Funding your Education
Financial support for school
Graduate school is an important investment. SFSU offers multiple ways to help you plan and fund your education through financial aid, assistantships, scholarships, fellowships, and special loan or tuition programs. Visit the Bursar’s Office for information about current rates for tuition and fees. California residents typically pay lower tuition, and nonresident fees may apply for out-of-state and international students.
Financial Aid
Talk to SFSU’s Office of Financial Aid about funding your education. U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens can apply for financial aid — including grants, loans, and work-study — by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. After submitting the FAFSA, applicants receive a Student Aid Report (SAR), which determines eligibility for aid.
Undocumented Students (AB 540/AB 2000/SB68)
Eligible Dreamers should complete the California Dream Act Application instead of the FAFSA. Visit the Office of Financial Aid for more information about AB540 eligibility and step-by-step instructions.
Deadlines
To be considered for the maximum grant funding, submit your FAFSA or Dream Act Application as soon as possible after October 1, and no later than March 2.
State University Grant (SUG)
California residents may qualify for a State University Grant which helps cover a portion of basic tuition and fees.
Graduate Assistantships and Teaching Opportunities
Many academic departments employ graduate students as Graduate Assistants (GAs) or Graduate Teaching Associates (GTAs). These positions offer professional experience and financial support. Contact your academic department for available positions.
- Graduate Assistant (GA): Assists faculty with research, instruction, or technical work related to the student’s program.
- Graduate Teaching Associate (GTA): Teaches courses or assists with instruction in their department.
Eligibility Requirements:
- Classified or conditionally classified graduate student
- Minimum 3.0 post-baccalaureate GPA
- Enrolled in at least 3 units applicable to your degree
- Not on academic probation
- Not enrolled in courses directly related to work assignment
- Supervised by a faculty member
- Employment may not exceed 20 hours per week
Scholarships
The Office of Financial Aid has a list of upcoming scholarships and additional resources. Students should also review Academic Works, SFSU’s scholarship database, and talk their college or department about additional awards.
Fellowships
Fellowships are available via SFSU, the CSU system and external organizations. Enrolled graduate students can explore or apply for national or CSU fellowships by contacting the Director of the Fellowships Office.
A few available programs include:
Graduate Equity Fellowship: Supports California residents from economically or educationally disadvantaged backgrounds with strong academic records. AB540 students are eligible.
California Pre-Doctoral Program: Supports CSU students preparing for Ph.D. programs and university faculty careers. Participants receive mentoring and funding for doctoral preparation activities.
Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program (CDIP): Provides up to $30,000 in forgivable loans and professional development funding to Ph.D. students who plan to teach in the CSU system.
Teaching grants
The Teacher Education Assistance for College and Higher Education (TEACH) program provides up to $4,000 per year for students preparing to teach in high-need fields at low-income schools.
Golden State Teacher Grant (GSTG) Program awards students currently enrolled in a professional preparation program approved by the Commission on Teacher Credentialing (CTC) and working towards earning their preliminary teaching or pupil personnel services credential. Award amounts vary.
Federal Student Aid TEACH Grant
Western Regional Graduate Program (WRGP)
Beginning Fall 2025, SF State offers in-state tuition rates to admitted nonresident master’s students from 16 Western states and territories through the WICHE WRGP.
How to Apply for WRGP:
- Complete the WRGP Eligibility Form.
- Upload two residency documents.
- Sign via Adobe Sign
- Graduate Studies will email your eligibility decision within 1–3 days.
Additional Resources
There are many external resources available to help you apply for funding to support your graduate studies.