California State University, San Marcos
PA-8: Affordability and Access

As part of the California State University (CSU) system, low-income students are eligible for an application fee waiver, the State University Grant (SUG) and Cal Grant programs. The SUG and Cal Grant programs offer state-based financial aid which are targeted specifically to low-income students for the purpose of offsetting the cost of tuition. Additionally, students enrolled in the EOP and Student Support Services programs are eligible to receive an EOP Grant and Student Support Services grant. The CSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admission, academic and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California.

In accordance with the guidelines set by the California State University (CSU) System, the Student Academic Services Outreach Program's (SASOP) mission is to increase college enrollment of students who are disadvantaged due to economic, educational and/or environmental backgrounds

CSU campuses have the Federal Work-Study Program, which provides jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for expenses related to their education. The program encourages community service work and work related to your course of study.

CSUSM has a dedicated CalFresh Outreach programs to help students with the application process to find out if they qualify for this benefit.

The State University Grant (SUG) program provides need-based awards to eligible undergraduate and graduate/post baccalaureate students who are California residents or otherwise determined as eligible, such as AB 540-eligible students. When you apply for financial aid via the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act application (CADA) you are considered for a SUG by your campus.

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves as a primary vehicle for the CSU in increasing the access, academic excellence and retention of California’s historically underserved students. The program provides admission, academic, and financial assistance to EOP-eligible undergraduate students.
The CSU’s Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) provides admission, academic and financial support services to historically underserved students throughout California.

Our ACE Scholar's Program is geared to foster youth: ACE Scholars Services is an innovative, top-tier program at California State University San Marcos (CSUSM) designed to support former foster youth at a time when they need it most.

The ACE program is not an extension of the state foster care system. Instead, it's about ensuring academic success upon exiting the system — and making the transition from being cared for, to caring for oneself.

Our primary objective is to meet the unique needs of students who are former foster youth through services and support systems that will improve their rates of matriculation, graduation, and career success.

We also have the Veteran's Center: CSUSM is home to more than 500 student Veterans; the highest percentage per capita of any California State University campus. We pride ourselves on our high-touch holistic approach toward our military-connected students, and offer a wide array of services and resources for them.

The Veteran Services team is comprised of faculty and staff, mostly Veterans themselves, serving CSUSM Veterans, active duty, and family members in a number of ways. We're dedicated to ensuring the successful transition of our students into sustainable careers.

Veteran Services provides opportunities for mentorship and professional development; networking and portfolio building; and to meet with VA claims representatives and university deans.

Our College Assistance Migrant Program (CAMP): The College Assistance Migrant Program is a unique educational program at California State University San Marcos. This program aims to help students from migrant and seasonal farm worker backgrounds to succeed in college. CAMP is a national program that was established over thirty years ago and has helped thousands of students accomplish their educational goals. CSUSM was fortunate to have been awarded the CAMP grant in 2002. CAMP offers students pre-college transition and first-year support services to help develop the skills needed to stay in school and successfully graduate from college. CAMP students complete their first year and graduate at a higher rate than other students.

PASO (Pathways to Academic Success and Opportunities) aims to expand educational opportunities and improve the academic attainment of Latino students. With the focus on retention and graduation of Latino students through the Pathways to Academic Success & Opportunities program, CSUSM will address the achievement gap among Latino students by implementing innovative student services, culturally relevant curriculum, and meaningful co-curricular offerings aimed at increasing retention and graduation rates specifically for this student group.

-https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/student-services/eop/Pages/questions-about-eop.aspx
-https://studentaid.gov/understand-aid/types/work-study
-https://www2.calstate.edu/impact-of-the-csu/student-success/basic-needs-initiative/Pages/calfresh-and-the-csu.aspx
-https://www2.calstate.edu/attend/paying-for-college/financial-aid/types/Pages/state-university-grant-program.aspx