Admissions

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 private alternative loans and a variety of scholarships to eligible students. You will 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:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible. (Estimate your income information as you may correct it after submitting your tax return to the Internal Revenue Service.)
  • By March 2, 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.

SDSU receives your information electronically one week after you submit your FAFSA online to the federal student aid processing center.

Priority Deadlines

Applications are reviewed and awarded throughout the year based on available funding. Some grant funds are limited so apply early and submit documents as soon as requested.

To receive first priority evaluation of your eligibility for all financial aid programs, apply between January 1 and March 2, and, by April 1, submit all financial aid documents requested.

  • By March 2, your FAFSA must be complete and accepted (not rejected for errors) with SDSU’s federal school code of 001151.
  • By April 1, submit requested documents.

An application and documents submitted after these dates will receive second priority evaluation and aid awarded based on available funding at the time.

Email and AidLink

The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships uses email to communicate with you about documentation you need to submit to determine your award. Once awarded you will be notified by email and will be able to view your award notification online through AidLink. Make sure to keep your email address updated.

AidLink is our secure Web-based, self-service system that enables you to keep informed about your financial aid and SDSU scholarship applications. Log on to AidLink to monitor your financial aid information and application status, download and print documents you need to submit, activate your student loans, and more.

Your Financial Aid Award and Disbursement

Log on to AidLink to view your financial aid award notification. Your eligibility for federal and state grants, work study, and educational loans is determined by SDSU’s standard cost of attendance, your expected family contribution calculated from information you reported on your FAFSA, and other resources you will be receiving.

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 22. Direct deposit is the only method available to receive the balance of your financial aid and scholarship awards after paying university charges. To sign up for direct deposit and to view your university charges and payments, log on to your student account at the Student Account Services website.

When your financial aid is disbursed, amounts due from tuition and housing will be deducted automatically from awarded aid. Student Account Services sends you an email message and you may view the transactions in your Student Account.

Apply for SDSU Scholarships

Scholarship awards are given to recognize and encourage individual talents, academic achievement, 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 website:

  • Search using the free online search for SDSU scholarships
  • Select scholarships for which you meet the eligibility requirements
  • 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 some scholarship applications may be due by 4 p.m. PST on May 10, 2013. Most applicants are notified of their eligibility by late spring.

Regularly check AidLink for your application and award status and the Scholarships website 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 $375 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 website 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.