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Seven Steps to Financial Aid

Three students standing in front of Joe West Hall

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

  • Obtain a U.S. Department of Education Personal Identification Number (PIN). The PIN application is for students and parents who want to apply for a Federal Student Aid PIN. This PIN will serve as the electronic signature when completing the on-line FAFSA.
  • There are three (3) FAFSA filing options. View the options at FAFSA website. The priority filing deadline date is March 2nd, annually.
  • SJSU Federal School Code: 001155

2. Student Receives Student Aid Report (SAR)

  • Once the FAFSA is processed by the Federal Student Aid (FSA) an email will be sent to you regarding the Student Aid Report (SAR). If an e-mail is not provided on the FAFSA, a paper SAR will be mailed to the address provided.
  • Read the SAR carefully and perform any corrections on-line as necessary.
  • If corrections are made, allow 2 weeks for the FAFSA corrections to be processed and for our office to receive your updated FAFSA data.

3. SJSU Contacts Student Requesting Documents

  • Once our office receives your FAFSA data, we will send you a message within 2 weeks of your final correction via MySJSU instructing you to complete and submit documents from your To Do List in MySJSU.
  • Corrections must be made by a Financial Aid representative once this message is received.
  • Navigate to MySJSU > Self Service > Student Center > To Do List
  • Make copies for your own records and make sure your SJSU ID number is listed on all documents.

4. Evaluation Process: 4 to 8 weeks (depending on the volume of applications received at that time)

  • Once all requested documents are submitted to the Financial Aid and Scholarship Office, the 4- 8 week evaluation process will begin.
  • Your application status may change and/or additional documents may be requested from you. Check your To Do List in MySJSU often.

5. Award Notification

  • When your evaluation process is completed a notification message of your award will be sent to you via MySJSU (paper notices will not be mailed). It is important that you read this material carefully.
  • You may view your Financial Aid Award on-line at MySJSU > Self Service > Student Center > in the "Finances" section > View Financial Aid and select appropriate aid year.
  • Financial aid is based on full-time enrollment. If you plan to be enrolled less than full-time, complete the Student Information Update Form (PDF). Financial aid funds may be prorated for students who are enrolled for less than full-time. Please note: Failure to return this form will delay your disbursement.
  • If you have been awarded a Federal Stafford Loan and wish to borrow funds, go to the Federal Direct Stafford Loans page and follow the outlined steps.
  • Fee deferrals protect classes and delay the payment of tuition fees until after the semester begins. Fee deferrals are temporary and will be removed at the beginning of each semester. To qualify for a fee deferral and prevent enrollment cancellation, it is your responsibility to submit all requested financial aid documents prior to the scheduled payment deadline. It is your responsibility to pay tuition fees if you do not submit your To Do items to the Financial Aid & Scholarship Office at least two weeks prior to the beginning of each semester. Once fee deferrals are removed, you are responsible for paying all tuition fees due by the set deadline regardless of your financial aid status.

6. Disbursement of Funds

  • Disbursement of funds begins on a weekly basis, starting the first week of the semester. Financial aid funds will apply to your student account and pay any outstanding fees owed to the university. To receive a refund, students are encouraged to enroll in Direct Deposit; with Direct Deposit, refunds are received up to 7 days faster than a paper check. "How To" enroll in direct Deposit can be found under the Finance section of MySJSU. For more information on direct deposit, visit the Bursar's Office website.
  • Disbursement of funds may be held for several reasons such as, not enrolled in sufficient number of units, academic progress holds, missing information, etc.

7. Do Your Part!

  • Failure to complete all units may result in a hold for future aid.
  • Maintain at least a 2.0 GPA as an undergraduate or 3.0 as a graduate, post-baccalaureate or credential student every semester.
  • Make sure to update your contact information (mailing address, email, phone numbers) on MySJSU.
  • Check your To Do list often.
  • Contact the Financial Aid & Scholarship office if you have any financial aid questions.
  • Remember to file for financial aid every academic year by the priority deadline of March 2.