The starting point
CSUN is a low-cost CSU (resident tuition & fees ~$8,330/yr) with NO automatic stat-based merit grid; institutional merit money flows through the competitive Matador Scholarship Program ($100-$8,000, one common application, 3.0 GPA minimum), plus a handful of named awards — the $5,000 GE Honors Rising Scholar (the only one open to incoming freshmen) and the $7,500 University and $10,000 Presidential scholarships, which require existing CSUN units and are continuing-student awards.
Selection beyond grades and scores. These awards are not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read each award's selection rules, application steps and dates. Meeting a minimum is not an award offer.
Awards to discuss
First 3 of 4 recorded awards, in chapter display order. This is a selection, not a ranking. Read the full chapter for all awards. Amounts retain the original units and conditions; confirm the entering year with the school.
Matador Scholarship Program (MSP)
$100-$8,000 · Published range
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
GPA: 3.0 cumulative minimum (undergraduates)
Eligibility: One common online application opens incoming freshmen, transfers, and current CSUN undergraduates to ~102 opportunities; full-time enrollment (12 units undergrad / 6 grad); need-based opportunities require a completed FAFSA or California Dream Act Application
Renewal: Awards are made for the academic year through ~102 individual scholarship opportunities; not described as automatically renewable. Recipients must maintain full-time enrollment each semester scholarship funds are received.
Other terms: This is the main competitive merit channel — NOT automatic on stats. A single application matches the student to many distinct funds; actual award size and renewal terms depend on which opportunity(ies) the student is selected for. International and doctoral students are excluded.
https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/scholarships/on-campus-scholarships/csun-scholarships
GE Honors Rising Scholar Award
$5,000 · Published amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
GPA: High school GPA of 3.75 or higher
Eligibility: First-time freshman admitted to (and accepted into by April 30) the GE Honors Program; FAFSA/CADAA filed; must demonstrate financial need of at least $5,000 — so this is a merit-AND-need award, limited to 10 students
Renewal: May be renewed for a second year if the student continues to enroll full-time each term and maintains a minimum 3.5 CSUN GPA. Stated as a possible second year only (not a guaranteed four-year award).
Other terms: The only listed award open to INCOMING FRESHMEN with a published fixed dollar amount, but it is capped at 10 recipients, gated on GE Honors Program admission, and requires at least $5,000 of demonstrated financial need (merit + need, not pure merit).
https://www.csun.edu/financialaid/scholarships/on-campus-scholarships/csun-scholarships
University Scholarship (Northridge Scholarship Program)
$7,500 · Published amount
Not recorded as automatic on grades and scores. Read the selection rules.
GPA: 3.25 cumulative minimum (must complete at least 24 CSUN units by end of spring)
Eligibility: CONTINUING full-time CSUN undergraduate (12+ units); completed online Northridge Scholarship Program application/workshop; not for incoming first-year freshmen, second-bachelor, graduate, credential, or Tseng College students
Renewal: Renewable $7,500 award; a one-time renewal may be possible by detailing a new or expanded project. Must maintain a minimum cumulative GPA of 3.25 during the award year.
Other terms: NOT available to incoming freshmen — requires existing CSUN units (24+). Competitive, application + workshop required. Also includes a 25% Matador Bookstore textbook discount.
https://w2.csun.edu/financialaid/scholarships/on-campus-scholarships/northridge-scholarship-program-pre-application
