Credential Student Financial Information | California State University, Bakersfield (2024)

By census day of each term:

Credential Students

• Full-time = minimum of 12 semester units
• Half-time = 6 semester units
• Less than half-time (TEACH only)

For complete information on types of aid, visitFinancial Aid: Types of Aid.

Pell Grant: You must be pursuing your initial teaching credential in order to be eligible to receive a Pell Grant. Eligibility for the Pell Grant is limited to one year in the credential program, and is not added to a student’s award package until credential coursework is confirmed in early fall.
Note: Students have a lifetime Pell Grant limitation of 6 years, or 12 full-time equivalent terms. Students who have already received their lifetime maximum as an undergraduate, will not be eligible for the Pell Grant while in the credential program.

TEACH Grant: The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) Grant Program provides grants of up to $4,000 per year to students who intend to teach in a public or private elementary or secondary school that serves students from low-income families. Currently, the TEACH Grant is only available to credential students. If, after reading all of the information provided, you are interested in applying for the TEACH Grant Program, please contact the Financial Aid Office to schedule an appointment with a Financial Aid Counselor.

• Website: Teach Grant
• Flyer: CSUB Teach Grant -coming soon
• Form:Financial Aid- Teach Grant

Cal Grant A and B recipients: Students who plan to enroll in a Teaching Credential Program (TCP) may be eligible to renew their Cal Grant award for an additional year. The additional year of payment is provided to students who are seeking an initial teaching credential and cannot be used for other graduate level courses of study. To review your Cal Grant information, go toWeb Grants 4 Students. You will be required to complete a Request for Cal Grant Teaching Credential Program Benefits (G44).

The Segal AmeriCorps Education Award:Is a post-service benefit earned by individuals who complete an approved term of national service in AmeriCorps programs.The award may be used to pay educational expenses at eligible post-secondary institutions, including many technical schools and G.I. Bill approved programs, or to repay qualified students loans. The dollar amount of the education award is equal to the maximum amount of the U.S. Department of Education Pell Grant and may change year to year.

CSUB Payment Plan:Contact Student Financial Services for terms and application.

• Website: Student Financial Services
• Email:sfs@csub.edu
• Tel: (661) 952-3225

CSUB Scholarships:Academic scholarships are considered "Gift-Aid" and are funded by corporations, non-profit organizations, and individual donors. Recipients are typically determined through a competitive application process based on academic achievement, financial need, and/or criteria established by the donor. To search and apply for scholarships, see these links:

• Roadrunner Scholarship Universe
• External Scholarships
• Credential Student Scholarship List

Many of the teacher residency programs offer stipends to qualified and admitted candidates. For more information on applying to a teacher residency, see these links:

• General Education Teacher Residencies
• Special Education Teacher Residencies

For complete information on applying for Aid, visitFinancial Aid: Applying for Aid.

To determine what aid may be available to you please complete either the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the Cal DREAM Act.

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

• for US Citizens & eligible Non-Citizens
• determines eligibility for federal aid
• determines eligibility for state aid (if CA resident)

Cal DREAM Act

• for Non-Citizens who reside in CA
• for AB540 eligible students
  • determines eligibility for state aid

Cal DREAM Act

Common questions students ask when completing the FAFSA as a credential candidate:

• When you begin the school year, what will be your grade level?
  5th year/other undergraduate
• When you begin the school year, what degree or certificate will you be working on?
  Teaching Credential (non-degree program)
• At the beginning of the school year, will you be working on a master’s or doctorate program?
  No

TheFAF​​SA,California Dream Act (CADA) andCal Grantforms are available October 1 for the following fall semester. Cal Grant has a firm March 2 deadline, but the FAFSA and CADA are available until June 30.