Federal
Federal Pell Grant
Up to $7,395 a year (2026–27)
Who qualifies: undergraduates with financial need, based on the FAFSA. It never has to be repaid.
How: file the FAFSA.
Official rules →Paying for college · Sacramento, CA
How students pay for California State University-Sacramento
Sticker price $25,925 a year. After grants, the average student pays $11,186, and what you pay depends on your family's income: anywhere from $8,392 to $21,169.
- 94%admitted
- 28,350undergraduates
- 54%graduate
- 54%get a grant from the school
What it costs, by family income
Average yearly net price for first-time, full-time students who received federal aid, paying in-state tuition. Tap your bracket.
Out-of-state tuition is $22,334 a year versus $9,014 for California residents, so non-residents usually pay far more than these figures.
Where the money comes from
Share of first-year students receiving each type of aid, and the average amount.
54%grant from California State University-Sacramentoavg $5,904
56%Federal Pell Grantavg $5,520
75%state grantavg $3,847
25%federal student loanavg $4,655
Scholarships from California State University-Sacramento
Awards the school itself offers, as published on its own website (checked 2026-10-28). Amounts and deadlines change: confirm on the linked page.
- Sac State Scholarships (one application)Varies; nearly $4 million in institutional scholarships a year to about 5,000 students
Sac State students; one application automatically matches them to institutional and community scholarships, some needing extra information.
- State University Grant
Students with financial need as determined by their financial aid application.
- Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grant
Students admitted to Sac State's Educational Opportunity Program.
Grants and scholarships you can apply for
State grant · California
Cal Grant A
Up to $15,588 a year at a UC campus and $6,838 at a CSU campus (2026–27 tuition awards)
Who qualifies: California residents who meet the income, asset and minimum-GPA limits.
How: File the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application and submit your GPA by the 2 March priority deadline.
Official rules →State grant · California
Middle Class Scholarship
Varies: covers part of the cost left after other aid at UC and CSU
Who qualifies: California residents (or AB 540 students) at a UC or CSU campus with family income and assets up to $250,000 each.
How: Automatic with the FAFSA or California Dream Act Application by 2 March.
Official rules →State grants follow your home state, not the school's: check your own state's programs if you are coming from elsewhere.
Living in Sacramento
| Studio | $1,990/mo |
|---|---|
| One-bedroom | $2,050/mo |
| Two-bedroom, shared | $1,255/mo each |
HUD FY2027 Fair Market Rents, campus ZIP 95819. Campus housing is often cheaper in the first year.
Working while you study
$16.90/hour minimum wage in California
15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year ≈ $7,605 before tax. That covers about 6 months of a shared room.
Minimum wage: statewide since 1 January 2026; many cities set a higher local minimum. Ask the financial aid office whether you qualify for Federal Work-Study.
After graduation
$15,000median federal debt≈ $170/month over 10 years
$69,014median earnings10 years after enrolling
54%graduate within 6 yearsfirst-time students
Close the gap without another loan
Since July 2026 Parent PLUS loans are capped, so more families are left with a gap after aid. Students use My Study Fund to collect monthly support from family, friends and mentors: 20 people giving $25 a month is $6,000 a year, and you receive every dollar.
Questions students ask about paying for California State University-Sacramento
What scholarships does California State University-Sacramento offer?
Sac State Scholarships (one application) (Varies; nearly $4 million in institutional scholarships a year to about 5,000 students); State University Grant (Not stated on the page); Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) Grant (Not stated on the page). Details and deadlines are on the school's financial aid pages.
How much does California State University-Sacramento really cost after financial aid?
The average student who received aid paid $11,186 a year after grants and scholarships. By family income it ranges from $8,392 to $21,169. The full cost of attendance before aid is $25,925.
Does California State University-Sacramento give scholarships and grants?
Yes. 54% of first-year students received a grant from California State University-Sacramento itself, averaging $5,904. 56% received a Federal Pell Grant (average $5,520).
How much is rent near California State University-Sacramento?
HUD's FY2027 Fair Market Rent for the campus ZIP code (95819) is $2,050 a month for a one-bedroom and $2,510 for a two-bedroom, about $1,255 each when shared.
Can I work part-time while studying at California State University-Sacramento?
Yes. The minimum wage in California is $16.90 an hour; 15 hours a week over a 30-week academic year earns about $7,605 before tax.
How much debt do California State University-Sacramento graduates have?
The median federal debt at graduation is $15,000, about $170 a month on a 10-year plan. Median earnings ten years after enrolling are $69,014.
Sources
U.S. Department of Education College Scorecard (release 10152026) and IPEDS (SFA2223 student financial aid, first-time full-time students); HUD FY2027 Small Area Fair Market Rents; state and federal program pages linked above, checked 2026-10-28. My Study Fund is not affiliated with California State University-Sacramento. How these pages work.
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