Financial Aid and Scholarships

Summer Session 2024 Financial Aid: Graduate Students

The Cal Poly Pomona Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will begin packaging eligible students for Summer 2024 on April 5th.

Enrolling in the appropriate summer session classes can help you progress faster toward your degree. If you're considering summer session enrollment, consult with your departmental advisors regarding summer course selection.

Financial aid may be available to current Cal Poly Pomona graduate students to assist with their summer 2024 costs. A valid 2023 – 2024 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be on file and you must be enrolled at least half time (three units).

Summer financial aid differs significantly from academic year financial aid. Specifically, State University Grant (SUG) and program specific grant funding is not available during the summer.

Your summer aid options consist of any Federal Direct Loan aid you did not use during the academic year. You may also apply for a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan or Private Loan to help cover your summer costs - both of which require credit approval.

You do not need to submit an application for summer Direct Unsubsidized loans!

Your eligibility will be reviewed beginning April 5th, and you will be packaged with aid, as long as you have enrolled in summer courses and have eligibility. You will be notified via your Cal Poly Pomona email once your financial aid package is available.

Summer Cost of Attendance Budgets

Below are the cost of attendance budgets for students attending only one 5-week session for Summer 2024. 

The figures used for all categories (except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by Cal Poly Pomona students in the 2021 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission.  The figures have been adjusted for 5 weeks (2 month budget). 

Summer Cost of Attendance for one 5-week session

Summer Cost of Attendance Budget - 5 week session
Expenses Commuter Off-Campus  
Housing
Tuition & Mandatory Fees  Varies Varies
Food & Housing
$1,752 $3,156
Books, Supplies, Materials $533 $533
Transportation $428 $370
Personal Expenses $504 $492
Direct Loan Fees $35 $35
TOTAL   $3,252 + tuition & fees
$4,586 + tuition & fees  

Tuition and Mandatory Fees will be based on the actual amount of tuition and fees you are charged for Summer 2024. Refer to the Student Accounting and Cashiering Services website for details on the tuition and fee charges for Summer 2024.

Below are the cost of attendance budgets for students attending 10 weeks for Summer 2024.  This could be students who are enrolled in any of the following combinations:

  • 10 week session
  • 5 Week Session 1 + 5 Week Session 2
  • 5 Week Session 1 + 10 Week Session
  • 5 Week Session 2 + 10 Week Session

The figures used for all categories (except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by Cal Poly Pomona students in the 2021 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission.  The figures have been adjusted for 10 weeks (3 month budget). 

Summer Cost of Attendance for 10 weeks

Summer Cost of Attendance Budget - 10 weeks
Expenses Commuter Off-Campus  
Housing
Tuition & Mandatory Fees  Varies Varies
Food & Housing
$2,628 $4,734
Books, Supplies, Materials $533 $533
Transportation $642 $555
Personal Expenses $756 $738
Direct Loan Fees $35 $35
TOTAL   $4,594 + tuition & fees
$6,595 + tuition & fees  

Tuition and Mandatory Fees will be based on the actual amount of tuition and fees you are charged for Summer 2024. Refer to the Student Accounting and Cashiering Services website for details on the tuition and fee charges for Summer 2024.

A standardized set of budgets is used as the basis for determining the cost of attendance at Cal Poly Pomona. The figures used for all categories (except Tuition & Fees and On Campus Room & Board) represent the average expenses reported by Cal Poly Pomona students in the 2021 Student Expenses and Resources Survey (SEARS), conducted by the California Student Aid Commission.  1,500 students from Cal Poly Pomona were contacted regarding the survey – and the response rate was 32.47%. 

Amounts are updated annually based on inflation and the Consumer Price Index for non-surveyed years.

No distinction is made with respect to the mode of instruction in determining costs – students enrolled in online courses or a fully online program have the same elements included in their cost of attendance budget.

  • Tuition & Mandatory Fees: Cost paid to Cal Poly Pomona for courses, includes mandatory campus fees.  This figure is based off your actual enrollment & charges for the summer. Refer to the Student Accounting & Cashiering Services website for amounts.
  • Food & Housing: The average cost per academic year to live in the Pomona / LA County area while attending Cal Poly Pomona. Actual costs may vary by individual choices related to location and circumstances (on-campus, off-campus, living at home) 
    • Commuter Food & Housing reflects the lower costs of living at home. 
    • Off-Campus Food & Housing is based on the average amount reported by Cal Poly Pomona students on the 2021 SEARS survey.  These figures assume a roommate.
      • Food =  $781 per month
      • Housing = $1,211 per month
  • Books, Supplies, Course Materials: The average amount students spend on books, supplies and course materials.
  • Transportation:   The average transportation cost between campus, residences, and place of work (includes bus fare, gasoline, tolls, parking, etc.).  Amount does not include car payments, insurance, repairs or license fees.
  • Personal Expenses:   The average amount for personal expenses which includes clothing, personal care, cell phone plan, and health care costs not covered by insurance.
  • Federal Direct Loan Fees:   For students who borrow a Direct Loan, the average cost of the loan origination fee; for parents who borrow a Direct PLUS loan on behalf of their dependent student, the actual cost of the PLUS loan origination fee.

For informational purposes only:  In accordance with California Assembly Bill 990, Cal Poly Pomona provides the typical market cost of a one-bedroom apartment in the Pomona area:  $1,644 per month (per www.apartments.com), as of January 1, 2024.

In addition to the elements included in our standard Summer COA Budgets, the following elements can be included on a case-by-case basis, using our Cost of Attendance appeal form:

Computer Purchase: Reasonable costs related to the rental or upfront purchase of a personal computer.

Study Abroad ExpensesReasonable costs (including travel, visa, passport, etc.) for students participating in a study abroad program approved for credit by Cal Poly Pomona.

Dependent care:  Expenses incurred for dependent care, based on the number and age of the student’s dependents.

  • The period for which dependent care is required includes, but is not limited to, class-time, study-time, field work, internships, and commuting time.
  • Such allowance must not exceed the reasonable cost in the community in which the student resides for the kind of care provided

Disability-related expenses: Expenses associated with a student’s disability, including special services, personal assistance, transportation, equipment, and supplies that are reasonably incurred and not provided for by other agencies.

Cooperative education cost:  Students engaged in a work experience under a cooperative education program, an allowance for reasonable costs associated with such employment.

Additional Room costs:  Students whose housing costs are in excess of the amount included in the standard budget can submit a cost of attendance appeal (and documentation) to have their budget increased to account for the additional costs.

Additional Transportation costs:  Students whose transportation costs are in excess of the amount included in the standard budget can submit a cost of attendance appeal (and documentation) to have their budget increased to account for the additional costs.

Types of Aid for FAFSA Filers

Graduate students enrolled in at least 3 units for the Summer may be eligible for limited Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan eligibility if they borrowed less than $20,500 in Federal Direct Unsubsidized loans in the current academic year.

Eligibility

If you did not accept the maximum amount of Federal Direct Loans in the 2023-24 academic year and you are enrolled in at least 3 units for summer, you may be offered Federal Direct Loans for summer. To be eligible for a Federal Direct Student Loan for the Summer, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have a 2023 – 2024 FAFSA Application on file with Cal Poly Pomona with no outstanding items on your To Do List
  • Must meet the general financial aid eligibility criteria
  • Have a financial aid eligible SAP Status (Meets, Warning, Probation)
  • You are required to enroll in a minimum of 3 units (that are applicable to your degree)
  • Must have unused loan funds remaining from the 2023 - 2024 academic year

How Much Can I Borrow for the Summer?

Unsubsidized Loan eligibility for the summer is subject to the maximum annual and lifetime aggregate limits. Login to your account on Studentaid.gov to review the amount you have already borrowed for the 2023 - 2024 year; you can then compare what you've borrowed against the annual loan limits on Studentaid.gov. Be sure to also review the lifetime loan limits - to ensure you have enough funds remaining to support completing your program.

If you borrowed your full Direct Loan eligibility during the academic year, you may consider applying for a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan.

Deadline for Accepting Your Loan

You must complete all steps to receive your summer loan prior to the end of your summer classes.  The deadlines for Summer 2024 are:

  • If you enroll in Session I only, you must accept your loan and complete all steps no later than June 21 (funds will not be released until July 3)
  • If you enroll in both Session I and Session II, you must accept your loan and complete all steps no later than July 28
  • If you enroll in Session II only, you must accept your loan and complete all steps no later than July 28
  • If you enroll in the 10 week session, you must accept and complete all steps by July 28

Eligibility

Federal Graduate PLUS Loans are available to graduate students who have reached their annual or lifetime borrowing limits under the Direct Unsubsidized Loan. These loans can cover your remaining summer costs of education not covered by other aid received. PLUS loans are available only to borrowers who do not have adverse credit histories.

To be eligible for a Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for the Summer, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Must have a 2023 – 2024 FAFSA Application on file with Cal Poly Pomona with no outstanding items on your To Do List.
  • Must meet the general financial aid eligibility criteria
  • Have a financial aid eligible SAP Status (Meets, Warning, Probation)
  • Must be enrolled in a minimum of 3 units (that are applicable to your degree)

How Much Can I Borrow For The Summer?

The maximum PLUS Loan amount borrowed cannot exceed your summer cost of education minus any other financial assistance. A Graduate PLUS Loan may be an option to help cover educational expenses if you have borrowed your maximum annual Direct Student Loan amount.

How Can I Be Considered For Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan?

  1. Go to the Graduate PLUS Loan application on the Federal Student Aid website
  2. Log in with your Federal Student Aid ID (FSA ID) - the same login used for your FAFSA
  3. If prompted, accept the terms and conditions of the platform
  4. Complete the application, review the information for accuracy, and submit

Tips on Applying:

  • Make sure you select the correct Award Year at the top of the application (example: Summer 2024 would be the 2023-2024 year)
  • Carefully read the options about in-school and post-enrollment deferment
  • Make sure the loan is sent to Cal Poly Pomona - School Code/Branch 001144 - not other schools with similar names such as Cal Poly
  • Choose the right Loan Period:
    • To apply for Summer 2024, the loan period is May 2024 through August 2024

Additional Requirements You Must Complete

Funds cannot be disbursed to your account until all requirements are complete. Borrowers must complete a Loan Agreement (Master Promissory Note) for the loan. After you are approved for the loan, you must:

  1. Log into the Federal Student Aid website with your FSA ID
  2. Accept terms and conditions if prompted, then you should be in your Dashboard
  3. In the CHECKLISTS section of your Dashboard page, click on "I'M IN SCHOOL"
  4. Under "I'M IN SCHOOL" click on Complete Entrance Counseling
  5. Scroll down to the "I am a Graduate or Professional Student" section, and click the "Start" button
  6. Complete and submit your Entrance Counseling, and make sure you list Cal Poly Pomona as a school that you want notified that it has been completed (School Code 001144)
  7. To return to your Dashboard, click on your name in the top righthand side of the screen, and choose Dashboard from the options
  8. In the CHECKLISTS section of your Dashboard page, click on "I'M IN SCHOOL"
  9. Under "I'M IN SCHOOL" click on Complete MPN (i.e., Loan Agreement)
  10. Scroll down to the "I am a Graduate or Professional Student" section, and click the "Select MPN Type" button
  11. Scroll down to the "MPN for Direct PLUS Loans" section, and click the "Start" button
  12. Complete and submit the MPN

Deadline to Apply

Requests for a Direct Graduate PLUS Loan for the Summer must be received prior to the end of your summer classes.  The deadlines for Summer 2024 are:

  • If you enroll in Session I only, you must submit your loan application and complete all steps by June 21 (if approved, funds will not be released until July 3)
  • If you enroll in Sessions I and II, you must submit your loan application and complete all steps by July 28
  • If you enroll in Session II only, you must submit your loan application and complete all steps by July 28
  • If you enroll in the Full Session (10 weeks), you must submit your loan application and complete all steps by July 28

Eligibility

Cal Poly Pomona students who have exhausted all other financial aid options may wish to pursue a private education loan to cover costs associated with the summer term. Although Cal Poly Pomona is unable to recommend or advise students on specific private loan options, we have provided some general information on our Loan Information page for you to keep in mind when considering a private loan.

Please keep the following information in mind when deciding whether or not to apply for a private loan:

  • You should exhaust your federal student aid options before pursuing a private student loan
  • You should only consider a private education loan if you have reached your federal student loan borrowing limit or are not eligible for federal aid
  • Private student loans are usually higher-interest loans with interest that accrues while you are enrolled in school
  • Most lenders will require a co-signer for a private loan. The co-signer must have a good credit history
  • Only apply for one private loan at a time

How Can I Be Considered For a Private Education Loan?

To be considered for a Private Education Loan for the summer, you must first apply with a lender.  Once you've applied with a lender, complete the Summer Private Loan Request form which is available through our Student Forms Portal. The form will be available by April 5th.

Deadline to Apply

Requests for a Private Loan for the Summer must be received prior to the end of your summer classes.  The deadlines for Summer 2024 are:

  • If you enroll in Session I only, you must submit your loan application by June 21
  • If you enroll in Sessions I and II, you must submit your loan application by July 28
  • If you enroll in Session II only, you must submit your loan application by July 28
  • If you enroll in the Full Session (10 weeks), you must submit your loan application by July 28

Important Information Regarding Summer Aid

General Eligibility Criteria

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will automatically review students who meet the following criteria for Summer Financial Aid - beginning April 5th:

  • You are enrolled in Summer 2024
  • You do not have a May 2024 Graduation Check-Out on file
  • You have an official 2023-2024 Aid Application on file with Cal Poly Pomona - with no outstanding To-Do List items.
  • You have an aid-eligible SAP Status during Spring 2024 (Meets, Warning, Probation)

After satisfying all of the eligibility criteria listed above, students should allow up to ten business days to be reviewed for summer financial aid. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships will notify students who are reviewed and packaged with summer financial aid through their Cal Poly Pomona email address.

We recommend that students be enrolled in all intended summer classes no later than April 26th in order to be accurately packaged with Summer Financial Aid. Summer Financial Aid will be packaged based on the expectation of half-time enrollment during the summer; if you do not enroll at least half-time, the aid offered to you will not be released.

Details for Specific Types of Aid

Federal Direct Loans (Unsubsidized and Graduate PLUS) for the summer will only be released when you are enrolled in at least 3 units of summer coursework.

The anticipated initial release date of financial aid for Summer 2024 is May 21, 2024 (if enrolled classes that begin on May 29th).

Summer Financial Aid will begin to be released to your account up to 8 days prior to the first day of your first summer class as long as you meet all other eligibility to receive financial aid including having no open To Do items, enrolled in minimum units required for the aid, and having an aid-eligible SAP Status.

Examples:

  • Student A is enrolled in three units during the 1st 5 Week Session (Start date of May 29th) and three units during the 2nd 5 Week Session (start date of July 3rd). This student’s loan funds will release on May 21st.

  • Student B is enrolled in six units, all during the 2nd 5 Week Session (start date of July 3rd). This student's loan funds will release on July 3rd, which is the earliest date funds can be released due to fiscal year end close activities.

If your current SAP Status during the Spring semester is Financial Aid Warning or Financial Aid Probation, your summer financial aid will not be released until after we have completed our review of Spring grades and academic performance.

All offers of summer financial aid are contingent on students successfully completing courses for the Spring 2024 semester. We will review grades and academic performance at the end of the Spring semester and if you do not meet the requirements of our Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy, your summer financial aid will be cancelled. If any summer financial aid funds have been disbursed prior to the SAP review, you will be billed.

If your current SAP Status during the Spring semester is Financial Aid Warning or Financial Aid Probation, your summer financial aid will not be released until after we have completed our review of Spring grades and academic performance.

The decision about whether or not to drop a class is an academic issue; however, it is your responsibility to understand the financial implications of this decision. Dropping a class may impact your aid eligibility for the current - and future - semesters.

Before you drop a summer class, read the refund and withdrawal policies in the Summer Class Schedule.

Dropping some of your courses

If you receive financial aid for summer and you drop one or more classes but not all classes before the end of the session, you may be required to repay part or all of the funds you received. If the withdrawal results in enrollment in fewer than 3 units for summer, your financial aid is subject to cancellation.

Dropping all of your courses

If you receive financial aid for summer and you withdraw from all courses before the end of the term, you will most likely be required to return a portion of your aid. A calculation will be performed based on when you last attended and/or withdrew from your courses.

Your Satisfactory Academic Progress status will be affected if you drop a course during the summer and it results in a grade of W.

Review our Financial Aid Policies page for more information about Withdrawal, Refund, and Repayment - and the impact that withdrawing from your courses may have on your aid.