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CSU Systemwide Scholarships

The California State University (CSU) Systemwide Scholarship Program is a set of scholarships awarded through the Chancellor's Office, and offers financial assistance to help students across the CSU system reach their goals. The scholarships offered include the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement which recognizes students with financial need who epitomize superior academic performance, exemplary community service, and have achieved significant personal accomplishments.

Through various endowed gifts and ongoing generous contributions from alumni and friends of the university, the CSU Scholarship Foundation is able to support over $700,000 in scholarships across the CSU system. Each scholarship has its own application requirements and set of eligibility criteria, so make sure to review the information below carefully. All recipients of any of the CSU Systemwide scholarships listed below must maintain full-time enrollment.

CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available each spring for awards in the upcoming academic year.

If you are interested in applying for one of the CSU Systemwide Scholarships listed below, please email [email protected] for further information.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Demonstrate superior academic performance with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus financial aid office.
    • Applicants must file a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application by the scholarship opportunity's deadline for financial need to be determined. 
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergraduate or graduate student in any major field at a CSU campus and remain a CSU full-time equivalent student during the academic year.

The CSU Trustees’ Awards recognize students who have overcome adversity, demonstrated financial need, and have attributes of merit, including superior academic performance, significant personal achievements, and exemplary community service.

The Hearst Foundations established an endowed scholarship fund in 1984 to honor William Randolph Hearst, founder of the Hearst newspaper chain. In 1999, the Foundation partnered with the CSU Board of Trustees to create the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement. Contributions from CSU Trustees and private donors increase the value and number of available awards. Special named scholarships are awarded by the selection committee based on criteria such as studying in the STEM or education fields, veterans, and exemplary community service.

Award Amounts
The recipient who receives the highest score by the CSU Foundation scholarship selection committee is designated the Trustee Emeritus Ali C. Razi Scholar and will receive a $20,000 scholarship. Also distributed will be: Reed Scholarship ($15,000), Stauffer Foundation Scholarship ($15,000), Hampton Scholarship ($12,000), Barhorst Scholarship ($12,000) and Galinson Scholarship ($10,000).

Twenty-two (22) scholarships will be awarded. Most scholarships will be $7,000.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may submit only one application to the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements and, in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, will select and forward one final nominee and a runner-up. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected].

Supplemental Materials
Once the final nominee is selected, each campus will work with their corresponding communications team to submit additional supplemental materials to the CSU Foundation.

All recipients of the CSU Trustees’ Award for Outstanding Achievement will be invited to attend the awards presentation in September at the Board of Trustees meeting in Long Beach. Transportation expenses will be covered by the CSU Foundation.

CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be graduates from Avalon High School, 200 Falls Canyon Road, PO Box 557, Avalon, California 90704.
  • Be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate student in any major at a California State University campus.
  • Be enrolled full-time and in good academic standing.

The Captain’s Foundation was established by Cap Perkins in 1998 to support educational and community opportunities for Avalon youth. Cap, a Navy diver who came to Avalon after World War II, built a life on Catalina Island through hard work and perseverance. Known for his generosity, he often provided quiet financial help to those in need and supported local students with college expenses. Before his passing in 2012, Cap ensured his legacy of community giving would continue through The Captain’s Foundation, which provided more than $1 million in scholarships and support to community organizations. A scholarship endowment was created in 2025 to continue the legacy of Cap Perkins to support Avalon High School graduates pursuing higher education at CSU campuses.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle.

Award amount: Up to 5 scholarship recipients will receive a minimum of $2,000.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may nominate only two students to be considered by the CSU Foundation. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the final nominees to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected].

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Demonstrate superior academic performance with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus financial aid office.
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergraduate or graduate student in any engineering major field at a CSU campus and remain a CSU full-time equivalent student during the academic year.

This scholarship is for undergraduate or graduate students studying any major in engineering.

The Howard C. Christiansen Trust established the endowed scholarship in 2016.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle.

Award amount: Six (6) $5,000 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may nominate only two students to be considered by the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the final nominee to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected].

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be in good standing and have a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Be enrolled as a full-time equivalent CSU graduate student in the areas of public policy, American history, economics, library science, archival management, or government and remain a CSU full-time equivalent student during the academic year.
  • Use the award to pursue research projects within the Dumke Collection or other collections housed within the CSU archives at CSU Dominguez Hills, the Center for California Studies at CSU Sacramento, or other special collections within the CSU system.

This fellowship encourages student scholars to engage in graduate work in fields such as public policy, American history, economics, archival management and government. Preference will be given to projects that involve research about the state of California. The selected scholar is expected to pursue research projects within special CSU library/archival collections.

The fellowship was established in memory of Dr. Glenn S. Dumke, Chancellor of the California State University from 1962 to 1982. Under his visionary leadership, the university system made great progress in the breadth and quality of academic programs. He is credited with organizing 16 separate academic programs into a single system that became a model across the nation. Born in Green Bay, Wisconsin in 1917, he received his B.A. and M.A. degrees at Occidental College and his Ph.D. at UCLA and began his 42-year career in higher education as an instructor of history at Occidental College.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle. 

Award amount: One fellowship of $1,700 will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may submit only one application to the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the final nominee to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected]

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be graduates of the California Academy of Mathematics and Science (CAMS).
  • Applicants must demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus financial aid office.
  • Applicants must be in good academic standing.
  • Recipients must remain a California State University full-time equivalent student during the scholarship period.

The Trustee Emerita Claudia Hampton California Academy of Math and Science Scholarship was funded in honor of Dr. Claudia H. Hampton, the first Black woman to serve as a trustee of the California State University and recognizes students who excel academically and exemplify Dr. Hampton’s dedication.

Dr. Claudia H. Hampton served on the California State University Board of Trustees for 20 years from 1974 to 1994; serving as chair for three of those years: from 1979 to 1981. She was a teacher and administrator in the Los Angeles Unified School District for 25 years, retiring in 1981 as director of the district’s Human and School-Community Relations Resource Office.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle. 

Award amount: Four (4) $5,000 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may submit only one application to the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the final nominee to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected].

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Be enrolled at a California State University campus at least half-time;
  • Possess a bachelor’s degree in art or in one of the visual art specializations;
  • Be enrolled in one of the following programs:
    • 1. A post baccalaureate program leading to a high school single subject teaching credential in the arts;
    • 2. A Master of Fine Arts program in art or one of the visual arts specialization; or
    • 3. A Master of Arts program in art or one of the visual arts specializations.
  • Be in good academic standing with a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 on an 4.0 scale
  • Priority consideration will be given to scholarship applications in the following order:
    • First priority will be given to students enrolled in a program leading to a single-subject teaching credential in the arts.
    • Second priority will be given to students enrolled in a graduate program in art of one of the visual arts specializations.
    • Third priority will be given to eligible students who have a record of volunteer activities in the arts or who are currently engaged in arts volunteer activities in schools or community arts organizations.

This scholarship supports the CSU Summer Arts program and scholarships for visual arts students, furthering both William’s commitment to education and Jan’s passion for the arts. Two scholarships of $11,000 are available for the academic year for students, with priority going to students in a post-baccalaureate program leading to a high school single-subject teaching credential in the arts. The annual scholarship will be sufficient to cover tuition and fees and provide an additional small stipend.

William Lahey served as Assistant Vice Chancellor, Faculty and Staff Affairs from October 1966 until he retired on June 1986. He came to the California State University from federal civil service to the position of Statewide Dean of Faculty. Jan was an avid volunteer with the Long Beach Art Museum and William would invite staff to join them for special receptions and exhibit openings.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle.

Award amount: Two (2) $11,000 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may submit only one application to the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the final nominee to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected].

If selected as a final nominee, the CSU Foundation will request two letters of recommendation from faculty members who can certify the student’s enrollment in a qualifying program and intent to contribute to art education in the schools or to visual arts may be requested.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Have a course of study within the fields of business, economics or other disciplines that will serve the applicant in achieving goals relating to nonprofit or public service.
  • Have demonstrated an interest in and aspire to a career in nonprofit or public service.
  • Demonstrate a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.75 on a 4.0 scale and be in good academic standing.
  • Demonstrate financial need as determined by the campus Financial Aid office.
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent upper division or graduate student at a California State University campus and must remain a full-time equivalent student during the scholarship period.
  • All students meeting the above requirements are encouraged to apply. A student who is a military veteran, meets the criteria, and is otherwise equal to others in qualifications, will receive favorable consideration.

This scholarship reflects Mr. Leffingwell’s admiration for the university’s commitment to provide opportunities to foster the next generation of students who wish to be instrumental in serving the public.

After graduating with a bachelor’s of science degree from CSU Northridge, and serving as an officer in the US Army, Richard Leffingwell joined the CSU Office of the Chancellor as a member of the trustees’ audit staff. He directed the CSU’s self-supporting financing activities, and later became the director of financing and treasury. Richard worked with trustees, campuses, and the municipal financing community to establish viable systems for financing non-state projects at the 23 CSU campuses before retiring in 2004.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle. 

Award amount: Two (2) $4,000 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may submit only two applications to the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the two final nominees to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected].

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be in a degree program in public administration.
  • Applicants must be in good standing with a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.0 on a 4.0 scale.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled as a full-time, upper-division undergraduate or graduate student in public administration and must remain a full-time student in good standing during the academic year in which the award is received.
  • Applicants may not be a previous recipient of this award. Strong consideration will be given to an applicant who is also:
    • A public administration major specializing in finance
    • A first-generation college student

The California Society of Municipal Finance Officers (CSMFO) established the Robert M. O’Dell endowed scholarship fund in April 1987 to honor the former city treasurer of Los Angeles. The scholarships are awarded on an alternating basis between northern and southern geographic regions of California to the 17 campuses offering degree programs in public administration.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle. 

Award amount: Four (4) $2,500 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may submit only one application to the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the final nominee to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected]

Eligibility Requirements:

  • An interest in pursuing a career in real estate.
  • Completed (or be currently enrolled) in at least one course in real estate, broadly defined. This would include, but not be limited to, urban planning, urban economics, geographic information systems, ethics, and property tax classes all qualify, in addition to the typical business school real estate curriculum).
  • Be currently enrolled in a minimum of 6 units at any California State University.
  • Have a minimum 2.5 GPA (undergraduate students) or 3.0 GPA (graduate students).
  • Student has encountered economic or educational disadvantages in pursuing their education.

The scholarships and internship grants are funded by the State of California Department of Real Estate through an endowment with the California State University Real Estate and Land Use Institute. It is open to all majors with an interest in a career in real estate. Under the internship option, students may receive an award for an unpaid internship in which they are participating.

Application deadline: Applications are accepted in the Fall and Spring. See the application link for the current opportunity and deadline.

Award amount: Awards vary and are typically $500 - $2,000. Financial need will be considered in the application review and final award amount.

How to apply: Fall application is now closed.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Recipients must be currently enrolled in a teacher credential program at one of the CSU campuses.
  • The minimum enrollment requirement is 6.0 units.
  • The minimum grade point average is 3.0.

This scholarship program was established in 2003 to recognize Superintendent Riles’ deep commitment to education through support of students enrolled in California State University teacher credential programs, with preference given to first generation college students.

Working his way through public instruction, Wilson C. Riles began his career in 1940 as a teacher and administrator in Arizona public schools and later became the first elected African American state superintendent of schools in the United States.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle. 

Award amount: Three (3) $2,750 scholarships will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each campus selects one recipient based on the recommendation of teaching credential program faculty. Students must be nominated in order to apply. For further information on nomination to apply, students may contact [email protected].

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must currently have a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale and must maintain a minimum GPA of 2.8 on a 4.0 scale during the academic year in which the award is received.
  • Applicants must be currently enrolled in 6.1 units or more as a CSU undergraduate or graduate student in any major field and must remain enrolled in 6.1 units or more during the academic year in which the award is received.
  • Applicants must have a visual disability *

The Dale M. Schoettler Scholarship for Visually Impaired Students was established in 1991 by Mr. Schoettler, a successful businessman from Mountain View, California, who was blind for the last eight years of his life.

Application deadline: Applicants are accepted on a year-round basis.

Award amount: 49 scholarships of $10,000 each will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: The SDSU Scholarship Office will provide information about the availability of this scholarship to the Student Disability Services Office while applications are open. Students who have previously been nominated and/or awarded the Schoettler scholarship may continue to apply each year they meet the qualifications.

* The CSU Foundation will confirm applicants are registered with their campus Disability Support Services offices with a visual limitation. A visual limitation is defined by the CSU as:
Blindness or partial sight to the degree that it impedes the educational process and may necessitate accommodations, support services, or programs.

Eligibility Requirements:

  • Applicants must be in good academic standing.
  • Be currently enrolled as a full-time equivalent undergraduate or graduate student majoring in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology or computer sciences at a CSU campus.
  • Remain a CSU full-time equivalent student during the academic year.

In 2012, the Robert and Dorothy Family Trust established an endowment to provide funds for scholarships for CSU students majoring in engineering, physics, chemistry, biology and computer sciences.

Application deadline: CSU Systemwide Scholarship applications are available in the spring of every scholarship cycle. 

Award amount: One (1) $7,500 scholarship will be awarded for the academic year.

How to apply: Each CSU campus may submit only two applications to the CSU Foundation. At SDSU, students must first be nominated to apply. The SDSU Scholarship Office will review initial nominees to ensure they meet all requirements, and in consultation with SDSU's President's Office, select the two final nominees to move forward in the application process. Completion of application steps and submission of materials are coordinated through SDSU's Scholarship Office. For further information, students may contact [email protected]