Office of Admissions
Admissions 
I
Have Been Admitted
Transfer Students Fall 2009
Fall 2009 Admitted Transfer Students
Step 3 – Apply for Financial Aid and Scholarships
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 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 by e-mail and through AidLink 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, payment toward university charges and direct deposit of funds to your designated bank account begins August 26 for students who have signed up for direct deposit through Student Account Services on the Student Financial Services Web site.
Direct Deposit is the only method available to receive the balance of your financial aid and scholarship awards after paying university charges. Students must use their own checking or savings account when signing up for direct deposit. 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.
SDSU scholarship applications are available online and are due no later than February 2, 2009. Some scholarship applications may be due by May 4, 2009. 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
The university will use your financial aid award (grants, loans, or scholarships), 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.