Special Student Categories
and Financial Aid

Postbaccalaureate Categories

Credential Students
Credential students are considered undergraduates for financial aid purposes and may be eligible for federal and state grants and loans, depending on credential status.

Qualifying Credential and Graduate Students
Students who are "qualifying" to matriculate into credential or graduate programs are considered undergraduates for financial aid purposes, may be eligible for State University Grant and senior-level loans for one consecutive year only, and must advance to credential or graduate status to receive further aid.

Post-Baccalaureate Unclassified Students
Post-baccalaureate unclassified students are not in an eligible (degree-seeking) program; therefore, they are ineligible for federal/state aid.

Second Baccalaureate Students
Students enrolled to earn a second bachelor’s degree may be eligible for State University Grant, Federal Work-Study, and loans at undergraduate limits.

Other Categories

Audit Students
Classes taken on an audit basis do not qualify for financial aid.

Educational Opportunity Program
EOP provides access and support services to first-generation students who are economically, educationally, and/or environmentally disadvantaged. Students must be admitted to CSU, Chico through EOP admissions. Some EOP students may be eligible for the Economic Opportunity Program Grant in addition to other types of federal and state financial aid. Also view Educational Opportunity Program Grant.

Foster Youth
Foster youth may need additional sources for financial support.

International Students
International students (including students holding F-1 or J-1 visas) are normally ineligible for federal or state financial aid. California State aid, however, may be available to foreign-born students who have established California residency, are documented by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE), and hold a federal work permit. Also see International Admissions.

Non-Citizens Who Are California Residents (AB 540)
According to state law AB 540, some non-citizens who have established California residency, may pay in-state fees. AB 540 students are not eligible for federal or state financial aid.

Non-Residents
Students who are not California residents are subject to out-of-state tuition and ineligible for any state aid. An allowance for out-of-state tuition is always included as a part of the student’s budget, or cost of attendance. Non-residents may be eligible for federal student aid programs. Apply for financial aid by completing and submitting a FAFSA.

Regional Continuing Education (RCE) Students
Students enrolled solely through RCE are not eligible for aid. However, students who are regularly matriculated in a financial aid-eligible program and enrolled in transferrable courses through RCE may be eligible for federal aid. Students cannot receive a State University Grant or Cal Grant for RCE courses.

Veterans
If you are a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, on active military duty, or a dependent of a veteran, you may be eligible for certain categories of financial aid assistance. Also see Veterans.

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