Help Center

Am I eligible for financial aid?

Most students qualify for some form of federal student aid. You’re generally eligible if you meet these basic requirements:

  • Be a U.S. citizen or an eligible noncitizen.
  • Have a valid Social Security Number (SSN). Students from the Republic of the Marshall Islands, Federated States of Micronesia, and the Republic of Palau are exempt.
  • Have a high school diploma, state-approved equivalent (like a GED or HiSET), or be homeschooled under state law. If you began college before July 1, 2012, you may still qualify. Learn more at StudentAid.gov/understand-aid/eligibility
  • Be enrolled in an eligible CIU program as a degree- or certificate-seeking student.
  • Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) while enrolled.
  • Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on a federal student loan.

Some aid programs—like the Federal Pell Grant and subsidized loans—are based on financial need. If you already hold a bachelor’s or first professional degree, you may not be eligible for Pell or FSEOG grants. For full details, visit StudentAid.gov/understand-aid.

Have questions? Our Financial Aid team is here to help.

📞 Call: +1-866-687-2258

✉️ Email: admissions@caluniversity.edu

You don’t need to…

  • Register with Selective Service (no longer required).
  • Worry that a past drug conviction affects eligibility; it doesn’t.

Special Cases

  • Non-U.S. citizens: Some students qualify as eligible noncitizens (e.g., U.S. permanent residents, refugees/asylees, T-visa holders, VAWA status).
  • Citizens of the Freely Associated States (Palau, RMI, FSM): Eligible for certain programs (e.g., Pell Grants).
  • Veterans and service members: You may qualify for additional education benefits—ask our Financial Aid team for details.

What to do next

  1. Complete your FAFSA® at StudentAid.gov.
  2. Add California Intercontinental University (School Code: 042440).
  3. Watch for your Student Aid Index (SAI) and any follow-up from CIU.
  4. Contact us anytime if you need guidance.

Important Update

On August 17, 2026, CIU became

Crestmont University

Our students come from across the United States and from more than 40 countries worldwide. As we’ve grown, our name has remained rooted in one state, one geography. The new name reflects what CIU has always truly been: 

a university without borders.

Meet your university's next chapter

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