Frequently Asked Questions
If you're new to financial aid, you probably have a lot of questions. But don't worry — we're here to help guide you through it all. Review these FAQs and contact us for assistance.
How is financial aid determined?
Your Financial Aid Offer is determined each year based on the unique information you provide on your FAFSA or CADAA application. These applications take your family size, family income and other unique factors into account when determining the federal and state aid you may be eligible for. These applications also help Cal Lutheran determine any institutional aid you may be qualify for. For a list of commonly used terms, visit our glossary.
What types of of financial aid are available?
At Cal Lutheran, we use many different types of financial aid. Using your FAFSA or CADAA information, we evaluate your eligibility for federal and state aid. The majority of financial aid we offer comes directly from Cal Lutheran as academic scholarships, grant aid, or other scholarships.
We highly encourage you to apply for as many scholarships as possible. California residents should also consider their eligibility for the Cal Grant.
Many students find additional assistance through private resources such as businesses, churches, and online scholarship searches.
Additional financial aid and grant information is also available for California Dream Act Students.
What are federal student and parent loans?
Loans are often used to pay for charges not covered by other financial aid. Federal student loans are federally sponsored and in the student’s name. There are limitations on the amount that can be borrowed, but the loan does not have to repaid until after the student graduates or leaves school. Once you have submitted a FAFSA, your federal student loan eligibility will be automatically determined. You will see these listed as a Subsidized and/or Unsubsidized loan on your aid offer.
Please Note: In order for your offered student loans to be applied to your account, you must log in and manually accept your loan offers. You must also complete all necessary loan items.
Parent loans are federal loans in the parent(s) name. Parent loans have flexible amounts that can be used to cover all or some of the remaining charges not covered by scholarships and grants. Parents have the opportunity to adjust amounts as needed, based on the final billed amount, financial changes in the family or adjustments to other aid. These loans must be applied for through studentaid.gov.
You can read more about loans, including interest rates, loan limits, and application instructions on our Loans and Loan Counseling page.
Are there other options available for financial aid?
We make every attempt to provide the best financial aid package available using the various scholarship and grant funds at our disposal. Although loans are included in the aid offer, they should be the last option. Some additional funding options include:
- One of Cal Lutheran’s most popular programs, the Congregational Partners in Education in which we will match funds (up to $2,500) provided by your congregation.
- Part-time jobs for students through our excellent Work-Study program.
- Additional funding through one of our donor sponsored scholarships and resources from private organizations.
What else is important to know?
- Learn about special circumstances that may affect your financial aid eligibility.
- Read about student rights and responsibilities to know what's available to you, and what's expected of you.
- Financial aid recipients are expected to make reasonable academic progress towards
obtaining a degree as a condition to continue receiving federal, state or institutional
financial aid programs. Learn more
Got more questions? Ask us!
We are here to help you through the entire financial aid process. If you ever have any questions, don't hesitate to talk with us. Contact our office
Consumer Information
Postsecondary institutions participating in federal student aid programs are required to make certain disclosures available to students. Find those disclosures and other consumer information here.