Hi guys. I'm considering Cal Poly Humboldt as a potential choice for college, but I'm not sure about their financial aid policies/offerings. Does anyone have any insights on this? I'd appreciate any help. Thanks a lot!
Cal Poly Humboldt has quite a detailed financial aid process, like most universities. They offer a variety of financial aid packages, including scholarships, grants, work-study jobs, and loans. Your eligibility for financial aid is based on your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA), depending on your citizenship status.The first step you should take is to complete the FAFSA or CADAA. Cal Poly Humboldt's school code for the FAFSA is 001149, which allows the university to receive your information once you've filled out the form. Do note that the FAFSA has switched from using Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to a Student Aid Index (SAI). The main difference between EFC and SAI is that SAI can be as low as negative $1,500, indicating a higher need for financial assistance.
Once you submit this, you'll be considered for a variety of aid. There are grants such as the Pell Grant, Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), and state grants from the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC), like the Cal Grant and the State University Grant (SUG). You may also be eligible for Federal Work-Study jobs, which allow you to work part-time to earn money towards your college costs. There are also various loans available, such as the subsidized or unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan, and the Federal Direct PLUS Loan for parents.
Additionally, Cal Poly Humboldt offers several institutional scholarships. There are both merit-based and need-based scholarships. The Jack Rawlins Scholarship, for instance, is awarded to high-achieving students demonstrating significant financial need. You would be automatically considered for institutional scholarships like this one upon admission.
One important thing to note is that California students specifically have access to more state-based grants, so if you are a California resident, you might have more opportunities for aid.
Finally, remember to use the university's Net Price Calculator to get an estimate of your potential financial aid package and your expected costs. It won't be a perfect crystal ball, but it could give you a general idea of what you can expect. And, of course, you should reach out directly to Cal Poly Humboldt's Financial Aid office if you have more specific or personal queries. They would be the ultimate resource for you.
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