Matador Mission First-Time Freshman Scholarship (MMFTF)

2026 – 2027 Academic Year Award

At California State University, Northridge (CSUN), we are committed to ensuring all students have equal access to higher education through various support resources. The Matador Mission First-Time Freshman Scholarship is part of the Matador Mission Scholarship Program and is designed to support incoming first-time freshmen in their academic journey at CSUN.

The Matador Mission First-Time Freshman Scholarship is awarded to help new students overcome financial barriers and achieve academic success. Each year recipients will receive a $4,000 scholarship that is renewable for up to four (4) additional years, provided that the recipient meets the renewal criteria.

Eligibility Criteria:

  • You must be admitted to CSUN as a first-time incoming freshman for the upcoming academic year.
  • You must demonstrate financial need as determined by the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office.
  • You must enroll in 12 units or more during the Fall & Spring terms of the award year.
    *Any change to your enrollment status resulting in less than full time enrollment for any term within the award year will result in a cancellation of your award.
  • Minimum GPA of 2.5. You must maintain a cumulative GPA of 2.00 throughout the award years.
  • Must have a FAFSA or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) on file for the upcoming academic year.
  • One letter of recommendation must be requested through the myMatador Scholarship portal.


Applicants will be evaluated primarily based on the quality of their essay responses. If selected, your GPA, unit completion, full-time enrollment status, and other criteria will be verified before the scholarship is awarded. Continuing recipients must be on track to complete their degrees within four years. If you are off track, you will need to provide an explanation.

Important Note: If you are receiving Financial Aid (including loans), your financial aid award(s) may be adjusted if you receive a scholarship amount that exceeds your financial aid total limit. Speak to a financial aid counselor during walk-in hours to get a detailed overview about your individual situation.

Award
$4,000 per year for up to 4 additional years (total of up to $20,000).
Deadline
07/17/2026
Supplemental Questions
  1. Essay Questions
    • CSUN offers many opportunities for students to become involved both inside and outside the classroom. Describe how you plan to contribute to the CSUN community through student organizations, academic programs, leadership opportunities, service, mentorship, or other campus activities. What impact do you hope to make during your time at CSUN?
    • Describe a significant challenge or obstacle you have faced during your educational journey. How did you overcome it, and what did you learn from the experience? Explain how these lessons will help you succeed as a CSUN student and persist toward earning your degree.
    • The Matador Mission First-Time Freshman Scholarship is designed to help students overcome financial barriers to higher education. Describe how receiving this scholarship would impact your educational experience. How would this support help you focus on your academic success, personal growth, and long-term goals?
  2. Letters of Recommendation (One Letter of Recommendation must be submitted)
    • Please request: A letter of recommendation from a teacher, professor, counselor, or community leader - who can attest to your meritorious performance and personal strengths and can assess your potential for academic and career success.
  3. If selected, I agree to signing a media release for the purposes of the University and Matador Mission Scholarship (MMS) to publicly announce me as a MMS Scholar at CSUN.