Established in 1987, the Chancellor's Doctoral Incentive Program has supported over 1,300 students in earning a doctoral degree. CDIP is committed to supporting promising doctoral students who aspire to join the CSU faculty ranks and teach the diverse students of the CSU.
Fellows are supported during their doctoral studies with (1) financial support including forgivable loans, (2) mentoring, and (3) professional development opportunities.
The major feature of the program is loan forgiveness. For each year of full-time teaching at a CSU campus, a recipient will have one-fifth of the loan principal and interest cancelled. Some 1,300 program participants have successfully completed their doctoral studies, of whom approximately 807 have been appointed to CSU instructional positions.
To learn more about exceptional CDIP alumni in search for CSU instructional positions, please contact the CDIP office to request a copy of the CDIP Directory.
The mission of the CDIP is to provide professional and academic support to doctoral students aspiring to teach the diverse students of the CSU system. At the foundation of the CDIP is the mentorship between a CSU faculty member and the fellow. The CDIP also provides opportunities for professional development workshops, social connection, grant and research support, and if necessary, financial assistance in the form of a forgivable loan.
Mentorship Support
The CDIP supports the success of the doctoral students through mentorship by current CSU faculty. Through collaborative teaching, research and service activities, faculty mentors:
- Support the CDIP fellows' successful completion of their doctoral studies;
- Develop the CDIP fellows' potential for employment in an instructional faculty position at a CSU.
More information about the CDIP faculty mentor's role can be found on our website, under Mentorship.
Professional Development & Grants
CDIP grants support the collaborative activities of CDIP fellows and their faculty mentors. Fellows can apply for small grants to further their doctoral training and to attend professional conferences and workshops.
- The Mini-Grant Program provides up to $2,500 for collaborative activities and research-dissertation activities, including research supplies, small equipment, computer programs, software, books, journal subscriptions and research related travel.
- The Travel Grant Program funds fellows and mentors up to $1,500 for travel to participate in professional meetings, conferences and workshops.
- Fellows who have advanced to candidacy are eligible to apply for a Dissertation Fellowship award of $5,000 to support them in their final year of their doctoral studies.
Financial Loan
The CDIP offers loans up to $10,000 per year over five years, with a maximum amount of $30,000. The loans are:
Repayable over a 15-year period commencing one year after completion of, or withdrawal from, full-time doctoral study;
Forgivable at the rate of 20% for each year of full-time postdoctoral teaching employment in the CSU or 10% for each year of half-time postdoctoral teaching employment in the CSU.
Working for the CSU offers many opportunities to excel at teaching a diverse student body. To learn more about what the CSU can offer you as a faculty member, view the
Join the CSU Brochure or visit the Working for the CSU site.
Staff & Contact Information
The dedicated team at the CSU Chancellor's Office supports CDIP fellows across their careers in graduate school and beyond.
Meet the Team
Mission & History
Learn about the CDIP vision and the many accomplishments of the program, which has been around for more than 30 years.
See How We Started
CDIP Brochure
Published in 2018, offers a succinct overview of the CDIP program for prospective applicants.
Get to Know the Program
CDIP Annual Report (2015-16)
CDIP's most recent annual report (PDF) includes applicant and participant data, degree completion rates, faculty appointment information and more.
Explore the Latest Report