Graduate Application Process

To ensure that you receive email notification of your Financial Aid eligibility, complete steps 1 as early as possible. Respond to any additional requests from Cal Lutheran as soon as possible. Please note, all loan steps must be completed at least 30 days prior to the start of any academic term you would like to receive financial aid to prevent delays.

File Your FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. Make sure to list Cal Lutheran’s school code 001133. This application determines your eligibility for low-interest Federal Direct Loans and enables you to be considered for certain scholarships and grants depending on your program. The FAFSA is required each year.
Graduate Financial Aid Offer

You can check online to see if you have any outstanding documents that are missing through Financial Aid Self Service in your Financial Aid Checklist.
New incoming graduate students must be fully (or conditionally) admitted before their financial aid eligiblity will be determined. Once your award letter is ready you will be notified via an email to your callutheran.edu email account. After reviewing your award letter continue with the following step.
Accept or Decline Your Award

It is Cal Lutheran policy that students must Accept or Decline each Federal Loan listed on their aid offer via the Financial Aid Self Service Tool. Scholarships and Grants are automatically accepted. If you would like to change your decision at a later date on a particular loan or adjust the amount you wish to receive please use the Graduate Loan Change Request Form.
Federal Direct Loan Process

If you accept a Federal Direct Loan, you must submit Entrance Counseling, a Master Promissory Note. The Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment is recommended but not required to complete the loan process.
Federal Graduate PLUS Loan Application

If you need additional funds beyond the Unsubsidized loan and would like to borrow a Federal Graduate PLUS Loan, you must complete a loan application which includes a credit check. If the loan is approved, you must complete the loan process by completing Graduate Plus Entrance Counseling, a Plus Master Promissory Note. The Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment is recommended but not required.