How to Apply for Financial Aid

Traditional Undergraduate Students

Whether you are an incoming or continuing student, understanding the application process and each section of your Financial Aid Offer is a crucial step in preparing for the academic year. Explore the application process and next steps below.

Jump to a Step:

Step 1: Submit the FAFSA or CADAA
Step 2: Upload Verification Documents (if needed)
Step 3: Complete Cal Grant Verification (if needed)

When you've finished these steps, learn how to accept your offer

Step 1
Submit the FAFSA or CADAA

Applications Open: October 1 (estimated)
Priority Deadline: March 1 (estimated)

Note for incoming students:

We recommend that you begin this step when you apply for admission to Cal Lutheran. That will ensure you receive your Financial Aid Offer after being admitted to Cal Lutheran.

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and California Dream Act Application (CADAA) are yearly applications used to determine eligibility for federal and state aid.

FAFSA

Used for U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens to evaluate eligibility for programs such as federal or state grants, institutional scholarships, and federal loans.

Start your FAFSA

CADAA

Used for undocumented students who meet the eligibility requirements of California Assembly Bill 540 and come from a lower income household or qualify for need-based aid.

Start Your CADAA

Pro tips

Be sure to include your Social Security Number (if available) on both applications, as well as Cal Lutheran's School Code 001133 when prompted.
Please note that the FAFSA or CADAA must be completed every year that you attend Cal Lutheran with updated information.

Step 2
Upload Verification Documents (if needed)

Deadline: Within 30 days of receiving notification

After submitting the FAFSA, some students are selected for "verification," which means the federal government needs the Financial Aid office at Cal Lutheran to verify that the information provided on your FAFSA matches your tax documents.

If selected, you will be notified on your FAFSA Submission Summary. You can also check your Self-Service portal to see if you have any outstanding documents that are missing.

Verification documents must be submitted within 30 days of receiving notification. Failure to submit the requested documentation within 30 days will result in a delay of receiving your Financial Aid Offer.

Step 3
Complete Cal Grant Verification (if needed)

Deadline: March 2 (estimated)

This step is for incoming students only.

Please skip this step if you are a returning student.

If needed, complete the Cal Grant GPA Verification Form. Ask the registrar/counselor at the school you attended prior to Cal Lutheran to verify your GPA and submit the form to the California Student Aid Commission no later than March 2.

See more about Cal Grants

If you feel you and your family are experiencing extenuating financial circumstances, please visit our Special Circumstances page to learn how to submit an appeal.