Student Charges/Fees and Financial Assistance

Seawolf Service Center
Salazar Hall
(707) 664-2308

Financial Aid Office
Salazar Hall
(707) 664-2389

Scholarship Office
Stevenson Hall
(707) 664-2261

2019-20 Schedule of Tuition and Fees*

See the Fee Schedule online for the most current mandatory registration charges and information.

The following reflects applicable system wide fees for all students for one semester:

Additional Registration Charges

Graduate Business Professional Fee (M.B.A.)

$270* Per Unit in addition to mandatory registration charges

The graduate business professional fee is paid on a per unit basis in addition to basic tuition and campus fees for the following graduate business programs.
Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

SIRF Fee

Optional SIRF (Student Involvement and Representation) fee: $2

Nonresident Students (U.S. and Foreign)

Nonresidents and foreign visa students are required to pay nonresident nonresident tuition in addition to mandatory registration charges charged to all students.

Tuition for Nonresident students in addition to mandatory registration charges:

• $396* Charge Per Unit

The total nonresident tuition paid per term will be determined by the number of units taken.

Nonresident students are eligible for an installment payment plan. There is a 15% service fee on the plan. Contact the Seawolf Service Center for details.

Mandatory tuition fees are waived for those individuals who qualify for such exemption under the provisions of the California Education Code (see section on fee waivers).

Students are charged campus-based fees in addition to tuition fees. Information on campus-based fees can be found by contacting the Seawolf Service Center.

Creditcards:

Visa, MasterCard, American Express and Discover credit cards may be used for payment of student tuition and fees but may be subject to a non-refundable credit card processing fee.

On 3/22/17, the CSU Board of Trustees approved tuition increases for the 2017/18 academic year. Annual tuition for resident undergraduate students will increase by $270 per year. This represents the first tuition increase since 2011/2012.

*The CSU makes every effort to keep student costs to a minimum. Tuition and fees listed in published schedules or student accounts may need to be increased when public funding is inadequate. Therefore, CSU reserves the right, even after tuition or fees are initially charged or initial payments are made, to increase or modify any listed tuition or fees. All listed fees, other than mandatory systemwide tuition, are subject to change without notice, until the date when instruction for a particular semester or quarter has begun. All CSU-listed tuition and fees should be regarded as estimates that are subject to change upon approval by the Board of Trustees, the chancellor or the presidents, as appropriate. Changes in mandatory systemwide tuition will be made in accordance with the requirements of the Working Families Student Fee Transparency and Accountability Act (Sections 66028 – 66028.6 of the Education Code).

*Applicable term tuition applies for campuses with special terms, as determined by the campus. Total college year tuition cannot exceed the academic year plus summer term tuition. The summer term tuition for the education doctorate at quarter campuses is equal to the per semester tuition listed in the table. Total tuition for the education doctorate over the college year equals the per academic year tuition plus the per semester tuition for the summer term at all CSU campuses.
The following reflects applicable systemwide tuition and fees for both semester and quarter campuses that were authorized by the Board of Trustees at the March 2017 meeting. These rates are subject to change.
3.2% Campus-based fees increase in Fall 2018 based on CPI for Greater Bay Area for 2017 calendar year.  Methodology for annual adjustment approved by student referendum in April 2001.
Associated Students Fee to be increased by an additional $3 per semester each Fall for four consecutive years, beginning in 2015-16, with the final $3 increase occurring in 2018-19. This action was supported by a March 2015 student referendum in favor of increasing funds of the SSU Associated Students to further support such items as the tutorial Center, Clubs and Organizations, and other AS programs.

The optional Student Involvement and Representation (SIRF) fee is a voluntary CSU system wide fee adopted by the Board of Trustees for the purpose of establishing a stable funding model for the California State Student Association (CSSA). It consists of a $2 per-term fee assessed to each CSU student on a voluntary basis, allowing the choice to opt-out. The new fee took effect in fall 2015. For additional info on the CSSA http:// www.calstatestudents.org.

List of Factors for Future Considerations of Fee Changes per AB 970 adopted via CSU BOT resolution 3/20/13: http:// www.calstate.edu/BOT/Resolutions/mar2013.pdf.
Per Executive Order No. 1102, beginning in fall 2010, for each adjustment made by trustee action to the State University Fee for graduate students, an equal adjustment will be made to the Graduate Business Professional Fee formerly: Professional Program Category I Fee.) Link to EO: http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1102.html.

Term “Tuition Fee” used in place of “State University Fee” following approval at 11/10/10 CSU BOT and guidelines in CSU Executive Order 1102 : http://www.calstate.edu/eo/EO-1102.html

**Campus-based Fees

Campus-based fees increase based on CPI for greater Bay Area from the prior calendar year. Annual increase approved by student referendum in April 2001.

*** Students seeking an Initial Multiple Subject, Single Subject, or Special Education teaching credential (preliminary, clear, Level I, or Level II) admitted to a credential program with classified or conditionally classified status.

Other Charges

This fee is payable upon application for admission or readmission by all new students returning after an absence of two or more semesters.

Deposits for locker keys and breakage required in some laboratory courses. These deposits are refundable in whole or in part. If deposits are not required, charges may be made against the student for undue breakage or failure to clear locker and/or return key.

Specific Course Fees

Payable when service is rendered. Students have the option of obtaining materials or services for specific courses from sources other than the University, so long as they meet the instructional requirements.

Library Fees

Community Borrower Card $10/3 months

Overdue Fees for Reserve Materials

$50 maximum fine per item
$1 an hour

Overdue Fees for Equipment

Laptops, keys, headphones
$1 an hour

Parking Fees

Miscellaneous Fees

For other fees and charges, consult the current Schedule of Classes. Deposits for locker keys and breakage are required in some laboratory courses. These deposits are refundable in whole or in part. If deposits are not required, charges may still be made for undue breakage or failure to clear lockers and/or return keys. In addition, fees are required for miscellaneous expenses in some courses, as indicated in catalog course descriptions, and for field trips.

A fee of $25 per semester is charged for use of music department instruments and equipment. In addition, a deposit of $20 is required for each instrument checked out for each semester. The deposit will be refunded with the return of the instrument.

Credit Cards

VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover cards may be used for payment of student charges/fees. Effective January 1, 2018, the Seawolf Service Center will no longer accept credit or debit cards for payments. Credit/debit cards and electronic checks will continue to be accepted payment methods for online student account payments. Payments on student accounts made online by credit/debit card will be charged a 2.75% non-refundable service fee by our third party provider, CASHNet® Smartpay.

Refund of Mandatory Student Charges/Fees, Including Nonresident Tuition

Regulations governing the refund of mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, for students enrolling at the California State University are included in Section 41802 of Title 5, California Code of Regulations. For purposes of the refund policy, mandatory fees are defined as those system wide and campus fees that are required to be paid in order to enroll in state-supported academic programs at the California State University. Refunds of fees and tuition charges for self-support, special session, and extended education programs or courses at the California State University are governed by a separate policy established by the University, available at [location of policy].

In order to receive a full refund of mandatory fees, less an administrative charge established by the campus, including nonresident tuition, a student must cancel registration or drop all courses prior to the first day of instruction for the term. Information on procedures and deadlines for canceling registration and dropping classes is available [location of information, e.g., in the Schedule of Classes].

For state-supported semesters, quarters, and non-standard terms or courses of four (4) weeks or more, a student who withdraws during the term in accordance with the university’s established procedures or drops all courses prior to the campus-designated drop period will receive a refund of mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, based on the portion of the term during which the student was enrolled. No student withdrawing after the 60 percent point in the term will be entitled to a refund of any mandatory fees or nonresident tuition.

A student who, within the campus designated drop period and in accordance with the campus procedures, drops units resulting in a lower tuition and/or mandatory fee obligation shall be entitled to a refund of applicable tuition and mandatory fees less an administrative charge established by the campus.

For state-supported non-standard terms or courses of less than four (4) weeks, no refunds of mandatory fees and nonresident tuition will be made unless a student cancels registration or drops all classes, in accordance with the university’s established procedures and deadlines, prior to the first day of instruction for state-supported non-standard terms or courses or prior to the first meeting for courses of less than four (4) weeks.

Students will also receive a refund of mandatory fees, including nonresident tuition, under the following circumstances:

• The fees were assessed or collected in error;
• The course for which the fees were assessed or collected was cancelled by the university;
• The university makes a delayed decision that the student was not eligible to enroll in the term for which mandatory fees were assessed and collected and the delayed decision was not due to incomplete or inaccurate information provided by the student; or
• The student was activated for compulsory military service

Students who are not entitled to a refund as described above may petition the university for a refund demonstrating exceptional circumstances and the chief financial officer of the university or designee may authorize a refund if he or she determines that the fees and tuition were not earned by the university.

Information concerning any aspect of the refund of fees may be obtained from Seawolf Services located on the first floor of Salazar Hall at (707) 664-2308.

Seawolf Service Center

Salazar Hall
(707) 664-2308

The following student-related functions are found in the Seawolf Service Center:

• Enrollment and Housing Deposits
• Payments for Student Charges/Fees
• Miscellaneous course fee payments
• WEPT and other test fees
• Equipment fees
• Requests for refund of fees
• Sale of parking permits
• Parking citation payments
• Housing room and board payments
• Issuance of campus keys
• Lost and found
• Paycheck pick-up
• Financial aid check disbursement
• Clearance of financial holds
• Routine maintenance requests for dorm students
• I.D. Card issuance and validation
• University-related notary services
• Travel reimbursement for students appointed to system-wide committees

Refer to the current Schedule of Classes for Seawolf Service Center hours of operation.

Fees and Debts Owed to the Institution

Should a student or former student fail to pay a fee or a debt owed to the institution, including tuition and student charges, the institution may “withhold permission to register, to use facilities for which a fee is authorized to be charged, to receive services, materials, food or merchandise or any combination of the above from any person owing a debt” until the debt is paid (see Title 5, California Code of Regulations, Sections 42380 and 42381).

Prospective students who register for courses offered by the university are obligated for the payment of charges and fees associated with registration for those courses. Failure to cancel registration in any course for an academic term prior to the first day of the academic term gives rise to an obligation to pay student charges and fees including any tuition for the reservation of space in the course.

The institution may withhold permission to register or to receive official transcripts of grades or other services offered by the institution from anyone owing fees or another debt to the institution. The institution may also report the debt to a credit bureau, offset the amount due against any future state tax refunds due the student, refer the debt to an outside collection agency and/or charge the student actual and reasonable collection costs, including reasonable attorney fees if litigation is necessary, in collecting any amount not paid when due.

If a person believes he or she does not owe all or part of an asserted unpaid obligation, that person may contact Seawolf Services at (707) 664-2308 to which the business office may refer the person, will review all pertinent information provided by the person and available to the campus and will advise the person of its conclusions.

Fee Waivers and Exemptions

he California Education Code provides for the waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition fees as summarized below:

Section 66025.3 – Military
Dependent eligible to receive assistance under Article 2 of Chapter 4 of Division 4 of the Military and Veterans Code; child of veteran of the United States military who has a service-connected disability, has been killed in service, or has died of a service-connected disability, and meets specified income provisions; dependent, or surviving spouse who has not re-married of a member of the California National Guard who, in the line of duty, and while in the active service of the state, was killed, died of a disability resulting from an event that occurred while in the active service of the state, or is permanently disabled as a result of an event that occurred while in the active service of the state; and undergraduate student who is a recipient of a Medal of Honor, or undergraduate student who is a child of a recipient of a Medal of Honor who is no more than 27 years old, meets the income restriction and California residency requirement.

Foster Youth
Current or former foster youth who are 25 years of age or younger; have been in foster care for at least 12 consecutive months after reaching 10 years of age; meet one of the following: is under a current foster care placement order by the juvenile court, was under a foster care placement order by the juvenile court upon reaching 18 years of age, or was adopted, or entered guardianship, from foster care; completes and submits the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA); maintains a minimum grade point average and meets the conditions necessary to be in good standing at the campus; and meets the financial need requirements established for Cal Grant A awards. The waiver of mandatory systemwide tuition and fees under this section applies only to a person who is determined to be a resident of California pursuant to Chapter 1 (commencing with Section 68000) of Part 41 of the California Education Code.

Section 66602 – Qualifying students from the California State University that are appointed by the Governor to serve as Trustees of the California State University for two-year terms..

Section 68120 –Surviving spouse or child of a deceased resident who was employed by a public agency, or was a contractor or an employee of a contractor, performing services for a public agency, and was killed or died as a result of an industrial injury or illness arising out of and in the course of the performance of his/her principal duties of active law enforcement or active fire suppression and prevention duties (referred to as Alan Pattee Scholarships). Additionally, a person who qualifies for the waiver under this section as a surviving child of a contractor or of an employee of a contractor, who performed services for a public agency, must have enrolled as an undergraduate student at the California State University and meet the applicable income restriction requirement with supporting documentation (i.e. his/her income, including the value of parent support, does not exceed the maximum household income and asset level for an applicant for a Cal Grant B award).

Section 68121 –A qualifying student enrolled in an undergraduate program who is the surviving dependent of any individual killed in the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York City, the Pentagon building in Washington, D.C., or the crash of United Airlines Flight 93 in southwestern Pennsylvania, if the student meets the financial need requirements set forth in Government Code Section 69432.7 for the Cal Grant A Program and either the surviving dependent or the individual killed in the attacks was a resident of California on September 11, 2001.

Students who may qualify for the above benefits should contact the Admissions/Registrar’s Office for further information and/or an eligibility determination.

The California Education Code provides for the following nonresident tuition exemptions:

Section 68075 - A student who is a member of the Armed Forces of the United States stationed in this state, except a member of the Armed Forces assigned for educational purposes to a state-supported institution of higher education, is entitled to resident classification only for the purpose of determining the amount of tuition and fees.
If that member of the Armed Forces of the United States who is in attendance at an institution is thereafter transferred on military orders to a place outside this state where the member continues to serve in the Armed Forces of the United States, he or she shall not lose his or her resident classification so long as he or she remains continuously enrolled at that institution.

Section 68075.7 –A nonresident student is exempt from paying nonresident tuition or any other fee that is exclusively applicable to nonresident students if the student (1) resides in California, (2) meets the definition of “covered individual” as defined in either: (A) Section 3679(c)(2)(A) or (B)(ii)(l) of Title 38 of the United States Code, as that provision read on January 1, 2017 or (B) Section 3679(c)(2)(B)(i) or (ii)(II) of Title 38 of the United States Code, as that provision read on January 1, 2017, and (3) is eligible for education benefits under either the federal Montgomery GI Bill-Active Duty program (30 U.S.C. § 3001 et seq.) or the Post-9/11 GI Bill program (38 U.S.C. § 3301 et seq.) as each read on January 1, 2017.

Section 68122 –A student who is a victim of trafficking, domestic violence, and other serious crimes who has been granted T or U visa status (respectively under Section 1101(a)(15)(T)(i) or (ii), or Section 1101(a)(15)(U)(i) or (ii), of Title 8 of the United States Code) shall be exempt from paying nonresident tuition to the same extent as individuals who are admitted to the United States as refugees under Section 1157 of Title 8 of the United States Code.

Section 68130.5 – A student, other than a nonimmigrant alien (8 U.S.C. § 1101(a)(15)), who is not a resident of California is exempt from paying nonresident tuition if the student meets the requirements of (1) through (4), below:
1. Satisfaction of the requirements of either subparagraph (A) or subparagraph (B):
a. A total attendance of, or attainment of credits earned while in California
equivalent to, three or more years of full-time attendance or attainment of credits at any of the following:
i. California high schools.
ii. California high schools established by the State Board of
Education.
iii. California adult schools established by a county office of
education, a unified school district or high school district, or the Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (subject to the class hours’ requirement).
iv. Campuses of the California Community Colleges (subject to the credit requirements).
v. A combination of those schools set forth in clauses (i) to (iv), inclusive.
b. Three or more years of full-time high school coursework, and a total of three or more years of attendance in California elementary schools, California secondary schools, or a combination of California elementary and secondary schools.
2. Satisfaction of any of the following:
a. Graduation from a California high school or attainment of the equivalent
thereof.
b. Attainment of an associate degree from a campus of the California
Community Colleges.
c. Fulfillment of the minimum transfer requirements established for the
California State University for students transferring from a campus of the California Community Colleges.
3. Registration as an entering student at, or current enrollment at, an accredited institution of higher education in California not earlier than the fall semester or quarter of the 2001–02 academic year.
4. In the case of a person without lawful immigration status, the filing of an affidavit with the institution of higher education stating that the student has filed an application to legalize his or her immigration status, or will file an application as soon as he or she is eligible to do so.

Procedure for the Establishment or Abolishment of Campus-Based Mandatory Fees

The law governing the California State University provides that specific campus fees defined as mandatory, such as a student association fee and a student body center fee, may be established. A student association fee must be established upon a favorable vote of two-thirds of the students voting in an election held for this purpose (Education Code, Section 89300). The campus President may adjust the student association fee only after the fee adjustment has been approved by a majority of students voting in a referendum established for that purpose. The required fee shall be subject to referendum at any time upon the presentation of a petition to the campus President containing the signatures of 10 percent of the regularly enrolled students at the University. Student association fees support a variety of cultural and recreational programs, childcare centers, and special student support programs. A student center fee may be established only after a fee referendum is held which approves by a two-thirds favorable vote the establishment of the fee (Education Code, Section 89304). Once bonds are issued, authority to set and adjust student center fees is governed by provisions of the State University Revenue Bond Act of 1947, including, but not limited to, Education Code sections 90012, 90027, and 90068.

The process to establish and adjust other campus-based mandatory fees requires consideration by the campus fee advisory committee and a student referendum as established by Executive Order 1102, Section III. The campus President may use alternate consultation mechanisms if he/she determines that a referendum is not the best mechanism to achieve appropriate and meaningful consultation. Results of the referendum and the fee committee review are advisory to the campus President. The President may adjust campus-based mandatory fees but must request the Chancellor to establish a new mandatory fee. The President shall provide to the fee advisory committee a report of all campus-based mandatory fees. The campus shall report annually to the Chancellor a complete inventory of all campus-based mandatory fees.

For more information or questions, please contact the Budget Office in the CSU Chancellor’s Office at (562) 951-4560.

Average Support Cost Per Full-time Equivalent Student and Sources of Funds

The total support cost per full-time equivalent student (FTES) includes the expenditures for current operations, including payments made to students in the form of financial aid, and all fully reimbursed programs contained in state appropriations. The average support cost is determined by dividing the total cost by the number of FTES. The total CSU 2018/19 budget amounts were $3,627,143,000 from state General Fund (GF) appropriations and before adding $22.5 million CalPERS retirement adjustment, $2,479,020,000 from gross tuition revenue, and $639,084,000 from other fee revenues for a total of $6,745,247,000. The 2018/19 resident FTES target is 364,131 and the nonresident FTES based on past-year actual is 24,416 for a total of 388,547 FTES. The GF appropriation is applicable to resident students only whereas fee revenues are collected from resident and nonresident students. FTES is determined by dividing the total academic student load (e.g. 15 units per semester (the figure used here to define a full-time student’s academic load).

The average CSU 2018/19 academic year, resident, undergraduate student basic tuition and other mandatory fees required to apply to, enroll in, or attend the university is $7,303 ($5,742 tuition fee plus $1,561 average campus-based fees). However, the costs paid by individual students will vary depending on campus, program, and whether a student is part-time, full-time, resident, or nonresident.

¹Represents state GF appropriation in the Budget Act of 2018-19; GF is divisible by resident students only (364,131 FTES).

²Represents CSU Operating Fund, gross tuition and other fees revenue amounts submitted in campus August 2018-19 final budgets. Revenues are divisible by resident and nonresident students (388,547 FTES).

Selective Service

The federal Military Selective Service Act (the “Act”) requires most males residing in the United States to present themselves for registration with the Selective Service System within thirty days of their eighteenth birthdays. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered. Males born after December 31, 1959, may be required to submit a statement of compliance with the Act and regulations in order to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under specified provisions of existing federal law. In California, students subject to the Act who fail to register are also ineligible to receive any need-based student grants funded by the state or a public postsecondary institution.

Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. Applicants for financial aid can also request that information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), or the California Dream Application, be used to register them with the Selective Service. Information on the Selective Service System is available and the registration process may be initiated online.

Financial Aid

Financial Aid Office

Salazar Hall
707 664-2389
Fax 707 664-4242
finaid@sonoma.edu
http://web.sonoma.edu/finaid

By contacting the Financial Aid Office staff and accessing the office’s website, students and their families can find out about federal and state financial aid programs and, if eligible, be awarded monetary assistance to meet the costs of attending Sonoma State University. The staff is committed to providing each applicant with timely and efficient customer service, as well as ensuring that students have access to current and accurate information about the steps and deadlines for completing the financial aid application process.

Financial Aid Programs

Financial aid can be in the form of grants, loans, employment, and scholarships. Students may receive assistance from the following programs:

Federal Aid

• Federal Pell Grants
• Federal TEACH Grants
• Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grants
• Bureau of Indian Affairs Grants
• Federal Work Study (FWS)
• Federal Direct Student Loans
• Federal Direct Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students

State Aid

• Cal Grants A and B
• Middle Class Scholarship
• Child Development Teacher Grants
• Alan Pattee Scholarships
• Assumption Program of Loans for Education
• Graduate Assumption Program of Loans for Education
• Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarships
• Educational Opportunity Program Grants
• Graduate Equity Fellowships
• State University Grant
• Professional Program Fee Grant

The Financial Aid Office has developed an informative and supportive website where students can find descriptions and specific eligibility requirements for the programs listed above. Students are encouraged to visit links provided on the website, to apply online, and to review the information about the California Student Aid Commission’s programs and information about federal financial aid.

Application Procedures for California Dream Act

Students who qualify for the waiver of non-resident tuition under AB540 may be eligible for the State University Grant, Cal Grant, or Middle Class Scholarship. Please review the information available at the California Student Aid Commission’s website, and complete the California Dream Act application available through their website. The priority deadline is March 2.

Please Note: Students who are eligible for federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Aid (FAFSA), as explained in the next section, not the Dream Act Application.

Application Procedures

All new and continuing financial aid applicants are required to complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By submitting this single application, applicants will be considered for most of the federal and state financial aid programs that are listed above (excluding BIA and non-FWS employment). New applicants for Cal Grants must also file a California Student Aid Commission GPA Verification Form by March 2. The FAFSA asks for confidential information about family income, assets, household size, etc., which is used by the Financial Aid Office to establish financial need and determine what aid, if any, the student is eligible to receive.

To help avoid errors and to speed up processing of your FAFSA, apply online at FAFSA. You (and your parent, if you will be required to report your parents’ information) should also apply for a Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID) at Federal Student Aid ID (FSAID) so you can sign your FAFSA electronically.

Apply as early after October 1 as possible. Those who apply in October or November will have first priority to the available funding. To be considered for priority filing and to apply for a new Cal Grant or Middle Class Scholarship you must file your application by March 2.

The Financial Aid Office expects the student and the student’s family to make every effort possible to finance the student’s education. Students who do not meet the federal definition of financial independence from their parents must provide parental financial data. This information, in addition to the student’s own resources, will be taken into consideration when determining a student’s eligibility for the various aid programs administered by the University. The student’s financial need is determined by subtracting those resources available for education from a standard student budget.

It is toward meeting this need—the difference between costs and resources—that financial aid is directed. Generally, the need is met by a “package”—loan, scholarship, employment, and/or grant. Notification of aid for the following year is sent to each applicant once the FAFSA has been received. This process usually begins in late March for newly admitted students and in mid-June for continuing students.

Questions regarding a student’s eligibility or types of financial aid offered should be directed to the Financial Aid Office. Contact hours, phone numbers, and email addresses are available on the financial aid website.

Financial Aid Appeals

Students have the right to appeal their financial aid award or any other financial aid decision that they feel affects them adversely and that falls outside of the jurisdiction of federal, state, or chancellor’s office regulations. This right includes answers to questions, explanations of financial aid policies and procedures, and a request for reconsideration. The initial appeal is made in writing, with any supporting documents, to the student’s financial aid representative. If denied, the student may appeal directly to the Director of Financial Aid, whose decision is final. The Director has the option, based on the circumstances of the appeal, to refer the appeal to the Financial Aid Office Exception Processing Review Board for a decision and/or to request advice and direction from the Financial Aid Advisory Committee.

Scholarship Programs

Scholarship Office

Salazar Hall 1000
(707) 664-2261
scholarships@sonoma.edu
http://web.sonoma.edu/scholarships

University Scholarship Program

The University Scholarship Program at Sonoma State is made possible through the generous support of individuals, businesses, and organizations who recognize the outstanding contributions made by the University and its graduates.

Any incoming freshman, undergraduate, or graduate student planning to attend Sonoma State University full-time beginning in the fall semester, whether entering or continuing, is eligible. However, official notification of admission is not required. Application to, acceptance by, or enrollment in the University is required.

Most University scholarships are awarded on the basis of an applicant’s academic record and overall achievements without special consideration of financial need. A minimum cumulative GPA of 3.00 on a 4.00 point scale is required. Students with a GPA of 3.5 or higher are most competitive in our program.

Applications of candidates are reviewed by the University Scholarship Committee. The committee asks each applicant to submit an essay, in addition to the basic scholarship application form.

Scholarship applications are available beginning October 1 each year. Applications and required materials must be received by February 1 of the application year. Students interested in applying for any of the awards offered through the University Scholarship Program may visit the scholarship office website.

Questions about the scholarship program may be sent to scholarships@sonoma.edu or by calling (707) 664-2261.

Alan Pattee Scholarships

Children and spouses of deceased public law enforcement or fire suppression employees who were California residents and who were killed in the course of law enforcement or fire prevention or suppression duties are not charged mandatory tuition fees (tuition fee and application fee) at any California State University campus, according to the Alan Pattee Scholarship Act, Education Code, Section 68120. Students qualifying for these benefits are known as Alan Pattee scholars. For more information, contact the Office of Admissions for an eligibility determination.

Departmental and Athletic Scholarships

Many departments at SSU offer scholarships to students within their majors. Athletic scholarships are also given. Contact your department or respective coach for more information.

External Scholarships

Community, social and service groups, employers, churches, and other organizations often provide scholarships. Applicants should check with their high school counselors or local foundations and community groups for more information.

Note: Receipt of any scholarship may affect eligibility for certain financial aid. Recipients should check with the Financial Aid Office to determine their options.

Additional Work Opportunities

Employment is generally available in Sonoma County and the surrounding University service area to students with ability and initiative. The Career Services Center in Salazar Hall can be helpful in referring interested students to part-time job opportunities.

Availability of Institutional and Financial Assistance Information

The following information concerning student financial assistance may be obtained from the Director of Financial Aid, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2389:

A description of the federal, state, institutional, local, and private student financial assistance programs available to students who enroll at Sonoma State University;

For each aid program, a description of procedures and forms by which students apply for assistance, student eligibility requirements, criteria for selecting recipients from the group of eligible applicants, and criteria for determining the amount of a student’s award;

A description of the rights and responsibilities of students receiving financial assistance, including federal Title IV student assistance programs, and the criteria for continued student eligibility under each program;

The satisfactory academic progress standards that students must maintain for the purpose of receiving financial assistance and criteria by which the student who has failed to maintain satisfactory progress may reestablish eligibility for financial assistance;

The method by which financial assistance disbursements will be made to students and the frequency of those disbursements;

The way the school provides for Pell-eligible students to obtain or purchase required books and supplies by the seventh day of a payment period and how the student may opt out;

The terms of any loan received as part of the student’s financial aid package, a sample loan repayment schedule, and the necessity for repaying loans;

The general conditions and terms applicable to any employment provided as part of the student’s financial aid package;

he terms and conditions of the loans students receive under the Direct Loan and Perkins Loan Programs;

The exit counseling information the school provides and collects for student borrowers; and Contact information for campus offices available for disputes concerning federal, institutional and private loans.

Information concerning the cost of attending Sonoma State University is available from the Seawolf Service Center, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2308, and includes mandatory registration charges and tuition (where applicable); the estimated costs of books and supplies; estimates of typical student room, board, and transportation costs; and, if requested, additional costs for specific programs.

Information concerning the refund policies of Sonoma State University for the return of unearned tuition and charges or other refundable portions of institutional charges is available from the Seawolf Service Center, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2308.

Information concerning policies regarding the return of federal Title IV student assistance funds as required by regulation is available from the Director of Financial Aid, Salazar 1000, (707) 664-2389.

Information regarding special facilities and services available to students with disabilities may be obtained from the Director, Disability Services for Students, Salazar 1049, (707) 664-2677.

Information concerning Sonoma State University policies, procedures, and facilities for students and others to report criminal actions or other emergencies occurring on campus may be obtained from the Police Chief, Police Services, Verdot Village, (707) 664-4444.

Information concerning Sonoma State University Annual Campus Security Report and Annual Fire Safety Report may be obtained from the Police Chief, Police Services, Verdot Village, (707) 664-4444.

Information concerning the prevention of drug and alcohol abuse and rehabilitation programs may be obtained from the Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Center 3021, (707) 664-2838.

Information regarding student retention and graduation rates at Sonoma State University and, if available, the number and percent age of students completing the program in which the student is enrolled or has expressed interest in may be obtained from the Director, Reporting and Analytics, Stevenson 1024, (707) 664-3350.

Information concerning athletic opportunities available to male and female students and the financial resources and personnel that Sonoma State University dedicates to its men’s and women’s teams may be obtained from the Senior Director of Intercollegiate Athletics, P.E. 21, (707) 664-2521.

Information concerning teacher preparation programs at Sonoma State University, including the pass rate on teacher certification examinations, may be obtained from the Dean, School of Education, Stevenson 1078, (707) 664-3115.

Information concerning grievance procedures for students who feel aggrieved in their relationships with the University, its policies, practices, procedures, or its faculty and staff, may be obtained from the Vice President for Student Affairs, Student Center 3021, (707) 664-2838.

Information concerning student activities that Sonoma State University provides, must be easily accessible on http://www.sonoma.edu/students.

Information concerning student body diversity at Sonoma State University, including the percentage of enrolled, full-time students who are (1) male, (2) female, (3) Pell Grant recipients, and (4) self-identified members of a specific racial or ethnic group, must be obtained at http://www.sonoma.edu/about/diversity.

The federal Military Selective Service Act (the “Act”) requires most males residing in the United States to present themselves for registration with the Selective Service System within thirty days of their eighteenth birthday. Most males between the ages of 18 and 25 must be registered. Males born after December 31, 1959, may be required to submit a statement of compliance with the Act and regulations in order to receive any grant, loan, or work assistance under specified provisions of existing federal law. In California, students subject to the Act who fail to register are also ineligible to receive any need-based student grants funded by the state or a public postsecondary institution.

Selective Service registration forms are available at any U.S. Post Office, and many high schools have a staff member or teacher appointed as a Selective Service Registrar. Applicants for financial aid can also request that information provided on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) be used to register them with the Selective Service. Information on the Selective Service System is available and the registration process may be initiated online at http://www.sss.gov