In addition, some students qualify for external funding and support including private scholarships and grants, Vocational Rehabilitation, VA benefits.

More about types of aid available.

2) How do I apply for federal financial aid?
You must fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete the FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The federal school code for CIIS is 012154.
Based on the results of your FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office will send you any additional forms that might be needed.

3) When should I apply for financial aid?
You should apply as early as possible. The entire process can take up to eight weeks. We suggest that you complete your financial aid application at the same time you are applying for admission.

4) How do I become eligible for financial aid?
All students must meet the following general requirements to be eligible for financial aid at California Institute of Integral Studies:
• Be officially admitted to CIIS in a degree program.
• Maintain satisfactory academic progress towards degree completion as determined by the Financial Aid Office.
• You must be enrolled at least half-time (six units for fall and spring, 3 units for summer) you are requesting financial aid. (Note: International students and scholarship recipients must be full-time, i.e., at least 9 units for fall and spring.)Your eligibility can be affected if your enrollment status changes during the loan period.
In addition, students applying for federal financial aid must meet these additional requirements:
• Be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen (e.g. permanent resident) with appropriate documentation.
• Provide proof of compliance with selective service regulations.
• Not be in default or owe a refund on any federal student aid.
• Demonstrate the "Ability to Benefit" (BAC program only) by having a high school diploma, GED certificate, or 60 transferable units from a community college.

More about eligibility.

5) Do I have to re-apply every year?
Yes, you must apply for Federal Stafford Loans for each academic year, in continuous terms (i.e., fall and spring; fall, spring, and summer; and spring and summer).

6) Are there any deadlines? What if I miss a deadline?
Please see deadlines here. If you are only applying for federal financial aid you can apply anytime during the prior to the beginning of the term. However, we suggest you adhere to the following guidelines to ensure that your funds are here in time to pay tuition, otherwise you might need to contact the Business Office to make other arrangements.

If you are applying for scholarships, applications received after the following deadlines will be reviewed only if funds are available.

7) What constitutes full time and half time at CIIS?
Please see this page for definitions used by the Financial Aid Office and the Registrar’s Office for the purposes of verifying financial aid eligibility and enrollment status.

8) What is a Federal Stafford Loan?
The Stafford Loan program is a federal financial aid program that offers low-interest rate loans for undergraduate and graduate students. These loans come in two types: subsidized and unsubsidized. The U.S government pays the interest on subsidized loans during the period you are in school. You are responsible for the interest accrued on unsubsidized loans while you are in school. You can choose to pay the interest or you can choose to capitalize the interest. Capitalization is the process by which the accrued interest becomes part of the capital or principal amount of your original loan.

9) How much money can I borrow each year?
Graduate students can borrow up to $18,500 per year ($31,000 for students in the Clinical Psychology/"Psy.D." program) and undergraduates can borrow up to $10,500.

Annual Federal Loan LImits

Dependent Undergraduates	Subsidized	Total (Subsidized & Unsubsidized)
< 60 transfer units (sophomore)	$3,500	$5,500
60 — 89 units (junior)	$5,500	$5,500
90+ units (senior)	$5,500	$5,500
Independent Undergraduates (and dependents whose parents are unable to borrow under the PLUS Program)
< 60 transfer units (sophomore)	$3,500	$7,500
60 — 89 units (junior)	$5,500	$10,500
90+ units (senior)	$5,500	$10,500
Graduate Students	$8,500	$18,500
Psy.D.	$8,500	$31,000

10) How do I receive my loan?
Your loan will be electronically disbursed to your student account at the beginning of each semester for which you requested funds and are enrolled at least half-time. After your tuition and other charges are paid, any remaining funds will be refunded to you in the form of a check from CIIS.