Undergraduate Application Process

Complete steps 1–3 as early as possible to ensure that you receive notification of your Financial Aid Award after being admitted to Cal Lutheran.

1. File Your FAFSA or CADAA

   Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Make sure to list Cal Lutheran’s school code 001133. File your FAFSA or CADAA as soon as possible.

2. Cal Grant Verification

   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 3.

3. Submit Verification Documents

   If you have been selected for a process called verification or if additional information is needed, you will receive a letter stating exactly what items we need submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.

   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.

   Notification that your Financial Aid Offer is ready to view will be sent to your callutheran.edu email account. Once you receive that notification, continue with steps 4-6.

4. Accept or Decline Your Aid Offer

   It is Cal Lutheran policy that students are responsible for accepting or declining each component of their Financial Aid offer. Please Accept or Decline each aid offer listed in Self-Service. If you would like to change your decision at a later date on a particular award, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

5. Federal Student Loan Process

   If you accept a Federal Direct Loan, you must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to receive the loan. Learn more about the student loan process.

6. Federal Parent PLUS Loan Process

   If you accept a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, your parent must complete the Parent PLUS loan process.
   This includes completing an online Parent PLUS Application which requires a check for adverse credit history. If your parent’s credit is approved, your parent must then complete a Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN).

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

To receive notification of your Financial Aid eligibility complete steps 1 and 2 as early as possible.

1. File Your FAFSA or CADAA

   Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA). Make sure to add CLU's school code 001133. File your FAFSA or CADAA by March 3 for priority consideration. The application deadline is April 15. Students who submit after this deadline may receive a reduced financial aid award.

2. Submit Verification Documents

   If you have been selected for a process called verification or if CLU needs additional information from you, you will receive a letter stating exactly what items we need submitted to the Office of Financial Aid.

   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.

   Once you receive notification to your callutheran.edu email account that your award is ready to view, continue with these steps:

3. Accept or Decline Your Award

   It is CLU policy that students are responsible for accepting or declining each component of their Financial Aid Awards. Please Accept or Decline each award listed in Self-Service. If you would like to change your decision at a later date on a particular award, please contact the Financial Aid Office.

4. Federal Student Loan Process

   If you accept a Federal Direct Loan, you must complete Entrance Counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) to receive the loan. Learn more about the student loan process.

5. Federal Parent PLUS Loan Process

   If you accept a Federal Parent PLUS Loan, your parent must complete the Parent PLUS loan process.
   This includes completing an online Parent PLUS Application which requires a check for adverse credit history. If your parent’s credit is approved, your parent must then complete a Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note (MPN).

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