Mr. Joshua Morey
Director of Financial Aid
Phone 951.343.4236
Toll Free 877.228.8855
FinAid@calbaptist.edu
The Purpose of Financial Aid
California Baptist University coordinates and provides financial assistance to students. Financial aid at California Baptist University is administered in accordance with federal, state, institutional, and NCAA policies. It is important students understand they bear the principal responsibility for meeting educational costs. A federal application is used in determining eligibility for financial aid. There are various scholarships, grants, and loans available for students who are eligible for financial assistance. These forms of financial assistance are grouped into the following categories: Federal programs, state programs, institutional financial aid programs and private scholarships. Specific information on each of these sources of financial aid is available on the Financial Aid website and in the Financial Aid Office.
Applying for Financial Aid
Students who apply for federal, state, institutional, or private aid are encouraged to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. This form is available online at www.studentaid.gov. The Renewal FAFSA can also be done online at www.studentaid.gov. All applicants are required to create a FSA ID. A FSA ID gives applicants access to Federal Student Aid’s online systems and can also serve as your legal signature.
Completion of the FAFSA will generate a Student Aid Report (SAR) which is sent directly to the student by the federal government. This report provides information regarding the student’s Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The Financial Aid Office will receive the FAFSA information electronically provided the student listed California Baptist University (school code 001125) on the FAFSA. Other documents may be requested to complete a financial aid file. All requested documents must be submitted as soon as possible, but no later than 14 days prior to the close of the term.
To qualify for a financial aid award, master level students must be enrolled in five (5) units of degree applicable coursework for half-time status, seven (7) units of degree applicable coursework for three-quarter time status, and nine (9) units of degree applicable coursework for full-time status. Doctorate level students must be enrolled in three (3) units of degree applicable coursework for half-time status, five (5) units of degree applicable coursework for three-quarter time status, and six (6) units of degree applicable coursework or be enrolled in an approved dissertation or internship course for full-time status.
Graduate students are awarded up to $20,500 in Federal Direct Loans annually. Additional loans are available. Visit the Financial Aid section on InsideCBU for more information on additional loans.
Requirements for Offer of Financial Aid
An offer of financial aid is generated upon acceptance to the University and completion of the registration process, provided a valid FAFSA has been filed. Copies of federal income tax forms or transcripts may be required if the student is selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education. The Financial Aid Office is authorized to require additional documents to verify information contained on the FAFSA.
Student Rights and Responsibilities
Offer of Financial Aid
Students are required to notify the Financial Aid Office of changes in financial, residency, or academic status. Changes of this nature will be reviewed and adjustments may be made to the Financial Aid offer when necessary. Students may have financial aid decisions reviewed and explained by the Financial Aid Office.
Disbursement
Federal loan funds are credited directly to the student’s account. Federal Direct loan and Graduate Plus disbursements are sent directly to the University each semester via Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
Withdrawal from the University
Withdrawal from the University (all classes) during any period of enrollment, whether official or unofficial, may necessitate the return of federal financial aid.
Pursuant to federal regulations (CFR 668.22), a refund calculation will be performed to determine the amount, if any, of Title IV aid (Direct loans, Grad Plus loan) earned by the student for their attendance up to the date of withdrawal.
The official withdrawal process begins with the completion of the Petition to Withdraw form, which is available in the Office of Admissions. Please refer to the Academic section of this catalog for further details of the process.
Unofficial withdrawals encompass those students who cease to attend the University but fail to initiate and/or complete the official withdrawal process as noted above.
Ceasing to attend class without proper notification to the Office of Admissions or the Office of the University Registrar will result in an unofficial withdrawal and a refund calculation will be performed to determine the amount of Title IV aid earned and the amount to be returned to the Title IV programs. The student is responsible for any resulting balance owed to the University.
All students who borrow federal student loans and cease attendance at the University are required to complete exit counseling at www.studentaid.gov.
Leave of Absence
If a student is approved for a Leave of Absence during the academic year, it is the student’s responsibility to meet with the Financial Aid Office to adjust aid appropriately. If the student has borrowed Federal Direct Loans, repayment begins 6 months or sooner after ceasing to be enrolled at least half-time.
Satisfactory Academic Progress
To be eligible for financial aid, a student must be in good academic standing, making satisfactory progress toward the completion of a certificate or degree, within a maximum time frame. Students are evaluated annually following the spring semester of the academic year to ensure the minimum standards are met. Students failing to meet the minimum standards will progress through the aid statuses defined as follows:
Financial Aid Suspension
Status assigned to a student who fails to make Satisfactory Academic Progress at the time of Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) evaluation. The student is no longer eligible to receive financial aid. The student has the right to appeal the suspension. Aid is terminated until student’s written appeal is submitted and approved.
Financial Aid Probation
Status assigned to a student who received a Financial Aid Suspension and submitted an appeal which has been approved, allowing the student’s aid to be reinstated for a probationary term. The student must complete their probationary term successfully or their future aid will be terminated.
It is the responsibility of the student to notify the Financial Aid Office of any status changes, grade changes, summer or winter term classes. Once the Financial Aid Office has been notified and the student has provided appropriate documentation, the Financial Aid Office can review and reassess the student’s financial aid eligibility and Satisfactory Academic Progress status. If a student proves to be meeting Satisfactory Academic Progress due to additional degree applicable classes or grade change, the student will no longer be subject to SAP and their financial aid will be reinstated. The Financial Aid Suspension status will become void for the term in these situations.
Measure of Progress
Qualitative Measure
Students must maintain a minimum cumulative grade-point average (GPA) of 3.0. GPA’s are reviewed after the spring semester of each academic year. Students failing to achieve a minimum 3.0 GPA are given a Financial Aid Suspension status. The student is eligible to appeal the suspension.
If the student fails to earn the minimum 3.0 cumulative GPA after one additional semester, the student is placed on Financial Aid Suspension. The student is eligible to appeal the suspension.
If the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Financial Aid Probation and must continue to earn a minimum 3.0 semester GPA to continue making satisfactory progress toward a cumulative 3.0 GPA. A 3.0 semester GPA is the minimum standard measurement for continuing progress. The student will need to earn higher than 3.0 semester GPA(s) to correct a deficiency.
Students on Financial Aid Probation failing to earn the minimum 3.0 semester GPA will be returned to a Financial Aid Suspension status. The student will not be eligible to receive financial aid until the cumulative GPA is raised to a 3.0.
Quantitative Measure
Student must successfully complete a minimum of 67% of credit units in which they enroll. Credit unit completion is reviewed after the spring semester of each academic year.
Grades of C, D, F, W (Withdraw), and I (Incomplete) do not demonstrate satisfactory course completion. Challenge exams and audited courses are not considered. Transfer credit that has been officially accepted to complete program requirements will demonstrate satisfactory course completion for quantitative measure (unit requirement). All transfer credit received from other recognized entities will affect the 3.0 GPA qualitative measure requirement of Satisfactory Academic Progress.
Students initially failing to complete 67% of their enrolled cumulative units will be given a Suspension. The student is eligible to appeal the suspension.
If the appeal is approved, the student is placed on Financial Aid Probation and must continue making satisfactory progress in each subsequent semester, according to a specific plan of action determined for the student to reach the minimum qualitative requirement of 67%.
Students on Financial Aid Probation failing to achieve prescribed unit requirement plan in a subsequent semester will be placed on a Financial Aid Suspension. The student will not be eligible to receive financial aid until the successful completion of 67% of enrolled unit requirement is achieved.
Maximum Time Frame Measure
Programs of study must be no longer than 150 percent of the published required units of the educational program. The measurement includes all accepted transfer units as well as credit units completed at CBU. For example, if your published program length is 32 credit units, you will exceed the maximum time frame when you surpass 48 units.
Appeal Process
Before filing an appeal for reinstatement of financial aid, it is important the students seek assistance from an Academic Advisor to explore ways of eliminating unit deficiencies and to establish a realistic plan towards graduation. At the time of termination, the Financial Aid Office will provide the student instructions on how to appeal. A copy of the appeal form can be obtained from the Financial Aid Office or InsideCBU. When filing an appeal, the student must provide a full explanation, along with documentation, verifying the circumstances that led to the inability to meet the minimum progress requirements. The appeal should include a definitive plan towards graduation. An Academic Success Plan must be completed with the assistance of an Academic Advisor and submitted along with the letter of appeal. Should the appeal be approved, it is important that the Academic Success Plan be realistic as the ability to adhere to the plan will be closely monitored. Failure to follow the courses and units outlined may result in future denial of financial aid.
If the Appeal is Denied
If a student’s appeal is denied, Financial Aid Office will provide teh student with information regarding other alternatives available. Options may include:
- Continuing enrollment at CBU without any financial assistance.
- Continuing enrollment at CBU with the assistance of private loans. The Financial Aid Office can provide the student with information on these loans.
- Taking a Leave of Absence from CBU to make up a portion or all of the deficient units at an alternative college. In this case a student will have to file an additional appeal to have aid reinstated once the student has completed the required units and demonstrated the ability to continue at CBU without incurring any additional deficiencies. The Financial Aid Office recommends that the student speak with Academic Advising to ensure that any classes taken elsewhere will count towards the student’s program.
Repeated Courses
Financial Aid may be offered for a course in which a student has not received a passing grade. Once the course has been completed with a passing grade, additional financial aid cannot be received to retake the course. Repetition of a passed course will not count toward the student’s enrollment status for financial aid purposes.
Institutional Financial Aid Programs for Graduate Students
Common Requirements for Institutional Programs
The University established the following common requirements for all students enrolled in Graduate Programs:
- All scholarships are applied directly to a student’s account. No cash distributions are made directly to the scholarship recipient. Scholarships are not transferable to any student other than the recipient.
- To maintain aid eligibility, students receiving any financial aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress, as stated in this catalog.
- Institutional scholarships are limited and vary by program.
- Students must complete their financial aid file by the first published Payment Due Date.
- All awards are based on full-time enrollment each semester or session. Students enrolled for less than full-time are eligible to receive aid, prorated accordingly.
- All institutional aid is tuition-based. If a student receives additional non-institutional tuition-based aid, the amount of tuition-based aid may need to be reduced so the total tuition-based aid does not exceed the cost of tuition.
Lancer Loyalty Graduate School Grant
Description
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The Lancer Loyalty Graduate School Grant is an exclusive benefit for CBU Alumni desiring to advance their education at CBU. The Grant, ranging from $500 to $3000 is awarded based on academic merit, financial need, and the specific graduate program selected.
Eligibility
- Student must have a bachelor’s degree from California Baptist University.
- Student must be enrolled in a minimum of 5 units and meet the following admission schedule:
Fall: Application submitted by May 15 Enrolled by June 15
Spring: Application submitted by November 1 Enrolled by December 1
Summer: Application submitted by March 1 Enrolled by April 1
- The Grant is not available for the following programs:
Architecture
Athletic Training
Entry-Level Nursing
Pre-Nursing
Physician Assistant Studies
Speech Language Pathology
Online and Professional Studies Programs
Doctoral Level Programs
Award
- Students meeting the eligibility criteria will be awarded $500 - $3000 based upon academic merit, *financial need, and the graduate program selected.
- Grants will be awarded approximately two weeks after the enrollment deadline.
- The award will be split equally between the student’s first two semesters of enrollment, unless initially awarded during the summer semester, in which case the entire grant is awarded.
- Student must be enrolled in consecutive semesters.
- Student must enroll in at least 5 units for the semester.
- The Lancer Loyalty Graduate School Grant cannot be combined with any other institutional aid.
- This is a one-time grant towards the completion of the first graduate degree.
Procedure
- Potential recipients of the grant will receive automatic consideration for the award when meeting the eligibility criteria.
- A separate application is not required.
- *To determine financial need, students are required to submit the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
VA Yellow Ribbon Program Scholarship
Description
- The Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program is a provision of the Post-9/11 Veterans Education Assistance Act of 2008. The program provides for an agreement between California Baptist University and the Veterans Affairs to award scholarships to qualified VA students to fund tuition and fees that exceed benefits available under the Post 9/11 GI Bill® (Chapter 33). Under the agreement, VA will match CBU’s scholarship contribution.
Eligibility
- Student must qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill ® through Veteran’s Affairs and elect to receive benefits under the Post-9/11 GI Bill® program.
- Students must qualify for Yellow Ribbon program benefits as defined by the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and Yellow Ribbon GI Education Enhancement Program.
Award
- Recipients may receive varying amounts to be determined by semester enrollment, tuition, and fee charges.
- Yellow Ribbon Scholarships are offered in lieu of CBU funded aid, including previously offered CBU funded academic or other institutional scholarships. However, Yellow Ribbon recipients will remain eligible to receive specific participation scholarships, in addition to the Yellow Ribbon Scholarship. The specific participation scholarships are as follows: athletics related, music, theater, speech/debate. The combination of these specific participation scholarships and Yellow Ribbon scholarships will only be funded up to direct charges and books and will not be refundable. If veteran benefits expire prior to graduation, academic or other institutional scholarships may be reinstated as long as academic renewal requirements have been met.
- Recipients will be awarded in the current and subsequent academic years in which the University participates in the Yellow Ribbon Program and the student maintains continued enrollment, conduct, and attendance.
- CBU’s graduate Yellow Ribbon Scholarship award shall not exceed $3,000 for any given academic year.
Procedure
- Students who qualify for the Post-9/11 GI Bill® and the Yellow Ribbon Program as determined by their VA Certificate of Eligibility should apply directly with the Veterans Resource Center, Office of Student Success.
Policy
- Students who utilize VA Chapter Benefits for tuition and fees at CBU may have their institutional scholarship aid reduced to direct cost. Institutional aid is not refundable and VA Chapter Benefits will be applied to tuition and fee first.
International Student Scholarships for Graduate Students
Common Requirements for International Student Scholarships
- Institutional aid is applied to tuition, fees, room and board charges only. Institutional aid consists of grants from California Baptist University and is not to exceed the total cost of tuition, fees and on-campus room and board.
- Institutional aid is applied directly to a student’s account. No cash distributions are made directly to the recipient.
- Institutional aid is not transferable to students other than the recipient.
- Institutional aid recipients must maintain full-time enrollment to remain eligible. For financial aid purposes, full time enrollment is defined as six (6) units for graduate students. By exception, institutional aid will be prorated to the enrollment status of half-time or less.
- Students receiving institutional aid must maintain satisfactory academic progress as stated in this catalog. Students receiving participation scholarships may remain eligible at the discretion of the department.
- Students concurrently enrolled in other institutions are eligible for California Baptist University institutional aid based only on the units being taken at CBU.
- Generally, institutional aid is awarded for the Fall and Spring semesters only, unless otherwise indicated.
- Students receiving “tuition discount” through their Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) cannot get other institutional aid. Students can only receive the MOU or institutional aid, whichever is greater.
Global Initiatives Grant
Description
- The Global Initiatives Grant program is based on merit and need.
Eligibility
- Student must maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of 3.0 or higher.
- Student must demonstrate need as determined by the results of the international student financial aid packet.
- New and continuing international students are eligible for the grant.
- The grant is renewable dependent upon meeting the eligibility requirements and availability of funds.
Award
- Students are eligible to receive up to $4,000 per semester.
Procedure
- Potential recipients should complete and submit the International Financial Aid Packet and any other requested paperwork to the International Center.
Federal Financial Aid Programs
Common Requirements for all Federal Programs
- All students applying for federal aid must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- All federal aid recipients must be U.S. citizens, permanent residents, or eligible non-citizens.
- All federal aid recipients must not be in default of a student loan and not owe a refund of any federal educational grant.
- All federal aid recipients must maintain satisfactory academic progress according to institutional standards as stated in this catalog.
- Students concurrently enrolled at other institutions will only be eligible to receive financial aid for registered units at California Baptist University.
Note: Federal programs are subject to change at any time.
Federal Work Study Program
Description
- Federal Work Study (FWS) is a federally funded, need-based, campus-based work program designed to assist undergraduate and graduate students desiring a job on campus to earn money for their educational expenses.
Eligibility
- Eligibility is determined by a student’s financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA. Availability is limited.
Award
- FWS funds are not disbursed separately to the student, nor applied to the student’s account; they are included in the student’s regular paycheck. Work Study awards indicate a maximum amount for which a student is eligible. Student’s earnings will be monitored monthly and counted toward their eligibility.
Procedure
- Student obtains an employment application from Career Services. The application is reviewed by Financial Aid for FWS eligibility. Once employment is obtained, FWS will be applied. FWS amounts are based on hours worked and financial need as determined by the FAFSA.
Federal Direct Loan
Description
- The Federal Direct Loan is a low-interest loan available to students who have financial need as determined by the results of the FAFSA. The loan is made to the student by the Federal Department of Education through the Direct Loan Program. Upon repayment, loan payments are made directly to the Department of Education on a monthly basis. Interest rates for Direct loans are calculated yearly. Please visit studentaid.gov for current interest rates
- Federal Unsubsidized Direct Loan Interest Rates - Interest begins accruing after the first disbursement. The student is responsible for any interest accrued but can defer the interest with the principle of the loan.
- Unsubsidized loans have a fixed interest rate calculated yearly based upon ten-year Treasury note index, plus an add-on determined by congress. The interest rate is capped at 9.5%.
Eligibility
- Eligibility is determined by a student’s graduate enrollment status and need based upon the student’s cost of attendance (COA).
- First-time borrowers and transfer students must complete entrance counseling before any funds will be disbursed. Upon withdrawal from the University or graduation, all recipients must also complete exit counseling.
- When a refund is applicable, funds will be disbursed electronically directly to the student’s preassigned account, or if necessary, via paper check.
Award
- Students enrolled in graduate programs are eligible to borrow up to $20,500 per academic year.
- The Aggregate loan limit for Graduate students is $138,500.
- All students who borrow federal student loans and cease attendance or drop below half time at the University are required to complete exit counseling at www.studentaid.gov.
Federal Pell Grant (for Teaching Credential)
- Recent changes to the law affected a special provision allowing California higher education institutions to offer Federal Pell Grants to post-baccalaureate students pursuing a teaching credential. As a result, beginning Fall 2020, post-baccalaureate students pursuing a teaching credential at California Baptist University will no longer be eligible for the Federal Pell Grant.
Nursing Faculty Loan Program
Description
- The purpose of the Nursing Faculty Loan Program (NFLP) is to increase the number of qualified nursing faculty by facilitating the education of the nurses needed to address the nursing workforce shortage. The program offers partial loan forgiveness for borrowers who graduate and serve as full-time nursing faculty for the prescribed period of time. The NFLP is funded through the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) and is administered by California Baptist University.
Eligibility
- Student must be a citizen or national of the U.S. or a lawful permanent resident.
- Student must be enrolled at least half-time in a graduate (Masters or Doctoral) level program.
- Student must maintain enrollment for a minimum of two consecutive terms/semesters during an academic year while receiving the NFLP support.
- Student must be in good academic standing.
- Student must not have a judgment lien entered against him/her based on the default on a federal debt (28 U.S.C. 3201 (e)).
- Student must have the intention of working as a nurse faculty on a full-time basis upon graduation.
Application Process
- Applicants must be accepted into appropriate program:
- Master of Science in Nursing - Teaching Learning (TLN) Concentration
- Doctor of Nursing Practice (DNP) Program
- Applicants must complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at www.fafsa.gov to provide citizenship eligibility.
- Applicants must submit a California Baptist University NFLP application form to the College of Nursing.
- Applicants must participate in interview with College of Nursing.
Award
- NFLP guidelines specify that priority consideration be given to students who received NFLP support in the previous academic year.
- The number of NFLP loans is limited by the amount of funding provided to California Baptist University by the Department of Health and Human Services.
- The maximum yearly loan amount is $25,000.
- Support is limited to five years.
- Specific amount of support is determined by enrollment and is coordinated with other sources of aid.
State Financial Aid Programs
Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program
Description
- The Cal Grant TCP is a state funded, need-based grant that provides tuition assistance to graduate students enrolled in a Teaching Credential Program.
Eligibility
- Students must have been recipients of Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B as an undergraduate in the past 15 months.
- Form G-44 must be completed and submitted to the California Student Aid Commission for approval. Forms are available in the Financial Aid Office, or online at csac.ca.gov.
- Based on eligibility, Cal Grant TCP Grant awards are awarded to cover up to the amount of tuition and fees only. The grant covers only credential applicable coursework.
- Funding for the Cal Grant TCP Grant is subject to state budget allocations.
Golden State Teacher Grant Program
Description
- The Golden State Teacher Grant program (GSTG) is a one-time grant having a maximum of $20,000, designated for students enrolled in a teacher preparation program with the goal of earning a credential in special education, and who commit to teach for four years in California at a school designated as priority, within five years of completing a teacher preparation program. The GSTG must be repaid if the recipient fails to meet the agreed terms in the California Student Aid Commission’s (CSAC) Teaching Agreement. For more information, please visit: www.csac.ca.gov/golden-state-teacher-grant-program.
Eligibility
- Students must complete a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Students must submit a GSTG application at gstg.csac.ca.gov
- Students must be enrolled in a teacher preparation program to earn a credential in special education.
- Students’ Cost of Attendance (COA) determine amount of award offered, in equal term disbursements, not to exceed $20,000.
- Upon acceptance of the grant, students must complete a Teaching Agreement provided by CSAC.
- Funding for this state program is limited, and offered on a first come, first served basis.
- Students are encouraged to apply early in the award cycle.
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