Scholarships

Scholarships are merit-based, need-based, and non-need-based monetary awards. The award may range from paying a portion of your tuition to fully funding all costs linked to your college education.  Scholarships are designed to reward, encourage, and assist students pursue academic excellence. Additional criteria, such as campus or community activities, volunteer work, work experience, and financial need are considered during the selection process.

Cal State LA has over 400 scholarship opportunities to support your educational goals. You can browse the various scholarships available on the Cal State LA Scholarships Application site during the scholarship application season (March 11, 2024 - April 18, 2024). The scholarships are made available through the generosity of our University donors, alumni, and friends. Please keep in mind, if you completed the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application these scholarship opportunities will be coordinated along with other financial aid and outside agency financial aid programs.

Apply Once!

We have simplified the process for you to be considered for these various Cal State LA scholarship opportunities. Simply follow the steps on the General Scholarship Application and you will be automatically matched to the scholarships for which you meet the minimum qualifications. Final selections will then be made based on a ranking of the applicants by the scholarship committees.

Am I eligible to apply?

Current Cal State LA students who will continue to be enrolled in a degree, credential, or certificate program are eligible to complete a General Scholarship Application. Students who are currently finishing up their undergraduate program and plan to return to Cal State LA in Fall 2024 as a new Master’s degree, doctorate, or credential student are ineligible to apply.

How do I apply?

  • Click the “Sign In” button at the top of the Cal State LA General Scholarship Application and provide your MyCalStateLA credentials (Campus Identification Number (CIN) and campus password). Please note, this site is only available during the scholarship application season.
  • Complete the general questions provided. Be aware that information from your academic record has already been made available to the application so you don’t have to self-report information we already have on record, such as your contact information, academic information, and financial need.
  • Prepare and upload a personal statement to support your application.
  • Contact a faculty member, advisor or other academic reference who is willing to provide a letter of reference for you. You will need to include their name and email address in the application so they can provide their letter of support online.

When do I apply and what is the deadline?

  • March 11 - April 18, 2024 at 5pm

What happens after I apply?

If you provide a complete application and reference by the deadline, you will automatically be considered for all scholarship opportunities for which you meet the minimum criteria. Your application will then be made available to various departments and committees for further consideration. If you are awarded a scholarship, you will receive a notification from Financial Aid and Scholarships and you will be able to view the award at that time on the financial aid summary via your GET account. If you have the honor of being a recipient, you may be asked to write a thank you letter to the donors or University friends that made it possible! Our goal is to award as many scholarships as possible over the summer so that funds can be available prior to the beginning of the Fall semester. If funds remain after that point, additional awards will be made. Be aware that if you receive a Cal State LA Scholarship and are also receiving other financial aid, awards may have to be adjusted in accordance with federal, state, and institutional awarding policies.

Helpful Tips and FAQs

What to include on your personal statement

  • Limiting it to two pages or less (double-spaced), tell your story in a concise and compelling manner.
  • Focus primarily on your academic and career goals, indicating how past achievements, challenges/hardships you have overcome, or family influences are related to these goals.
  • Remember you must upload your personal statement in the General Scholarship Application

What to keep in mind with your reference letter

When you complete the General Scholarship Application, you will be prompted to add the name of your reference provider and email address. Your reference provider will be notified via email. You may log in at any time to see if your reference provider has replied.

  • Do not skip this step. Most scholarships require one (1) letter of recommendation. If you do not submit a letter of recommendation you may still be considered for some scholarship opportunities but your chances of winning a scholarship are greater if your recommender submits a well-written, thoughtful letter on your behalf.
  • Your letter of recommendation may come from a current or former professor, instructor, or academic advisor – Someone who is able to evaluate your academic performance, motivation, personal strengths, and goals.
  • Identify the person who will be writing the letter of recommendation. Confirm that they will be able to submit the reference by the deadline and have their email address and name handy to submit in the application. If your Reference Provider is a Cal State LA faculty or staff member, use their official Cal State LA email address. Let them know they will receive an email with instructions on how to submit the reference. You might consider giving them some information about your accomplishments to assist them in the preparation.
  • Be sure your reference provider knows they must upload their letter no later than 5pm on April 18, 2024.
  • Be sure to thank the person for agreeing to write and submit a letter of recommendation on your behalf!

What to expect after submitting the General Scholarship Application?

  • A system-generated email confirming receipt of the application
  • If you are selected for an award, a congratulatory email will be sent to you by the department or committee who selected you to win the scholarship
  • Receipt of any award must be coordinated in accordance to federal, state and institutional awarding policies

Who do I contact if I have questions?

  • If you are a current Cal State LA student inquiring about your external Scholarship Award payment, please note that once your payment is received and processed, you can view your award activity via GET. All external scholarship payments are processed in the order they are received. The current processing time is 10-12 business days from date of receipt. If you have additional questions about your scholarship payment, we encourage you to submit an Advising Request Form to the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office directly. 

Notification of Scholarship Funds Received:

You are required to notify the Financial Aid and Scholarships Office of any scholarship award(s) you receive, even those awarded directly to you. The scholarship staff must include all funding with your other financial aid award(s). If necessary, we may adjust other awards.

Awards from high schools, community groups, local and national organizations should be mailed to:

California State University, Los Angeles
One Stop Financial Services – Disbursement Office
Student Services Building #2380
5151 State University Dr.
Los Angeles, CA  90032-8524

To ensure prompt application of the funds to the student’s account please provide instructions regarding unit requirements, semester, and grade point average. Most importantly and for security purposes, please provide the student's CIN#, not their social security number.

AmeriCorps Educational Awards – Fund Request Process:

  1. To request your AmeriCorps funds, go to the following website: My AmeriCorps. Enter your Username and Password to log in. Specify which semester(s) you would like to receive the funds (i.e: “Fall 2022-Spring 2023” or “Spring”).
  2. The funds will be wire-transferred to Cal State LA’s Budget Administration Office. You can view when your funds will be transferred on your AmeriCorps Portal, under the “Expense Information” section. The first half of your award will be transferred on the date of the “Enrollment Start Date”, the second half of your award will be transferred on the date of the “Enrollment Midpoint Date” (approximately 6 weeks into the semester).
  3. The Budget Administration Office will notify the Scholarship Coordinator once Cal State LA has received the funds. Then the Scholarship Staff will add the funds to your GET account.
  4. Check your GET account regularly. After the funds appear on your GET account, the funds will disburse based on the Disbursement Schedule. Please note, if you are in a Post-Baccalaureate program and have not seen your funds disburse a week after they have been posted to GET, notify the Scholarship Coordinator.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA Grants) Policy & Disbursement Process:

Unless otherwise noted by the donor/scholarship provider, the full amount of the BIA Grant will be applied to the semester when the funds have been sent to the university. For example, if the BIA check is sent during the Fall semester, the funds will be applied to the Fall semester.

After the BIA Grant is posted to the student’s GET account, the funds will be mailed to the student via certified mail. The Disbursement Office staff will contact the student to confirm the student’s address is correct on GET before they mail the check.

Expanding your scholarship search:

In addition to applying for scholarships through the Financial Aid and Scholarships Application, we highly recommend that you expand your search beyond Cal State LA. Below is a list of outside resources that you can use to apply for outside scholarships. Please contact the organization directly if you have any questions.

CSU Systemwide Scholarship Opportunities

A wide variety of CSU Systemwide scholarships offered by generous donors are available for California State University students. Some of the available scholarships rotate between campuses. Additional information about CSU Systemwide Scholarships is available via the CSU Foundation Website.

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameCSU Trustees' Award for Outstanding Achievement
DescriptionThe CSU Trustees’ Awards recognize students who have overcome adversity, demonstrated financial need, and have attributes of merit, including superior academic performance, significant personal achievements, and exemplary community service. Contributions from CSU Trustees and private donors increase the value and number of available awards. Special named scholarships are awarded by the selection committee based on criteria such as studying in the STEM or education fields, veterans, and exemplary community service.
Amount$7,000 - $18,000
Criteria
  • Open to all majors
  • Undergraduate and Graduate Students are eligible to apply
  • Student must be currently enrolled full-time and plan to continue being enrolled full-time in Fall 2024-Spring 2025.
  • Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Student must have a 2023-2024 FAFSA or CADAA on file and demonstrate financial need in 2024-2025.
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameDale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students
DescriptionThe Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students was established in 1991 by Mr. Schoettler, who was a successful businessman from Mountain View, California and blind the last eight years of his life.
Amount$10,000
Criteria
  • Currently have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale during the academic year in which the award is received.
  • Be currently enrolled in 6.1 units or more as a CSU undergraduate or graduate student in any major field and must remain enrolled in 6.1 units or more during the academic year in which the award is received.
  • Have a visual disability and provide verification from a medical health professional, which includes the best corrected visual acuity notations. (Please note that the disability must be such that it impedes the educational process and necessitates accommodations, support services, or programs
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineOctober 24, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusOpen

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameGlenn and Dorothy Dumke Fellowship
DescriptionThe Glenn and Dorothy Dumke Fellowship was established in memory of Dr. Glenn S. Dumke, Chancellor of the California State University from 1962 to 1982. Chancellor Dumke was born in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1917. He received his B.A. and M.A. degrees at Occidental College and his Ph.D. at UCLA.  The purpose of this fellowship is to encourage student scholars to engage in graduate work in fields such as public policy, American history, economics, archival management and government. Preference will be given to projects that involve research about the State of California. The selected scholar is expected to pursue research projects within special CSU library/archival collections.
Amount$1,600
Criteria
  • Be in good standing and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be a CSU graduate student in the areas of public policy, American history, economics, library science, archival management, or government during the academic year.
  • Use the award to pursue research projects within the Dumke Collection or other collections housed within the CSU archives at CSU Dominguez Hills, the Center for California Studies at CSU Sacramento, or other special collections within the CSU system. Information about the CSU Special Collections can be found at http://www.calstate.edu/gradprograms/libraries.shtml and http://dsc.calstate.edu/.
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameHoward C. Christiansen Endowed Scholarship
DescriptionThis scholarship is for undergraduate or graduate students studying any major in engineering. If selected as a final nominee, the CSU Foundation will request two letters of recommendation from individuals such as teachers/professors, counselors or community leaders who can attest to the candidate’s meritorious performance and personal strengths and assess the nominee’s potential for success. One letter of reference m​ust be from an academic instructor.
Amount$5,000
Criteria
  • Open to engineering majors
  • Undergraduate and Graduate Students are eligible to apply
  • Student must be currently enrolled full-time and plan to continue being enrolled full-time in Fall 2024-Spring 2025.
  • Students must have a minimum 3.0 GPA
  • Student must have a 2023-2024 FAFSA or CADAA on file and demonstrate financial need in 2024-2025.
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

Application DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameNathaniel R. and Valerie Dumont Scholarship
DescriptionThe Nathaniel R. and Valerie Dumont Scholarship was established through a bequest in 1993 to assist students with financial needs, especially those with visual or physical impairments
Amount$5,000
Criteria
  • Strong consideration should be given to students who are visually impaired, followed in priority by students with other physical impairments. Students without visual or physical impairments are also eligible for this scholarship.
  • Applicants must be in good standing with a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus financial aid Office.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergraduate student in any major field at the eligible CSU campuses and must remain a full-time equivalent CSU student during the academic year.
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameRichard K. Leffingwell Scholarship
DescriptionAfter graduating with a bachelor’s of science degree from CSU Northridge, and serving as an officer in the US Army, Richard Leffingwell joined the CSU’s Chancellor’s Office as a member of the trustees’ audit staff. This scholarship reflects his admiration for the university’s commitment to provide opportunities to foster the next generation of students who wish to be instrumental in serving the public.
Amount$3,500
Criteria
  • Have a course of study within the fields of business, economics or other disciplines that will serve the applicant in achieving goals relating to nonprofit or public service.
  • Have demonstrated an interest in and aspire to a career in nonprofit or public service.
  • Demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid office.
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent upper division or graduate student at a California State University campus and must remain a full-time equivalent student during the scholarship period.
  • All students meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply. A student who is a military veteran, meets the criteria, and is otherwise equal to others in qualifications, will receive favorable consideration
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameWilson C. Riles Education Scholarship
Description

Working his way through public instruction, Wilson C. Riles began his career in 1940 as a teacher and administrator in Arizona public schools and later became the first elected African American state superintendent of schools in the United States.

This scholarship program was established in 2003 to recognize Superintendent Riles’ deep commitment to education through support of students enrolled in California State University teacher credential programs, with preference given to first generation college students.

Amount$2,500
Criteria
  • Recipients must be currently enrolled in a teacher credential program at one of the CSU campuses.
  • The minimum enrollment requirement is 6.0 units.
  • The minimum grade point average is 3.0
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameJim Sanders Media and Leadership Scholarship
Description

Jim Sanders was a news director at television stations in Sacramento, San Diego, and San Francisco and in Columbus, Ohio. He was renowned for his integrity, encouraging mentorship, and positive attitude.

This scholarship honors and supports the leaders of today and tomorrow in journalism, media or communications. The media industry is changing and, as the gatekeepers of information, these industries need intelligent, creative leaders and risk-takers with a sense of humor and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

Amount$2,500
Criteria
  • Students must have an interest in journalism, media, or communication.
  • Students must aspire to a career in media, but can be interested in any aspect of the industry including engineering, sales, production (audio, video and sound editing, etc.), graphic design, human resources, etc.
  • Students must be currently enrolled or entering the first semester as a student at a California State University campus and must remain an enrolled student during the scholarship period.
  • Students must express current leadership qualities or the desire to be a leader in journalism, media or communication.
  • If selected as a final nominee, the CSU Foundation will request two letters of recommendation. One letter must be from an instructor who taught the student.
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClose

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameRobert D. & Dorothy W. Talty Endowed Scholarship
DescriptionIn 2012, the Robert and Dorothy Family Trust established an endowment to provide funds for scholarships for CSU students majoring in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and computer sciences.
Amount$7,000
Criteria
  • Applicants must be in good academic standing.
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergraduate or graduate student majoring in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology or computer sciences at a CSU campus.
  • Remain a CSU full-time equivalent student during the academic year.
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClose

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameReal Estate Scholarship and Internship Grant
DescriptionThe scholarships and internship grants are funded by the State of California Department of Real Estate through an endowment with the California State University Real Estate and Land Use Institute. It is open to all majors with an interest in a career in real estate. Under the internship option, students may receive an award for an unpaid internship in which they are participating.
Amount$500-$2,000
Criteria
  • An interest in pursuing a career in real estate
  • Completed (or be currently enrolled) in at least one course in real estate, broadly defined. This would include, but not be limited to, urban planning, urban economics, geographic information systems, ethics, and property tax classes all qualify, in addition to the typical business school real estate curriculum)
  • Be currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at any California State University
  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA (undergraduate students) or 3.0 GPA (graduate students)
  • Student has encountered economic or educational disadvantages in pursuing their education
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed

 

Academic Year2024-2025
Scholarship NameRobert M. O'dell Endowed Scholarship in Public Administration
DescriptionThe California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) established the Robert M. O’Dell endowed scholarship fund in April 1987 to honor the former city treasurer of Los Angeles. The scholarships are awarded on an alternating basis between northern and southern geographic regions of California to the 17 campuses offering degree programs in public administration.
Amount$2,500
Criteria
  • Applicants must be in a degree program in public administration.
  • Applicants must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time, upper-division undergraduate or graduate student in public administration and must remain a full-time student in good standing during the academic year in which the award is received.
  • Applicants may not be a previous recipient of this award. Strong consideration will be given to an applicant who is also:
    • A public administration major specializing in finance
    • A first-generation college student
Application Process

Students must submit the following completed documents in one email to finaid@calstatela.edu. In the email subject type: [Student Last Name, Student First Name] - Scholarship Name

DeadlineApril 12, 2024 @ 5pm PST
Current Application StatusClosed