Applying For Financial Aid
Once you've been admitted to CLU, the next step to apply for ALL types of financial aid is to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Be sure to list California Lutheran University and CLU's FAFSA code 001133 on your FAFSA when you submit it - this ensures that we will receive a copy of your Institution Student Information Record (ISIR) which is what we use to build your award. At the same time, you will receive a copy of your student aid record (SAR).Complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
What to do when you get your award
All awards are presented online and you will receive an email link in your CLU email account (which is created when you are admitted). Review the award and respond accordingly online, indicating which elements of the award you accept. You are encouraged to call your CLU admission counselor so that they may spend some time by going over the award with you and your family. Our goal is to make each award as fair and easy to understand as possible. Once you have accepted your award, send in your $300 non-refundable tuition deposit to hold a spot in the incoming class. To hold a place in student housing, a $195 deposit is also required.
Special Circumstances
If there are any special financial circumstances that affect your family that were not accounted for by the FAFSA, please call your admission counselor. Examples of special circumstances are a parent's job loss since the FAFSA was filed, change in marital status since the FAFSA was filed, misreported assets or income, or unusual circumstances such as sudden extensive medical expenses, damage or loss of primary residence, etc. Lifestyle decisions and items such as car payments, credit card payments, and house payments unfortunately cannot be considered in the need equation. If you feel that CLU's Office of Financial Aid would benefit from any additional information, please call your admission counselor. If you would like to file a special circumstances application, click here. (.pdf)
As a Continuing Student at CLU
Most students need, and receive, financial aid each of their four years at CLU. Accordingly, they must re-apply for financial aid each year by filing the renewal FAFSA. Luckily, the procedure is often less time-consuming in subsequent years than in your first year. Usually in November of your freshman year at CLU, the U.S. Department of Education will email you a reminder. The information you submitted from the previous year will be filled in already - you will only need to make revisions and updates where appropriate and then send it in for review. When the Department of Education sends CLU the data from that review, CLU can then re-award you financial aid for the coming academic year.
