Financial Aid
All financial aid, with the exception of work-study, is applicable to Cal Poly study abroad programs and exchanges that provide resident credit. Federal financial aid (i.e., Pell Grant, Stafford Loans and Parent PLUS Loans) can be applicable to affiliated programs (i.e., AustraLearn/AsiaLearn, CEA, DIS, FIE and USAC). Financial aid cannot be applied towards independent study abroad programs (non-Cal Poly programs). Whether or not you have ever received financial aid, you should investigate this possibility if you need additional resources to study abroad.
Be sure to apply for the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as you can after the filing period begins (usually January 1 for the following academic year) and well before the March 1st priority date. Because there are limited funds, students who file early have the best chance of receiving awards. More information on financial aid can be found at the Financial Aid Office web site www.ess.calpoly.edu/_finaid.