Maximum Time Frame
Maximum units
You are only eligible to receive financial aid for coursework that is needed for, and counts toward, your declared program of study. You may continue to receive financial aid until you reach the maximum units established for your degree, credential, or certificate.
At the end of the spring semester of the academic year in which you reach maximum units, you will not be eligible for further aid for that degree or objective.
We will notify you with a message by e-mail and in your my.SDSU account.
Units counted toward the maximum:
- All units you complete at SDSU or transfer to SDSU are counted
- Units are counted even if you did not receive aid for those units
Maximum units for financial aid for:
Undergraduate students may receive funds only until one of the following has occurred:
- The first undergraduate degree has been earned
- 180 units are completed
Caution: Undergraduate students may lose eligibility for some grants (Pell Grant, State University Grant, and/or Cal Grant) before these unit or semester limits are reached.
Classified graduate or credential students may receive funds only until one of the following has occurred:
- A degree or credential has been earned
- You have completed 150% of the units required for your program (45 units for a typical 30-unit masters degree or 46.5 units for a typical teaching credential)
If you are pursuing a second master's degree, you may be eligible for the Direct Loan Program.
- Eligibility is limited to 2 years
Note: Due to a California State University policy, students pursuing a second master's degree or second credential are not eligible for State University Grant.
Joint doctoral students may receive funds only until one of the following has occurred:
- A degree has been earned
- 18 units are completed in residence at SDSU (does not include units you complete at the joint degree university)
Note: Maximum units are adjusted accordingly for doctoral degrees requiring more than 18 units in residence at SDSU.