Frequently Asked Questions

How do I apply for Financial Aid?

The application process to apply for financial aid begins every year on January 1. The priority filing date is March 2. Fill out the appropriate application corresponding to the academic year of attendance. Go to the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) website to learn about the FAFSA process.

How do I get a tuition fee deferral?

Tuition fee deferrals are temporary and are placed on a student's MySJSU once all requested financial aid documents have been submitted to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office. It is the student's responsibility to submit all requested financial aid documents prior to the payment due date. The tuition fee deferral protects course enrollment and delays the payment of tuition fees until after the semester begins. The financial aid fee deferral does not defer housing charges. Once the tuition fee deferral expires, fees are due regardless of your financial aid status.

How do I know if I have a tuition fee deferral on my account?

Tuition fee deferrals are posted on MYSJSU accounts. View Other Indicators located on the right hand side of the student center page and select Details to view the semester that corresponds to your tuition fee deferral.

I will be a new student to SJSU in the Fall term. Can I receive aid for summer classes before the fall term begins?

No. New students who are admitted for fall are not eligible to receive aid for the previous summer term.

Who is eligible to receive summer aid and how do I apply?

Continuing SJSU students who have been awarded financial aid for the current academic year are eligible for summer aid. To be considered for summer aid, student's must be registered in at least half-time units at San Jose State University (6 units for undergrad/post-baccalaureate/credential students, 4 units for graduate students). Upon registering for summer courses, student's must consult with a financial aid representative to determine summer aid eligibility.

When will my summer financial aid disburse?

For eligible students, aid is disbursed after the second week of the summer session.

I would like to take 3 units at SJSU and another 3 units at a community college or university. Does this count as half-time enrollment?

No. You must be enrolled in 6 units at San Jose State University. Inquire with the Office of the Registrar for more information on cross-enrollment requirements.

Will my financial aid pay my tuition fees and housing?

Financial aid will automatically apply towards fees owed by the student. The order of payment will apply to fees that appear first on a student's customer account. For instance, if housing fees appear on the account before tuition fees, financial aid will apply towards housing fees first. Remaining aid, if any, will then apply towards tuition fees, and vice versa.  If the financial aid a student receives does not cover the full amount owed, the balance shown on MySJSU must be paid by the scheduled due date.

What if I receive additional funds from another source?

Students are required to report any outside aid such as scholarships, stipends, or vocational rehabilitation benefits to the Financial Aid Office as it may be necessary to revise your financial aid award. Report any outside aid by completing the Student Information Update form.

Can I have my check directly deposited into my bank account?

Yes. Enroll in Direct Deposit located under the Finance section of MySJSU.

Will I receive my financial aid all at once?

Financial aid is awarded based on an academic year, unless otherwise specified (i.e. attending SJSU for only one semester) and is equally divided into two semesters (Fall & Spring). Disbursement of funds begins the first week of the semester and continues on a weekly basis. Remaining funds, if any, are refunded to students by the Bursar's Office after all fees are paid.

What if I change the number of units enrolled after receiving my financial aid award?

Aid is awarded based on full-time status (12 units for Undergraduate/2^nd BA/ Credential students; and 8 units for Graduate students). Students  must notify the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office if enrolled in less than full-time. If awarded at full-time status, students may be required to repay any overpayment if units are dropped after the initial disbursement.

Can I receive financial aid at more than one college?

No. You can only receive financial aid at one college during the same enrollment period.

What if I am not eligible for financial aid?

If a financial aid representative determines that you are not eligible for financial aid, you will be responsible for paying your tuition fees by the fee due date or you will be subject to enrollment cancellation. You may contact the Bursar's Office for payment arrangements.

Am I eligible for aid if I am enrolled in Open University?

No. Open University students are not eligible for federal or state aid.