Award Limits
There are various limits to the total amount of funding or years of funding a student can receive during their academic program. They vary based on the financial aid program and the limits are set in place by the funding providers. Here is information sorted by award.
Grant Program Limits
Cal Grants
Once an eligible student receives a Cal Grant award, the Cal Grant can be received for up to four years.
Federal Pell Grant
Students are limited to a total of six full-time years (600%) of Pell Grant eligibility, also known as the Lifetime Eligibility Used (LEU). The calculation of this total includes previous semesters at CSUF, as well as any attendance at any other school (including community colleges) where a Pell Grant was paid. Visit Federal Student Aid to learn more and to determine the percentage of Pell Grant funding you have received. - Federal Student Aid
Middle Class Scholarship
Student participation in the Middle Class Scholarship is limited to four (4) years.
State University Grant (SUG)
State University Grant (SUG) awards are limited based on the number of units a student has earned and published length of their academic program.
Students who have received this grant in the past may not be awarded in subsequent years if funds are unavailable.
Students who receive tuition/fee waivers, vocational rehabilitation or sponsored tuition/fee waivers are not eligible. Those pursuing a second bachelor's, second master's or a second credential are also not eligible.
You are limited to the number of units you may be eligible to receive SUG funding. Earned units includes units attempted and not completed.
| Grade Level | Maximum Units Award Limits |
|---|---|
| Undergraduate students | 150 earned units |
| Undergraduate Transfer students | 75 earned units |
| Credential students | 30 earned units |
| Graduate students | 125% earned units required for their program (this can include all applicable transfer units) |
Student Loan Program Limits
Federal Direct Stafford Loans
Amounts vary in first year of college, and annually through senior year. They also vary based on the dependency status of the student.
| Dependent Students | Independent Students* | |||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Academic Year | Subsidized Only |
Subsidized and
Unsubsidized Combined |
Subsidized Only |
Subsidized and
Unsubsidized Combined |
| Year 1 | $3,500 | $5,500 | $3,500 | $9,500 |
| Year 2 | $4,500 | $6,500 | $4,500 | $10,500 |
| Years 3 & 4 | $5,500 | $7,500 | $5,500 | $12,500 |
| Teacher Credential | $5,500 | $5,500 | $5,500 | $12,500 |
| Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified | $5,500 | $5,500 | $5,500 | $12,500 |
| Graduate/Professional | N/A | N/A | N/A | $20,500** |
For financial aid purposes, you must have earned a minimum of 30 units to be considered a sophomore; 60 units to be considered a junior; 90 units to be considered a senior. Your loan will be processed at the grade level assigned by the office of Admissions and Records.
* Includes Dependent students whose Parents are PLUS loan denied.
** Graduate/Professional $20,500 annual loan limit is Unsubsidized Loan only
Restriction for graduating seniors with one-semester loan: We are required by federal law to prorate (determine partial loan eligibility) when an undergraduate student plans to graduate at the end of the one term for which they are receiving a Stafford loan. For example, a senior who will be graduating at the end of fall term will be subjected to proration of their annual loan amount because they will not attend the whole academic year.
