FEDERAL STUDENT LOAN DEBT RELIEF

Welcome to Cal Maritime
Financial Aid

Our Cal Maritime Financial Aid staff is here to assist you as you navigate the financial aid options available to pay for your college career, regardless of financial circumstances. 

Our staff strives to deliver financial aid while maintaining the highest degree of professionalism, confidentiality, honesty, and integrity, and believe all individuals should be treated with empathy and respect.

Please contact us if you need help along your voyage, we are available Monday through Friday from 8:00am to 4:30pm.

We can be reached by email, phone, drop in or in-person appointments.

Contact

Financial Aid Office

financialaid@csum.edu
(707) 654-1287
Office Hours: M-F 8 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Mayo Hall

For in-person appointments please set up through Passport.

  • Log into Passport Navigate with your Cal Maritime credentials.
  • Click the blue "Schedule an Appointment" button on the top right.
  • Select FINANCIAL AID from the drop down menu.
  • Select the Service: FINANCIAL AID QUESTIONS
  • Pick a DATE (tip: any date selected will show you all upcoming appointments for the next two weeks).
  • Click "Find Available Time" and select a time that works for you.
  • Select how you'd like to meet (in-person appointments only). 
  • Click the blue SCHEDULE at the bottom.

For help using Passport Navigate for Students, email advisor@csum.edu.

 

IMPORTANT UPDATE

There are major changes and improvements coming to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form. As a result, the 2024–2025 application will be available in December 2023, not Oct. 1.

The priority filing deadline will be April 2nd not March 2nd.

Changes and Advantages

The FAFSA® is getting a facelift to make it simpler for students and families to complete.

Not only will there be fewer questions and requirements on the FAFSA®, but your tax info will be fetched directly from the IRS.

The U.S. Department of Education (ED) also expects more students to qualify for the Federal Pell Grant.

What’s Changed for the 2024–25 FAFSA® Form?

How can students prepare?
Students and parents/guardians will not be able to complete the 2024-2025 FAFSA form without an FSA ID.

Be sure to create your FSA ID if you haven't already.

Need help creating an FSA ID?

How to Create an FSAID for Individuals with a Social Security Number
How to Get an FSAID for Individuals without a Social Security Number


Frequently Asked Questions

When is my Fall 2023 bill due ?

How do I know how much I owe?
How does my financial aid pay my bill?
When will the refund come?
How does my parent get a refund from their PLUS loan?
My family has had a change in its financial situation that isn't reflected on the FAFSA. Is there anything I can do?
How long do I have to accept my loans?
Why is my aid package different from the previous year?
What will happen to my aid if I enroll less than full-time?
How much does it cost to attend Cal Maritime?
Will financial aid pay for my sea bag?
Do my parents have to apply for a PLUS loan every year?
Where can I get more scholarships?

How can I give access to my parents/spouse regarding my financial aid?
Where can I find information about the average loan indebtedness and the most current loan default rate at Cal Maritime?
How do I apply for financial aid?
Where does my FAFSA go once I submit it?
How do I apply for the Cal Grant?
Do I have to file my FAFSA every year?
What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?
How do I receive my financial aid award letter?
I got selected for "verification." Did I do something wrong?
How do I get to my "to do" list to find out what I need to submit for verification?
Is there a deadline for me to submit the verification documents?

What is Satisfactory Academic Progress and how does it affect my financial aid eligibility?


When is my Fall 2023 bill due?

Bills for the Fall 2023 term will be available mid-July, 2023 and are due mid- August.

You can view your bill in your Student Center through PeopleSoft-Student Systems at your Student Center. If you have financial aid it will show as "Pending" on your bill under "Account Summary." The actual financial aid (grants, scholarships, and "accepted" loans) will not be credited to your student account until the first day of classes, and if applicable, refunds will be sent out by the Cashier's Office later that week. Please plan to pay for your books out-of-pocket. If you are receiving a refund from your financial aid, you can reimburse yourself when refunds are available. View more information on Billing and Payments.

If your aid is not reflected on your bill, you may need to check your "to do" list to see if you have outstanding items that need to be taken care of. 

Summer aid

Summer aid is available but only for courses taken at Cal Maritime through our "state supported" term. Unlike the academic year, we award students who are eligible for financial aid only after they have registered for the summer term. Budgets are based on specific courses. Cruise and International Experience have budgets that include tuition and fees, books and supplies, transportation and living costs. Online course budgets only include tuition and fees and books and supplies, but not living expenses. The deposit required for International Experience must be paid before you register for the summer class. You can use your spring aid refund if you have one or pay out-of-pocket. You cannot use potential summer aid for your deposit.

Aid Available: Pell Grants (on a limited basis), State University Grants, and student loans, based on eligibility, are available for Cal Maritime coursework and Cruise. Typically, if a student received a State University Grant or Cal Grant during the academic year, they will qualify for a Student University Grant to cover their summer tuition. We package aid based on enrollment in summer classes. Students must be enrolled in at least six units to be considered eligible for the Pell Grant and Federal Student Loans. We also offer parent loans (PLUS loans) and private educational loans.

Important: Because the summer term begins only a couple of days after spring finals, summer aid cannot be disbursed until all spring grades are posted and the Satisfactory Academic Progress of every student with aid has been reviewed. If grades are late then aid will be delayed. Students should not expect aid to post to their student account or refunds processed until the end of the first week of the summer term, if not later. Students should plan ahead for personal expenses until their refunds are available and sign up for Direct Deposit through the Cashier's Office.

How do I know how much I owe?

Based on your enrollment in classes, you will be assessed Fall charges in July and the bill will be due in early August. To view your bill, please visit your Student Self Service (PeopleSoft-Student Systems) under "Account Activity" to view all charges and fees. To view your "Balance Due" and "Pending Financial Aid," click on "Account Inquiry." You can contact the Cashier's Office at (707) 654-1031 for further questions regarding your bill.

How does my financial aid pay my bill?

Students are charged tuition and fees and room and board. All financial aid is divided, half for fall and half for spring. Your financial aid disbursement will credit your Student Account and apply towards any charges you have incurred for the term. If you have more charges than financial aid, you will need to pay the difference. If you have more aid than charges, you will get a refund.

When will the refund come?

Students will not receive refunds until after the start of the term. After the term begins, refunds are generated once a week. Refunds that are mailed directly to student home addresses will take five to seven days, depending on the mail delivery service. Students with Direct Deposit set up through the Cashier's Office will find that refunds take two to three days. You can sign-up for Direct Deposit using Self Service through PeopleSoft-Student Systems. Questions concerning refunds should be directed to the Cashier's Office.

How does my parent get a refund from their PLUS loan?

If your parent wants the refund sent to them based on their PLUS loan they must do this at the time they apply for the loan through the Department of Education PLUS Loan site. Please note refunds will be issued based on the order of payments received. For example, if the PLUS loan is received last resulting in a refund, the refund will be issued to the parent. If a student's payment is received subsequent to the PLUS causing a refund, the student will received the refund.

My family has had a change in our financial situation that isn't reflected on the FAFSA. Is there anything I can do?

If you or your family has unusual circumstances (such as loss of employment, loss of benefits, death, or divorce), let us know! If your family circumstances have changed from the tax year 2020, we may be able to take that into consideration when determining eligibility for aid. You will be asked to document the changes, but we can help you along the way. View the Parent Income Appeal form (PDF) or the Student Income Appeal form (PDF).

How long do I have to accept my loans?

Student loans are available each year but there are time-based limitations to the loans. You must accept the loans at least three weeks before the end of the semester as it is a multi-step process for the Financial Aid Office to disburse loans. We cannot pay the loans once the academic year (end of the spring term) has ended.

Why is my aid package different from the previous year?

There are many reasons your aid might be different from the previous year(s). Your financial aid is based on the Estimated Family Contribution (EFC) derived from your FAFSA each year. If your family's financial situation changed from previous the prior year it may be reflected in the amount of aid you qualify for. You may have more or less siblings in college or your household size changed. You also have a limited amount of financial aid; in particular, the Pell Grant, Cal Grant, and State University Grant and Loan Programs all have varying time limits for eligibility. All of these factors can contribute to a change in your aid eligibility.

What will happen to my aid if I enroll less than full-time?

If you are enrolled less than full-time for the term, your grants will be adjusted (prorated based on the number of units). If you are at least half-time (six units) for the term, you may still receive the full amount of your student loans. Please check with your Financial Aid Counselor to see how enrollment affects your aid eligibility.

How much does it cost to attend Cal Maritime?

The Cost of Attendance (COA) is used to estimate the costs to attend Cal Maritime for the academic year. The COA includes tuition and fees, food and housing, books and supplies, personal expenses, and transportation costs.

The only "direct billed" costs (items that the University will charge you for directly) are tuition and fees, food and housing (if living on campus) and your sea bag. Other expenses, such as books and supplies, travel and miscellaneous expenses, and food and housing for off-campus students are estimates and your actual costs may be higher or lower. This can be useful in budgeting your monthly/term/yearly costs. View the Estimated COA for 2023-2024.

Will financial aid pay for my sea bag?

Your financial aid does include a sea bag allowance for your first year in your Cost of Attendance and may provide funding to help cover those additional costs based on students taking student loans and/or parents taking out a PLUS loan.

Do my parents have to apply for a PLUS loan every year?

Yes, the PLUS loan is based on your parent's current credit score, therefore they must apply every year. Please make sure to start this process well before the fall payment is due in early August. It usually takes a minimum of seven business days to complete the credit check and promissory note needed to secure the loan. Apply on the Student Aid website and click on "Parent" to complete the online application.

Where can I get more scholarships?

Please visit our Scholarships, Outside Scholarship Resources, and Maritime Specific Scholarships webpages for scholarship resources.

How can I give access to my parents/spouse regarding my financial aid?

View the instructions on setting-up access (PDF). Be specific as to the name(s), relationships, and any limitations of access you wish to give.

Where can I find information about the average loan indebtedness and the most current Loan Default Rate at Cal Maritime?

The Common Data Set (Section H) has data on all financial aid including the average loan debt of the most recent graduating class. Our federal Cohort Default Rate for 2018 (the latest data) is 1.8%  based on 273 borrowers in repayment of which 5 are in default on their loans.

 

How do I apply for financial aid?

Students apply for financial aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The priority deadline (for the academic year 2024 - 2025) to complete the FAFSA is April 2, 2024. However, you can apply at anytime during the year starting December 31, 2023 for the 2024 - 2025 academic year. Applications can be completed online at www.fafsa.gov. Our federal school code is 001134.

Where does my FAFSA go once I submit it?

Your FAFSA information is shared with the colleges you list on the FAFSA application. The financial aid office uses your information to determine how much federal, state, and campus aid you may receive.

How do I apply for the Cal Grant?

Your FAFSA information is transmitted to the California Student Aid Commission, the state agency responsible for determining initial eligibility for the Cal Grant. Entering students should also complete a GPA Verification Form found on the Commission's website. The deadline to submit your GPA Verification Form is March 2, 2024.

Do I have to file my FAFSA every year?

Yes, in order to be considered for any financial aid (including loans) you must file every year. You can file for the 2024 - 2025 FAFSA beginning December 31, 2023 and the Priority Deadline is April 2, 2024.

What is the Expected Family Contribution (EFC)?

The Expected Family Contribution (EFC) is the amount of money the U.S. Department of Education determines you can reasonably contribute towards your education for the year. It is the number used to determine your eligibility for financial aid and comes from the information you provided on the FAFSA and on the verification documents.

How will I receive my financial aid award letter?

You will receive an email notification telling you to go online to your Self Service in PeopleSoft-Student Systems.

Where do I access my award letter?

Please check your Student Portal and log-in to your PeopleSoft-Student Systems account. You can view your award letter at your Student Center by clicking "View Financial Aid." If you have been selected for verification, we will notify you of your financial aid awards when you have submitted all requested verification documents and we have had a chance to review them.

How do I accept my financial aid awards?

Grants will be automatically accepted for you. If you want to accept the loans offered, you can do so through Self Service in PeopleSoft-Student Systems. Parents wishing to borrow the PLUS loan should visit the Federal Student Aid website and click on "Parent" to complete the online application.

I got selected for "verification." Did I do something wrong?

No, you did not do anything wrong! The Department of Education determines who is selected for verification. In this process, Cal Maritime will compare the information you provided on your FAFSA with information submitted to the IRS and/or other forms. If selected, you will need to submit verification documents to the Financial Aid Office. The most common requests are income verification forms, tax transcripts, and household size verification forms. For more information about this process, visit the Financial Aid Process web page.

How do I get to my "to do" list to find out what I need to submit for verification?

View the verification (PDF) for an easy-to-follow guide on how to navigate to your "to do" list found in Self Services in your Student Portal (through PeopleSoft-Student Systems).

Is there a deadline for me to submit the verification documents?

The priority deadline to submit your Verification documents and to complete your financial aid file for 2024 - 2025 is May 1, 2024. We cannot provide you with an offer of aid until you have submitted any and all verification documents to the Financial Aid Office. The sooner you complete your file, the sooner we can provide you with an offer of aid!

Financial Aid News

When you receive your financial aid award letter please read:

Terms and Conditions of your Financial Aid at Cal Maritime

Emergency Situations:

For current students with extraordinary financial hardship, we have the Cal Maritime Emergency Grant Program and the California Emergency Grant Program (which ends December 2022) available. Please click on the following link for information regarding the required criteria and fillable form:

Learn more about the Cal Maritime Student Emergency Grant program

 

Will the New California Ban on Private Scholarship Displacement effect how we process aid at here at Cal Maritime?

No, at Cal Maritime private scholarships do not supplant grants, Foundation scholarships, tuition waivers or stipends provided by the institution.

There are times, however, when a reduction of grant or other aid may be required in order to remain compliant with federal or state financial aid regulations.

Changes in Financial Circumstances:

If you and your family have faced financial challenges such as loss of employment or financial resources that may impact your financial aid eligibility please contact us to discuss possible Parent/Student Income Appeals. We also urge you to read our FAQs  to help answer your questions.

For Parent Income Appeals click here

For Student Income Appeals click here.

Broadband Benefits for Pell Eligible Students

If you are a Pell Grant eligible student (you have been awarded a Pell Grant on your award letter) you may be eligible for Broadband Benefits discounted services. Please visit this website for more information https://www.fcc.gov/broadbandbenefit

Important Information Regarding the CARES Act/HEERF Grants

https://www.csum.edu/president/media/2020-april-27-message-from-the-president.pdf

CARES Act/HEERF Grants Updates

https://www.csum.edu/alert/covid-19/index.html.