Financial Aid & Scholarship Office, CSU, Chico
Regional & Continuing Education (RCE) Students
The Center for Regional & Continuing Education (RCE), associated with California State University, Chico, offers a variety of programs and courses to residents of the North State. Financial aid eligibility is contingent on admission and enrollment in a degree-granting or credential program at CSU, Chico. Registration in special session courses and extension workshops does not constitute admission to CSU, Chico. If you are interested in formal admission to the University, contact the Office of Admissions at 1-800-542-4426 or 530-898-4428. University admission requirements are outlined in the University Catalog.
General Financial Aid Guidelines
CSU, Chico students enrolled in the RCE Professional MBA program, BS Computer Science Online, MS Computer Science Online, or the MA Math Education programs, may be eligible for federal financial aid only. State aid (Cal Grant, State University Grant) and fee waivers (including Cal-Vet fee waivers and employee fee waivers) are not available for these programs.
Students who are regularly matriculated into a degree program at Chico State, and are enrolled in transferable RCE courses that will be posted on their transcripts, may be eligible for federal and state aid.
RCE students enrolled in less than half-time coursework and all other Open University students are not eligible for financial aid, but may apply for Alternative Continuing Education loans only. These are private loans processed directly through banks and financial lending institutions. Students should not file a FAFSA if they are eligible only for Alternative Continuing Education loans. For more information, students can consult their local bank or search online for “Alternative Continuing Education Loan” options. To learn more about loan terminology, see our Web page on loans.
How to Apply
Students in programs eligible for funding may apply for financial aid by filing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). There is no cost to apply. You must complete a new or renewal FAFSA for each academic year for which you will be enrolled. When completing the FAFSA, students must include CSU, Chico in Step 5. Chico State’s Federal School Code is 001146.
If you are eligible for alternative continuing education loans only, you do not file a FAFSA. These loans are borrowed directly from a lending institution.
Financial Aid Eligibility for Specific RCE Programs
See the chart below to determine your financial aid eligibility based on classification and program plan.
| Program of Study | Program Plan | Enrollments Requirements | General Financial Aid Eligibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Master’s Degree | Professional MBA, Computer Science Online, Math Education | Minimum of 4 units (half-time); full-time is 8 units |
|
| Bachelor’s Degree | Computer Science Online | Minimum of 6 units (half-time); full-time is 12 units |
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| RCE Open University | Not admitted to or enrolled in degree program |
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Additional Financial Aid Information for RCE Students
RCE fees are not state-supported university registration fees. Therefore, state aid (Cal Grant, State University Grant) and fee waivers (including Cal-Vet fee waivers and employee fee waivers) are not available for these programs.
Aid for students in RCE fundable programs will be set up on a semester-by-semester basis, after you have enrolled in your courses. We need to verify that you have maintained satisfactory academic progress each semester (passed a minimum of 75 percent of units attempted) before we can release future aid.
CSU, Chico processes Stafford loans through the U. S. Department of Education Direct Loan program. You must be enrolled at least half-time to qualify for these loans. As long as you have not defaulted on previous student loans, and you have not reached the aggregate loan limits, you will qualify. Please view our Web site for information on Loans.
Disbursement Timeline
Once you are admitted into your program, your financial aid can be set up based on your eligibility and enrollment. You will be notified by e-mail of your financial aid offer. You will need to access your Student Center through the portal to accept, reduce, or decline your financial aid offer. You will also need to check your Student Center to determine if there is anything on your "to do list” that you must complete for funds to be disbursed.
Fee payment can be deferred if you have a completed financial aid file and a financial aid offer for the semester which will cover your charges. When financial aid funds are disbursed, fees are deducted from your award, and any remaining amount will be either directly deposited into your checking account or sent to your mailing address.
The preferred method for receiving your aid is via electronic fund transfer (EFT), and we highly recommend it. To authorize EFT, download a form at Student Financial Services. If you have not signed up for EFT, a check will be sent to your mailing address.
Loan Deferment
You are eligible for loan deferment if you are enrolled at least half-time. The Student Records and Registration Office sends enrollment information after the university census date each semester to the National Student Loan Data System, which notifies the Department of Education of your enrollment status. Your student loans can continue to be deferred until you complete your program or drop below half-time enrollment.