Types of Financial Aid

First Thing's First - File Your FAFSA

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the federal financial aid application that must be completed by anyone seeking federal or state financial assistance from an educational institution in the U.S. Our school code is 001133. This form must be submitted each academic year.

Grants and Other Assistance

ADT Pledge Scholarship

Up to $2,500

This one-time scholarship is available to incoming students who have completed an Associate Degree for Transfer (ADT), with a transferable GPA of 3.0 or higher, prior to enrolling their first-term in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals program. Students who have not completed an ADT but have completed an IGETC or CSU GE Breadth pathway are also eligible to receive an adjusted amount of this scholarship. Any completed ADT/IGETC/CSU GE Breadth certificate must be noted on Official Transcripts at time of Admission. Students must be enrolled Full-Time to receive this scholarship, and the scholarship will be applied to their first term enrolled in the program. Contact your Admission Counselor with any questions on eligibility. 

PACE Promise

Students transferring into the Bachelor's Degree for Professionals program having graduated from a partnered PACE program at a California Community College are eligible to receive a $100 per credit reduction on tuition. Students must enroll full-time to receive this reduction. This award cannot be combined with the Corporate Partnership Scholarship or Local Government Scholarship.

Dare to Succeed Scholarship

The Dare to Succeed Scholarship was established in 2020 by the Suggs Family Foundation to support post-traditional students in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals Program. This program helps students who are already in the workplace and/or raising families go back to school to complete their bachelor’s degree. Many of its graduates are the first in their family to earn a college diploma.

Veterans Benefits

Cal Lutheran is a Yellow Ribbon University. Students who may be eligible for veteran's benefits should contact their local Veteran's Affairs Office or contact Cal Lutheran's Office of Veteran Resources for specific information.

Employer Tuition Assistance Programs

Many companies offer tuition assistance to employees who participate in work-related or degree-oriented college programs. We provide a deferred payment option (up to six weeks after the end of the term) for students who take advantage of their company's tuition reimbursement opportunities.  Please see more information on our webpage for Employer Tuition Assistance Programs.

Corporate Partnership Scholarship

Cal Lutheran has partnered with employers to offer their employees a $100 per credit reduction on any of our graduate and professional programs (future terms only). Learn more

Local Government Scholarship

Cal Lutheran has partnered with local governments to offer their employees a $100 per credit reduction on any of our graduate and professional programs (future terms only). Learn more

Cal Grants

A Cal Grant may be available to eligible California residents who are recent California high school graduates, based on family income, assets and GPA. A minimum of three units per term are required. A FAFSA form and a Cal Grant GPA Verification Form must be filed by March 2.

Federal Pell Grant Program

Under the Federal Pell Grant program, eligibility will be determined based on the information submitted on the FAFSA. This grant is awarded to students with high financial need.

Alumni Scholarship

If you are the child or grandchild of a Cal Lutheran graduate then you're eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship per academic year of enrollment at Cal Lutheran. 

Congregational Partners in Education (CPE) Award

This renewable award allows congregations of any faith to assist outstanding students who have demonstrated a commitment to the life and work of their church. Cal Lutheran will match gifts from the congregation in support of a student in $100 increments to a maximum of $2,500. In order to qualify for the match, the check must come from the congregation and be made out to the University (it should not be written directly to the student attending Cal Lutheran). Learn more about the CPE Award.

Federal and Private Loans

Federal Direct Subsidized Loans

Eligibility for the Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is determined by the FAFSA and is based on need. The government pays the interest while the student is in school. A student may be eligible to borrow up to the annual maximum of $3,500 for freshmen, $4,500 for sophomores and $5,500 for juniors and seniors. Students must be enrolled at least half time (three or more units) to receive a Federal Direct Subsidized Loan.

Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans

Eligibility for the Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is determined by the FAFSA and is not need based. If you are considered an independent student based on your FAFSA application, the annual award is $6,000 per year for freshmen and sophomores, and $7,000 for juniors and seniors. Interest accrues on this loan while the student is in school. Students must be enrolled at least half time (three units or more per term) to receive a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Eligibility will be determined by the Office of Financial Aid.

Alternative/Private Loans

Students should always utilize any awarded Federal Direct Loans prior to seeking an Alternative Loan. Interest rates on alternative loans are often much higher than the Federal Direct Loan rates. Eligibility is determined by the lender. Alternative/Private Educational Loans may only be taken out for up to the cost of attendance (less any financial aid received) as defined by the Office of Financial Aid.