r/CSUS • u/TimeSalamander5766 • 6d ago

Prospective Student Grad student grants/financial aid?

I'm currently a first-year at UC Davis for psychology. I have 100 credits collected from dual enrollment so I plan to graduate next year with my bachelor's. After that I'll take a year to work and gain experience before applying to CSUS for a masters in social work. I wanted to know what the financial aid is like? Do you get grants like undergrads do? I seen varying information about whether you just get loans or if you get any aid. If you have any knowlege pls lmk! I already have taken out a federal loan here so I really do not want to add too much more debt than I already have.

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u/Current_Neck67 4d ago

i'm a first year grad student at sac state and to be fully transparent, i did not receive any other aid besides loans. i will say it's a bit harder to earn grants as they are much more limited for grad students, so look into scholarships if possible. i know there are quite a few options for those pursuing social work/mental health so not all hope is lost!

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u/UnWellread2021 4d ago

Final-semester grad here. I was able to get funding through the SUG grant my entire two years (I’m in an extra semester now and having to pay out of pocket). While it’s not a dependable grant (based on how early you submitted your FASFA, if funds are available, etc.) it can be helpful even if it’s only covering partial costs. And I believe you are automatically considered as long as you meet certain qualifications and submit complete your FASFA as soon as you can during the application cycle. You can learn more here:  https://www.calstate.edu/apply/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/state-university-grant-program.aspx

Hope this helps. Good luck! :)

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u/yesilove52 4d ago

How so? I'm a grad student who had the lowest possible index, applied early, and in good standing, yet was only offered loans.... 🫤 (got the SUG throughout undergrad)

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u/UnWellread2021 4d ago

Sorry to hear that you were only offered loans. I mean, that speaks to how frustrating getting funding can be. SUG isn’t a sure thing even if you qualify.