Office of Admissions
Fall 2008 Admitted First-Time Freshmen*
Step 3 - Pay Registration Fees and Apply for Financial Aid - Apply Now!
Pay Registration Fees
Registration fees are normally due a few weeks before your registration date. You will receive a postcard in May telling you to go to “My Registration” in your SDSU WebPortal for your registration date and fee payment information. You are not billed for these fees. The postcard is only sent prior to your first semester at San Diego State University. After your first semester, you are responsible for checking your WebPortal for this information.
Pay your fees by your fee payment deadline on the Student Financial Services Web site so that you can register on your assigned registration date.
Things to remember when paying your fees:
- If you paid the Intent to Enroll $250 deposit, subtract this amount from your registration fee payment. (If you are not sure, you may check your transaction history by selecting “Student Account Services” on the Student Financial Services Web site.)
- With your registration fees, pay parking and student ID card fees, if needed.
- Pay online using electronic check or credit card (MasterCard, American Express or Discover).
- To mail your payment, download a payment coupon from the WebPortal, follow the coupon instructions, and mail it with a check or money order.
- Or mail partial payment ($533) with a signed Registration Fee Installment Plan contract that you can print from “My Registration” on the WebPortal.
If you are eligible for financial aid registration fee deferment, you may postpone payment. You can determine your eligibility for financial aid fee deferment by accessing “My Registration” in the SDSU WebPortal. When your financial aid is disbursed, amounts due for registration fees and housing will be deducted automatically from the amount you receive. If your aid is unavailable or insufficient to cover all of your fees, you are responsible for paying your fees.
Any unpaid fees or additional fees incurred, due to units added or lab fees, will be billed to you after the schedule adjustment period (the first 15 days of class instruction). The University Cashiers Office will send you an e-mail directing you to the Student Financial Services Web site so that you can download and pay your balance. It is a good idea to check your student account (select Student Account Services) every few weeks in case you do not receive an e-mail. The billing calendar is located on the Student Financial Services Web site.
More information about registration fees is located on the Student Financial Services Web site.
Apply for Financial Aid
San Diego State University provides federal and state financial aid (grants, part-time jobs, and student and parent loans), as well as alternative (private) loans and a variety of scholarships to eligible students. You can use AidLink, SDSU's online financial aid information system, to check the status of your SDSU financial aid and scholarship applications at any time.
How to Apply
To begin the financial aid application process, which includes grants, part-time jobs, student loans, parent loans, and alternative* (private) loans:
- Complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon after January 1 as possible (estimate your income information as you may correct it after submitting your tax return to the Internal Revenue Service).
- Complete your FAFSA online and be sure to list SDSU’s federal school code of 001151.
- By March 2, California residents need to submit a GPA Verification Form to the California Student Aid Commission to be considered for Cal Grant.
Since new Cal Grant program applicants must apply by March 2, we encourage everyone who needs financial assistance to apply by this date.
*Review the information about Alternative Loans on the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Web site before committing to borrowing a private loan.
What Happens After You Apply
SDSU receives your information electronically one to four weeks after you submit your FAFSA to the federal student aid processing center (online or using the paper FAFSA).
- The federal processor will provide you with a Student Aid Report (SAR) summarizing the information you submitted.
- Review the SAR for accuracy and follow the instructions provided should you need to make corrections.
- You do NOT need to submit your SAR to the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS).
- The OFAS will notify you if additional documentation is needed to complete your financial aid record.
Applications are reviewed and awarded throughout the year based on available funding. January through May, however, is considered the optimum time period to apply and receive funds at the beginning of the fall semester. For further information, visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Web site.
E-Mail and the Internet
The SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) uses e-mail to communicate with you about documentation needed, disbursement holds, and awards. The OFAS home page and secure Web site, AidLink, streamline the application and award process. Use AidLink to view your personal financial aid information, download and print documents you need to submit, activate your student loan(s), and more. Go to the SDSU WebPortal and select E-Mail/Address Update to make sure your valid e-mail address is on record.
Your Financial Aid Award and Disbursement
Your eligibility for federal and state grants, work study (part-time work), and educational loans are determined by SDSU’s standard cost of attendance (based on your state residency and housing situation), your calculated family contribution (reported on your SAR), and other factors. Complete the FAFSA each year after January 1 for the next academic year and maintain satisfactory academic progress.
If you are registered for classes and your aid is available, disbursement of fall 2008 financial aid begins August 28 for students who have signed up for direct deposit through Student Account Services on the Student Financial Services Web site. All other financial aid disbursements will begin September 2. The fastest and safest way to receive your financial aid funds is through the University Disbursements Office’s eRefund direct deposit program. For further information, visit the Student Financial Services Web site.
Apply for SDSU Scholarships
A scholarship is a monetary award given to recognize and encourage individual talents , academic excellence, and leadership. SDSU scholarship funds are provided by private donors, corporations, professional associations, and SDSU alumni. Some scholarships may be awarded based on financial need.
Begin the SDSU scholarship application process by selecting Scholarship Search on the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships Web site:
- Search using the free online search for SDSU scholarships;
- Select scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements; and
- Apply by submitting a separate online application and essay for each scholarship.
Some SDSU scholarships require additional application materials such as a letter of recommendation. Review each scholarship’s application requirements carefully.
Online SDSU scholarship applications are available during the main application period November through early February and are due no later than February 4, 2008. Most applicants are notified of their eligibility by late spring.
Regularly check AidLink for your application and award status and the scholarships Web site for additional scholarship opportunities posted throughout the year.
Residence Hall Payments and Financial Aid and Scholarships
If you are receiving financial aid (grants, loans, or scholarships), the university will use these funds to pay any outstanding institutional charges, including housing fees. This means that after you have paid the $800 initial payment due with your SDSU Housing License Agreement, the remaining amount of your semester’s housing and meal charges will be deducted from your financial aid disbursement at the beginning of the semester. If the amount of aid you receive is unavailable or insufficient to cover all housing costs, you will be responsible for making payments with your own resources by each due date. Visit the Office of Housing Administration Web site for payment amounts and due dates. If your award includes Direct Loans, keep in mind that the process to activate these loans (particularly parent loans) can take several weeks. Be sure to allow time for processing if you want to use the loan funds to make your housing payments.
Be sure to print, read and discuss the 6 Steps with your parents in order to get the most out of the information.
* Your official notification of admission is the letter you received in the mail. Please note that this site does not indicate proof of admission.