Understanding State University Grant (SUG) Eligibility Requirements

The State University Grant (SUG) program stands as a cornerstone of financial aid for students attending California State University (CSU) institutions. Since its establishment in 1982-83, the SUG program has been instrumental in providing need-based grant funding to eligible undergraduate, credential, and graduate students. This article delves into the intricacies of SUG eligibility requirements, offering a comprehensive guide for prospective and current students.

The Purpose and Scope of the State University Grant

The State University Grant (SUG) program is designed to assist students with the greatest financial need. The 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. It is funded by the State of California and administered by the California State University.

Who is Eligible?

The State University Grant (SUG) is available to eligible undergraduate, credential and graduate students. To qualify, students must:

Be a California resident or otherwise determined as eligible, such as AB 540-eligible students.
Have an Expected Family Contribution (EFC) of \$4,000 or less.
Not be receiving a Cal Grant or other award designated to cover fees.
Apply for financial aid by May 2 for the 2024-2025 academic year.

Since funds are limited and subject to availability, it is important to submit a FAFSA/CADAA by the priority deadline. Students are encouraged to complete their aid application and submit all requested documentation as soon as possible.

Enrollment Requirements

Students must be enrolled at least half-time in order to receive a SUG payment for any semester. SUG awards are based on full-time enrollment. In Fall and Spring, you must be enrolled in a minimum of half-time units to maintain eligibility. If you are enrolled half-time, the award amount will be adjusted automatically. Effective Summer 2025, students enrolled less than half time are eligible for SUG during Summer. Summer SUG is subject to funding availability.

Proration Based on Enrollment

State University Grants are prorated based on enrollment status. If awarded a SUG, student must maintain at least half-time enrollment.

Unit Limitations

The number of units a student has earned also affects SUG eligibility. Effective with the Fall 2013 semester, the California State University has established eligibility limitations on a student’s ability to receive a State University Grant. The total earned units are used to determine eligibility for a SUG disbursement. If total earned units exceed the limits for an academic career, the student will no longer be eligible for the SUG grant and the award will be canceled.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduates in most programs may receive SUG for up to 150 units. Undergraduate students are limited to 150 earned units.

Undergraduate non-transfer students cannot have earned more than 150 semester units.
Undergraduate transfer students with fewer than 75 semester units: total transfer units + Cal State LA units cannot exceed 150 earned semester units.
Undergraduate transfer students with 75 or more semester units cannot have earned more than 75 semester units at Cal State LA.

Transfer students are reviewed for eligibility based on the number of units transferred.

Credential Students

Students pursuing their initial Credential are eligible to receive a SUG award for a maximum of 30 total earned semester units (or the equivalent) while enrolled as a Post-Baccalaureate Credential student. Effective with the Fall 2013 semester, the California State University has established eligibility limitations on a student’s ability to receive a State University Grant. Credential students may receive SUG for their initial credential, up to a total earned units equivalent to 100% of unit requirements as published in the university catalog.

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Graduate Students

Students pursuing their initial Master’s degree have an earned unit maximum of 125% of the published unit requirement for their degree. This maximum includes all earned units from the term of admission to a graduate degree program and any applicable transfer units. To calculate 125% of degree units, multiply the total units required by 1.25. Graduate students are also limited based on their program length.

A graduate California resident may receive SUG up until completing 125% of the minimum units required for the graduate degree program. For example, in a graduate program requiring 30 units, a student could receive SUG until 38 total units have been completed.

Limitations on Degree Levels

The CSU provides State University Grant funding only for the completion of a student’s initial degree/credential at the following educational level (initial Bachelor’s; initial Credential; initial Master’s). Students who are pursuing a second bachelor's degree, second credential, or second master's degree are not eligible for SUG. The CSU provides SUG funding only for the completion of a student’s initial degree/credential at any educational level. Students who are pursuing a second degree (i.e., second Bachelor’s, second Master's, second Credential, or a second Ph.

Award Amounts and Disbursement

SUG awards are based on full-time enrollment, but are prorated based on enrollment status. The typical full-time annual SUG award is listed in the table below. Estimated award offers are subject to change.

Award Amounts

Here are some typical full-time and half-time SUG award amounts:

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Undergraduate: \$3225/semester (Full Time), \$1612/semester (Half Time)
Credential: \$3744/semester (Full Time), \$1872/semester (Half Time)

Graduate Students with a -1500 Student Aid Index (SAI) and a complete Financial Aid file, who meet eligibility requirements, have been awarded \$500 for Fall 2025. *Updated 7/18/25.

Conditions Affecting SUG

A State University Grant is subject to change based on information received from SFSU's Enrollment Services after your initial award. There is a limited amount of funding each year, and all awards are conditional based on the availability of funds from the State. Funds may be delayed or reduced depending on action of the Governor or the California State Legislature.

Circumstances Leading to Ineligibility or Repayment

It's important to understand the situations that can affect SUG eligibility and potentially require repayment of funds:

Fee Waivers or Third-Party Payments: Please note: SUG is awarded to assist with payment of state tuition fees. If tuition fees are being waived or paid by another agency, such as Vocational Rehabilitation, you are not eligible for SUG.
Receipt of Other Awards: If you receive a SUG and are later notified that another source will pay your fees, such as a fee waiver, third party payment, or a Cal Grant, you will be required to repay the SUG.

Additional Programs

The Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) serves students who come from disadvantaged economic or educational backgrounds. The program provides admission, academic and financial assistance to eligible undergraduate students. Students are considered for EOP based on their estimated family contribution and the availability of funds.

Mini Census and Enrollment Verification

The Office of Financial Aid will use student's enrollment at this date (typically the second week of the semester) to determine SUG eligibility as students will no longer have their tuition charges reduced.

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