students who are conditionally admitted, or to students who already have an initial graduate degree.  If you will be receiving another financial aid award designated to pay the tuition fee (scholarships, tuition/fee waivers, vocational rehabilitation, etc.) you may not be eligible to receive a SUG. 

Impact of Enrollment on SUG Awards: 

SUG award amounts are based on enrollment in 7 or more units.  

•   If you are enrolled in 7 or more units, you will receive the full amount offered for the semester. 
•   If you are enrolled in 3 - 6 units, your SUG award will be adjusted to reflect the lower Tuition
   Fee 
•  If you are enrolled in less than 3 units, your award will be cancelled for the semester.  

SUG Earned Unit Maximum:

Students pursuing their initial Master’s or initial Doctorate degree have an earned unit maximum of 125% of the published unit requirement for their degree. To calculate 125% of your degree units, multiply the total units required for your degree by 1.25.  Review our Understanding the State University Grant page for more information.  

NOTE:  EdD Students:

Students enrolled in the EdD program are not eligible to receive funding through the State University Grant (SUG), as the “State Tuition Fee” (SUF) is not assessed to students in this program (SUG only gets applied towards the State Tuition Fee).  Please review the Degree Program Specific Grants for information on available grants for this program. 

Degree Program Specific Grants are available to FAFSA Applicants and DREAM Applicants. 

There are a few Cal Poly Pomona grant programs available for students who have been admitted to specific programs.  Eligibility for these Degree Program Specific Grants is based on Cal Poly Pomona admission, program admission, CA residency, and financial need.    

Graduate Business Grant 

The Graduate Business Fee Grant is available to students in the following programs: 

• Master of Business Administration 
• Master of Science in Accountancy 
• Master of Science in Information Security
  

Students enrolled in programs offered through the College of Professional and Global Education (CPGE) are not eligible for the Graduate Business Grant.

The Graduate Business Grant assists eligible students in meeting the cost of the Graduate Professional Fee assessed by California State University professional business graduate programs. The per-unit fee ($285 per unit) is charged for required courses taken by graduate students enrolled in fee-authorized State-Supported Professional Business Graduate Programs. 

Grant Amounts

Grant amounts are set at $1,710 per semester ($3,420 per academic year).  The grant amount is based on enrollment in 6 units of coursework that are assessed the Graduate Business Professional Fee. The grant amount is not increased even if you enroll in more than 6 units of GBP Fee coursework; however, if your enrollment drops below 6 units of GBP Fee coursework, you will lose eligibility for the grant. 

Grant Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Graduate Business Grant Fee Grant, you must meet the following conditions: 

• Have filed a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA DREAM Application) for the academic year 
• Meet standard financial aid eligibility criteria for all Federal and/or California State financial aid 
• Be a California resident (or eligible AB540) for fee payment purposes  
• Enroll in a minimum of 6 units of coursework (per semester) that are assessed the GBP Fee
• Not have another award or waiver fee waiver covering the GBP Fee.
• Have a grant eligible SAI (-1,500 - 4,000 for the 2024-2025 year)
  

Education Doctorate Grant (EdD Grant) 

The Education Doctorate Grant is available to students in the Education Doctorate (EdD Program) 

The Education Doctorate Grant program was established in 2007 in the interest of equity to students enrolled in the EdD program, as these students are not eligible for SUG funding.  The EdD Grant provides students enrolled in the EdD program access to grant funding similar to that of all other CSU students who demonstrate financial need (based on the FAFSA or DREAM application).  

Grant Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the Education Doctorate Grant, you must meet the following conditions: 

• Have filed a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA DREAM Application) for the academic year by the March 2nd priority filing deadline 
• Meet standard financial aid eligibility criteria for all Federal and/or California State financial aid 
• Be a California resident (or eligible AB540) for fee payment purposes 
• Enroll in a minimum of 3 units of EdD coursework (per semester)
• Have an grant eligible SAI (-1,500 - 4,000 for the 2024 - 2025 year)
  

Grant amounts vary – based on available funding.  Awarding of the EdD Grant occurs at the end of the academic year and awards are applied retroactively. 

Direct Student loans are available to FAFSA filers 

Direct Unsubsidized Loan

Direct Unsubsidized Student loans are available to FAFSA filers and are offered as part of your financial aid package.  Loans offered through the Direct Loan program are for graduate students enrolled at least half-time (3 units per semester) in eligible coursework for their program of study. For current interest rate and origination fee information, please visit the Federal Student Aid website.

Direct Loan Limits For Graduate Students  

Eligibility for Federal Direct Loans for Graduate Students is reflected in the chart below: 

Graduate PLUS Loans 

The Graduate PLUS Loan is an additional loan available for those graduate students who need additional funds, beyond the Unsubsidized Loan, to cover their remaining education costs. Unlike the Unsubsidized Loan, PLUS Loans require credit approval. 

Graduate PLUS Loans are not included in your initial Financial Aid offer. The loan is not added to the award package until the request has been processed and Cal Poly Pomona receives notification that you have been approved. To apply, please visit Student Loans.gov; step-by-step instructions are provided in the Graduate PLUS Instruction Guide (PDF).

For current interest rate and origination fee information please visit the Federal Student Aid Website. 

How Do I Apply for a Graduate PLUS Loan?

1. You must complete and submit your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
2. Go to the Graduate PLUS Loan application on the Federal Student Aid website
3. Log in with your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) - the same login used for your FAFSA
4. If prompted, accept the terms and conditions of the platform
5. Complete the application, review the information for accuracy, and submit

Tips on Applying:

• Make sure you select the correct Award Year at the top of the application (example: Fall 2024 and Spring and Summer 2025 would be the 2024-2025 year)
• Carefully read the options about in-school and post-enrollment deferment
• Make sure the loan is sent to Cal Poly Pomona - School Code/Branch 001144 - not other schools with similar names such as Cal Poly
• Choose the right Loan Period:
  • To apply for both Fall 2024 and Spring 2025, it would be August 2024 through May 2025
  • For Fall 2024 only, it would be August 2024 through December 2024
  • For Spring 2025 only, it would be January 2025 through May 2025
  • For Summer 2025, it would be May 2025 through August 2025

For additional informaiton on the Graduate PLUS Loan, including current interest rate and origination fee information, please visit Federal Student Aid. 

Impact of Enrollment on Direct Loans 

In general, Direct Loans are not pro-rated based on enrollment.  However, you must be enrolled at least half-time (3 units per semester) in order to be eligible to receive funds from the loans.  If you are not enrolled at least half-time in eligible coursework, you will not be eligible for your loan funds – and your loan will be cancelled for the semester. 

All staff members of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at Cal Poly Pomona adhere to The California State University Student Lending – Code of Conduct (PDF), which restricts activity that may lead to conflicts of interest in the area of student lending.

Fact Sheets

Federal Direct Loans: Basics for Students (PDF)  

The California Dream Loan is available to Dream filers 

The California (CA) Dream Loan is borrowed money you must repay with interest. The CA Dream Loan is a subsidized loan program for students with a valid CA Dream Act application and a valid AB540 affidavit or “U” Visa on file with Cal Poly Pomona. You must attend at least half-time (3 or more units per semester) in order to receive the CA Dream Loan. 

Interest Rate, Deferment, and Grace Period 

The current interest rate for loans disbursed after July 1, 2023 is 6.53%. The interest rate for the CA Dream Loan corresponds with the interest rate on Federal Direct Subsidized loans and is subject to change for new loans annually. The CA Dream Loan does not accrue interest while you are enrolled at least half-time, during periods of approved deferment, and during the 6-month grace period before you enter repayment. You will be responsible for the interest charged at all other times. 

Repayment of Loans 

CA Dream Loan borrowers have a standard repayment and income based repayment plan available. You can pay off your loan earlier without penalty. You begin repaying your loan at the end of a 6-month grace period; the grace period begins once you graduate, leave school, or enroll less than half-time. 

For more information visit heartland.ecsi.net. Under Download Forms, search for California State University (Dream Loans). 

Loan Limits 

The CA Dream Loan is subject to annual, semester, and aggregate limits set by the state legislature, the CSU Chancellor’s Office, and Cal Poly Pomona.

• The annual loan limit is $4,000 and the semester limit is generally $2,000.
• The aggregate limit of $20,000 is the maximum that you can borrow from the CA Dream Loan program at Cal Poly Pomona. 

Eligibility for the CA Dream Loan 

Because funds are limited, you will be notified by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships if you meet the eligibility criteria for the CA Dream Loan. The application process will be explained in emails sent to your email account, and in the To Do List items in your MyCPP Student Center. 

In general, you must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible for a CA Dream Loan:

• Have filed a financial aid application (FAFSA or CA DREAM Application) for the academic year by the priority filing deadline 
• Meet standard financial aid eligibility criteria for all Federal and/or California State financial aid 
• Be a California resident (or eligible AB540) for fee payment purposes 
• Enroll in a minimum of 3 units of coursework
• Meet need-based eligibility criteria

You may decline the loan offer or accept less than what is offered to you, but you may not be able to increase your loan at a later time. Students who accept the CA Dream Loan must complete a promissory note and entrance counseling. If you fail to complete all the required steps to receive your loan disbursement by the assigned deadline, we may cancel the loan offer. Funds are limited and you may not be awarded the funds again at a later date. 

You must attend at least half-time (3 or more units per semester) in order to receive from the CA Dream Loan. 

Receipt of funds in one year does not guarantee availability or receipt of funds in subsequent year 

Federal Work-Study (Available to FAFSA Applicants only)  

Federal Work-Study (FWS) 

Federal Work Study is a federally funded program that provides employment opportunities to students who filed a FAFSA and have the highest financial need. The amount you may earn will be listed on your award summary.  A Federal Work Study Offer does not guarantee placement in an actual position.  

Work experience is not required to secure a FWS position. The money earned is yours to use for out-of-pocket expenses, such as travel, books, and personal care items. Cal Poly Pomona students typically work 10-12 hours per week. Work-study funds do not reduce your bill with the university.  

Eligiblity Criteria:

In general, you must meet the following criteria in order to be eligible to be offered Federal Work Study:

• Have filed your FAFSA application for the academic year by the priority filing deadline 
• Meet standard financial aid eligibility criteria for all Federal financial aid 
• Have an eligible SAI (-1,500 - 1,000 for the 2024-2025 year)

Impact of Enrollment on FWS:  

FWS offers are not pro-rated based on enrollment.  However, you must be enrolled in at least 6 units per semester in order to be eligible to be hired as a student employee.  If at any time during the semester your enrollment drops below 6 units, you immediately lose eligibility to continue receiving FWS funds for the semester.  

Review the Federal Work Study section of our website for more information.

Student Employment & Other Options  

Cal Poly Pomona has student employment jobs that are not part of the Federal Work-Study program. A part time job provides students with the opportunity to gain work experience, even if you are not eligible for a Federal Work-Study position.   

Visit the Career Center for more information.   

Private loans are loans made by a lender such as a bank or a credit union, not the Department of Education. These loans are typically borrowed by students who are not eligible for, or do not qualify for, federal loans or who have exhausted their federal loan, or Dream Loan, eligibility. If you have not yet borrowed your full Federal loan eligibility, consider doing so before borrowing a private loan.    

For students who are eligible for federal student aid, think FAFSA first!  We strongly encourage students to file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine their eligibility for federal student aid and Federal Direct Loans before considering alternatives. While there is a great range of private educational loans available, we do not make specific recommendations for private loans, as they do not have the beneficial aspects of Federal Direct Stafford Loan programs. If you need to pursue a private loan, make sure you get all the facts.  

Approval of a private loan is typically based on your credit rating and debt-to-income ratio and may require a co-signer.  Private loans often carry higher interest rates and fees than federal loans and may have less attractive repayment terms. The interest rates are variable, meaning they can change on a monthly basis, and are determined by the information in your credit report. Find out more about the differences between federal and private loans on the Federal Student Aid website.  

If you have exhausted all sources of federal funding and decide to borrow a private loan, compare lenders to ensure you are making the best choice for you.  Visit finaid.org to learn more about private loans.  It is your responsibility to research private education loan resources, select a lender and apply for a private education loan via the selected lender's process. Once you select your lender and your application is processed, your lender will send the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships an electronic request for certification of your eligibility.  

Truth in Lending requirements:  

The Truth in Lending Act requires lenders who provide private loans to comply with the following:   

• Lenders must provide three separate loan disclosures to borrowers--one at the point of application, one when the loan is approved, and one before the loan is disbursed.  
• A waiting period of three business days is required between the time the borrower receives the final loan disclosure and the time that the loan is disbursed.   
• Students must sign a self-certification form and submit it to the lender before the loan can be disbursed.  

Your lender should provide you with all of the information you need to know about these requirements, but if you have questions, feel free to contact our office.   

Private Education Loan Process  

• Apply for a Private Loan directly with the lender of your choice
• Complete the CPP Private Loan Request Form which is available through our Student Forms Portal.
• Your lender should provide you with a copy of the required Private Education Loan Self-Certification Form. 
  • To complete your Private Education Loan Self-Certification Form, you will need to know your cost of attendance and estimated financial assistance.  
  • If you receive financial aid, this information can be found on your Financial Aid Summary in your MyCPP Student Center.  Otherwise, refer to the Costs page on our website.
• Send your completed self-certification form to your lender. Your loan cannot be disbursed until your lender receives it. 

All staff members of the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships at Cal Poly Pomona adhere to The California State University Student Lending – Code of Conduct (PDF), which restricts activity that may lead to conflicts of interest in the area of student lending.  

Visit Federal Student Aid's website for more information on Loan Forgiveness for Public Service Employees.