• • • • • •  SDSU 
Guide to Financial Aid

Table of—
     Contents

This Guide to Financial Aid was updated April 11, 2008

◊ Steps to Financial Aid ◊

Step One—
       Applying for Financial Aid

How to Apply

The application form:

Submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is the standard form used to apply for ALL financial aid: grants / work study / student and parent loans.

The Federal Student Aid PIN:

The PIN is an identifier and serves as your electronic signature. It enables you to—

Apply for a Federal Student Aid PIN.

New SDSU students:

Apply for aid now. Do not wait until you are admitted to the university.

Allow several weeks processing time from when you are admitted to when you are awarded.

Continuing SDSU students:

You must reapply each year for aid.

Deadlines

Deadline hints:

Apply early!

Application Process for Cal Grant Applicants

Applying for new Cal Grants:

Find more in-depth information about Cal Grants at California Grants Programs in the Grants section below.

Renewal Cal Grant applicants:

Once selected for a Cal Grant, the award may be renewable.

The Student Aid Report (SAR)

Within two weeks of filing the FAFSA, the federal processing center will send a SAR to you by e-mail or mail.   The Central Processing System (CPS) will send us your application electronically, if SDSU is listed as one of the schools to receive your record.

If all information is correct:

Keep the SAR for your records.

If you need to make corrections:

General Financial Aid Eligibility

For an in-depth discussion about eligibility, go to Step 4 - How Financial Aid is Awarded / General Eligibility for Financial Aid (below).

Requirements for receiving financial aid from SDSU:

You must —

When Parents Must Provide Information on the FAFSA

Your parent must provide information on the FAFSA if you answer "No" to all of the student status questions in Step Three of the FAFSA. Parent information is required even if you do not live with or receive any financial support from your parent(s).

The Federal Need Analysis formula requires that this information be collected and used to measure your parents' ability to assist you with your educational costs.

Types of Aid Available

Grants: Money you do not have to pay back.

Loans: Borrowed money you must repay with interest.

Federal Work Study (FWS): Money you earn while enrolled in school to help pay your educational expenses.

Scholarships: Money awarded to students who demonstrate certain qualities such as academic or athletic accomplishments, musical or artistic ability, or specialized fields of study. Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

There are three Scholarship application filing periods at SDSU—

Applications for SDSU-based scholarships are available—

Other information available on the SDSU Scholarships Web pages—

Other Resources: Financial assistance through defined scholarship programs, fellowships, and traineeships.

Other Financial Assistance: Financial assistance provided through sources other than the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, such as—

Step Two—
       Request for Additional Documentation

How This Office Communicates with You

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships sends e-mail notifications to you at the e-mail address you have on record through your SDSU WebPortal account.

These messages direct you to check your AidLink account for important information concerning your financial aid. If for some reason our e-mail to you is returned to us as undeliverable (perhaps because your mail box is full or because your WebPortal address is incorrect) we will use the U. S. Postal Service to send a notice to your physical mailing address.

Even if you do not receive an e-mail message from us, it's a good idea to check your AidLink account often.

Why Documentation is Needed

The OFAS is responsible for awarding and administering state and federal financial aid programs. Therefore, we are required to make sure that all aid is awarded to students fairly and correctly.

  1. The federal Central Processing System forwards your aid application (FAFSA) to this department.
  2. We create a computer record from the information you supplied on your FAFSA.
  3. Based on your application, we may request documentation to verify your information
  4. If we need documentation, we will send you a notice by e-mail (or paper) telling you to access AidLink where you will find instructions on how to submit the required documentation to us.
  5. In some cases, your parents may be asked to send information.
  6. As a result of the information you submit, your award will be determined, adjusted or canceled.

What verification / documentation may be needed:

Read each form carefully, and be sure to attach any necessary documentation requested such as signed tax returns. Make sure you sign all forms where required.

You must return all needed documents as quickly as possible to the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships in order for us to determine your eligibility for aid.

Incomplete or inaccurate responses will cause needless and lengthy delays in the evaluation of your financial aid eligibility.

Step Three—
       Application Review

Prospective Students

Your application will be reviewed when—

The Office of Admissions notifies the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS) of your admission status. You do not need to notify our office.

Current Students

Your application for financial aid will be reviewed as soon as we receive all necessary documents from you.

We may request additional information from you based on a Financial Aid Counselor's review of your application. You will be directed to check AidLink.

Financial Aid Holds

A financial aid hold may be placed on your award if we need additional documentation or information.

If this occurs, you will be notified and directed to check AidLink for further instructions.

Financial aid holds can affect the evaluation of your eligibility and delay the disbursement of aid funds.

Limited Eligibility for a Second Master's Degree Program

If you are pursuing a second master's degree, you may be eligible for State University Grant and the Direct Loan Program.

Eligibility is limited to two years (four FTES and/or 38 units).

To receive aid in subsequent years, you must provide a copy of your Official Program of Study for the second master's degree.

Step Four–
       How Financial Aid is Awarded

How We Communicate With Students

The Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships sends e-mail notifications to you at the e-mail address you have on record through your SDSU WebPortal account.

These messages direct you to check your AidLink account for important information concerning your financial aid. If for some reason our e-mail to you is returned to us as undeliverable (perhaps because your mail box is full or because your WebPortal address is incorrect) we will use the U. S. Postal Service to send a notice to your physical mailing address.

Even if you do not receive an e-mail message from us, it's a good idea to check your AidLink account often.

Incoming Freshmen - Estimated Aid Eligibility

If you are a new incoming freshman, the OFAS will send you an e-mail (or paper) notice containing instructions on how to log on to AidLink to review your Estimated Financial Aid Eligibility. We will send this e-mail alert only if you—

Estimated Financial Aid Eligibility is only an estimate based on information you provided.

General Eligibility for Financial Aid

How eligibility is calculated:

Maximum eligibility (or financial need) is the amount remaining after your expected family contribution and all other types of financial assistance are subtracted from your cost of attendance.

The basic formula for calculating your maximum eligibility or financial need is—

Cost of Attendance

minus Expected Family Contribution

minus Other Financial Assistance

equals Maximum Eligibility (financial need)

How eligibility may be affected:

The actual amount of aid you may receive could be less than your calculated eligibility for several reasons—

Notice of ineligibility for financial aid:

We send you an e-mail notice directing you to AidLink if you are not eligible for financial aid because you are—

Cost of Attendance

Your cost of attendance (see tables below) is the estimated amount that it will cost you to attend SDSU during the nine-month academic year.

Standard costs:

Standard costs reflect a modest, adequate living allowance. They include—

They do not take into consideration all individual circumstances or discretionary expenses.

Actual expenses:

Actual expenses may vary according to individual lifestyle, priorities, and obligations.

Adjusting your standard costs:

Certain expenses may be considered, including—

To request an increase to your standard costs, complete a Student's Request for a Budget Increase form. Note: Most approved increases usually will be met with Federal Direct Student and/or Parent PLUS Loan programs.

 

Undergraduate Students 2008-2009 Standard Costs
for California Residents
Updated 2/2008
  Living with Parents Living in University Housing Living Off Campus
Fees $3,428* $3,428* $3,428*
Books, Supplies $1,566 $1,566 $1,566
Food, Housing $3,642 $11,266 $9,930
Transportation $1,300 $1,262 $1,616
Misc/Personal $2,730 $2,540 $2,650
Total Academic Year $12,666 $6,333 per semester) $20,062
($10,031 per semester)		 $19,190 $9,595 per semester)

Note: The costs in this table are subject to change without notice.
Amounts are for full-time enrollment for the nine-month academic year.
* Nonresident tuition: add $339 per unit to the fees listed above (not to exceed $10,170 for the fall/spring semesters).
* Imperial Valley Campus students pay $522 less in campus fees each year.

Graduate Students 2008-2009 Standard Costs
for California Residents
Updated 2/2008
  Living with Parents Living in University Housing Living Off Campus
Fees $4,070* $4,070* $4,070*
Books, Supplies $1,566 $1,566 $1,566
Food, Housing $3,642 $11,266 $11,025
Transportation $1,482 $1,440 $1,841
Misc/Personal $2,730 $2,540 $2,650
Total Academic Year $13,490 ($6,745 per semester) $20,882 ($10,441 per semester) $21,152 ($10,576 per semester)

Note: The costs in this table are subject to change without notice.
Amounts are for full-time enrollment for the nine-month academic year.
* For education doctorate (Ed.D.) substitute $8,036 for Registration Fees. Do not add nonresident tuition if you are in the SDSU Education Doctoral (Ed.D.) Program.
* Nonresident tuition: add $339 per unit to the fees listed above (not to exceed $10,170 for the fall/spring semesters).

Teaching Credential Students 2008-2009 Standard Costs
for California Residents
Updated 2/2008
  Living with Parents Living in University Housing Living Off Campus
Fees $3,872* $3,872* $3,872*
Books, Supplies $1,566 $1,566 $1,566
Food, Housing $3,642 $11,266 $9,930
Transportation $1,300 $1,262 $1,616
Misc/Personal $2,730 $2,540 $2,650
Total Academic Year $13,110 ($6,555 per semester) $20,506 ($10,253 per semester) $19,634 ($9,817 per semester)

Note: The costs in this table are subject to change without notice.
Amounts are for full-time enrollment for the nine-month academic year.
* Nonresident tuition: add $339 per unit to the fees listed above (not to exceed $10,170 for the fall/spring semesters).
* Imperial Valley Campus students pay $522 less in campus fees each year.

Expected Family Contribution (EFC)

Most federal and state financial aid programs are based on the expectation that you and your family will contribute a specific amount to the cost of your education.

This amount is determined by a federally approved need analysis. Some of the items considered in determining the EFC are—

Estimating Your EFC and financial aid:

You can obtain an estimate of your family's contribution and how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive at a California State University. Simply complete the online form called PAIS (Preliminary Aid Information System) at the CSU Mentor Web site.

Get an early start on the information you'll need to complete the FAFSA, obtain an estimate of your family's contribution, and how much financial aid you may be eligible to receive. Complete the online form called FAFSA4caster on the Federal Student Aid Web site.

Awarding Process

Awarding begins in February prior to the academic year for which the aid is being requested.

The OFAS will send an e-mail (or paper) notice instructing you to log on to AidLink to review your award.

Requirements for financial aid awards:

Adjustments to financial aid awards:

The OFAS receives information from other SDSU offices, from outside agencies, and from you that may affect your financial aid award.

If any of the information we receive changes your award, the OFAS will send you an e-mail (or paper) notice instructing you to log on to AidLink to review the changes made to your financial aid award.

Declining a financial aid award

All financial aid awards are assumed accepted except Direct Loans and Perkins Loans. You have the right to decline any or all of your financial aid award.

Procedure for declining or reducing financial aid:

Send a statement to the Office of Financial Aid Scholarships with your name and SDSU Red ID number, indicating the type and amount of aid you wish to decline.

How to decline estimated Direct Loan:

Do not activate your Direct Loan.

Step Five—
       Disbursements - Receiving Financial Aid Funds

Disbursement is the process through which financial aid is released and distributed to eligible students and their parents.

University Disbursements Releases Students' Funds

University Disbursements manages the release of all financial aid and scholarship funds (direct deposit and mailed checks).

Check your account online anytime at Student Account Services.

University Disbursements Office will send you an e-mail when they—

Methods of Receiving Financial Aid Funds

eRefund (Direct Deposit):

The fastest and safest way to receive financial aid funds is through University Disbursements direct deposit program.

Direct deposits begin the Thursday before classes start and continue to be processed twice a week.

Mailed check:

If you do not sign up for eRefund (Direct Deposit), a check will be mailed to the address you have through your WebPortal with the Office of the Registrar. Checks are mailed once a week beginning after classes start.

Avoid delays! Update your mailing address through the SDSU WebPortal.

When Disbursement Begins

Financial aid awards are disbursed twice during the year: the fall and spring semesters.

When:

For students who have signed up for direct deposit online at Student Account Services, disbursement begins the Thursday before classes start each semester, if all conditions are met. All other disbursements are mailed after classes start.

Disbursements continue throughout the semester as new awards are processed or changes to awards occur.

Students are encouraged to complete the application process early and to sign up for eRefund (direct deposit).

Parent PLUS Loan disbursements:

If all conditions are met, the earliest disbursement will happen is the first week of classes and will continue throughout the semester as Parent PLUS Loans are processed.

To ensure disbursement when classes begin, parents are encouraged to complete the Parent PLUS Loan process early.

CSU Visitor Program participants:

Checks will be mailed to the program coordinator at the school being attended.

Study Abroad participants:

Funds will be disbursed (mailed or direct deposited) to a local address once classes begin at the host campus and University Disbursements receives enrollment confirmation.

Conditions For Disbursement

Before the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) sends your record to University Disbursements to release award funds, the following conditions must be met—

When the above conditions are met, the OFAS forwards your record to University Disbursements.

If any registration fee deferments and/or housing payment postponements were applied to the student’s account, the amounts will be deducted from the award amount.

After all charges and fees have been subtracted from the award, the remaining amount is referred to as a “refund” on your account through Student Account Services.

Financial Aid Holds

A financial aid hold may be placed on your award if the OFAS needs additional information or documentation from you.

Should we need more information, we will send you an e-mail (or paper) notice containing instructions on how to log on to AidLink to view your hold(s) and the action you need to take to clear them.

Financial aid holds can affect the evaluation of your financial aid eligibility and delay disbursement of your aid funds.

Financial Aid Registration Fee Deferment

Each semester you must pay your registration fees prior to registering for classes, unless you qualify for a financial aid registration fee deferment.

Description of financial aid fee registration deferment:

A financial aid registration fee deferment is—

Parking, photo ID, and late registration fees are not covered by a financial aid registration fee deferment.

Qualifications for a registration fee deferment:

To find out if you are eligible for registration fee deferment, log on to AidLink, and look under "Fee Deferment."

You must have financial aid eligibility equal to or greater than full-time registration fees to qualify for a financial aid registration fee deferment.

If your aid is not available for any reason, or will not cover the entire amount of your registration fees and tuition, you will receive an electronic billing statement from the University Cashiers Office after the deadline for adding and dropping a class.

How to receive a registration fee deferment:

For information about registration payment options, refer to the "Fee Payment Options" link in the Class Schedule available on the Office of the Registrar's Web site.

University Housing Payment Postponement

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 at the beginning of each semester, any remaining costs above your initial payment, will be deducted from your aid disbursement. If your aid disbursement is not enough to cover the total costs for the semester, you will be responsible for making the remaining payments when they are due.

If you are a new undergraduate student, from a family with very low income, and have applied for financial aid, we will notify you if you are eligible to postpone all or a portion of the initial housing payment.

Tracking university housing costs

It is your responsibility to log on to the University Cashiers Student Account Services Web page for an accurate accounting of the amount of financial aid disbursed and applied toward your university housing costs.

Dropping Units or Withdrawing After Disbursement

The number of units enrolled affects disbursement amounts

Disbursement is based on the number of units in which you are enrolled at the time your aid is ready to be released. For example—

If you drop units after all of your aid funds have been disbursed, you may have received funds for which you were not entitled. If this is the case you will receive—

Overpayments must be repaid before further aid will be disbursed to you. If you have any questions, go to the Student Financial Services Web site where you will find many options to explore, or contact University Disbursements. If your repayment is past due, contact University Collections.

If you drop to less than 6 units or withdraw from all classes

You may qualify for a refund of registration fees and/or nonresident tuition.

If you stopped attending classes or are planning to withdraw from the university. (See

Withdrawing from SDSU in the Enrollment section.)

Refunds

Federal regulations under Title IV require the university to determine if a refund must be made to the student or if disbursed financial aid must be returned to the federal government accounts.

The Class Schedule "Money Matters" section contains information regarding refunds for Title IV financial aid recipients.

It is important that you be aware of SDSU's refund policy and how it affects your financial aid.

◊ Personal Identification Numbers (PINs) ◊

The PIN is an identifier that allows students and parents to access their personal information on various US Department of Education) online systems.

PINs—
     for Students

Requesting a Federal Student Aid PIN

Request a PIN at the US Department of Education's PIN Registration Web site: http://www.pin.ed.gov.

Your PIN will be sent to you by e-mail within 3 business days after you submit your request.

What Can Be Done with a FSA PIN?

As a Direct Loan borrower you will be able to —

Where the FSA PIN Can Be Used

The SDSU Password and the Federal Student Aid PIN

There is a difference between the SDSU WebPortal / AidLink password and the Federal Student Aid PIN. Each electronic personal identifier serves a different purpose—

The SDSU WebPortal and AidLink password:

Used to enter SDSU's WebPortal and to access AidLink for information about your SDSU financial aid file.

The Federal Student Aid PIN:

Used to access information about your FAFSA, Direct Loan, and financial aid history.

PINS—      
     for Parents

The PIN is an identifier that enables you to electronically—

Requesting a Federal Student Aid PIN

Link to the U. S. Department of Education's PIN registration Web site.

Receiving your PIN

Once your PIN is processed, it will be electronically sent to the e-mail address you provided.

Note: If you completed the FAFSA online with your student, you may have been assigned a Federal Student Aid PIN. If you cannot locate your PIN, go to the Federal Student Aid PIN Web site and select "Request for Duplicate PIN."

◊ Types of Aid ◊

Grants—
Pell Grant

Pell Grant is a federally funded grant program available to undergraduate students who have not yet earned a bachelor’s or graduate degree.  In some cases, students enrolled in at least 6 units of a teaching credential program may be eligible.

What Determines the Amount of a Pell Grant?

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first step in the financial aid application process, you will be considered automatically for a Pell Grant.  The amount you receive is based on the financial information that you report on your FAFSA as well as:

You may receive Pell Grant funds from only one school at a time and the amount you receive cannot exceed your maximum eligibility for the award year.

Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)

The Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG) is a federally funded grant program that qualified students may receive for no more than two years. 

The maximum first year ACG is $750 per academic year ($375 per semester at SDSU). 

The maximum second year ACG is $1,300 per academic year ($650 per semester at SDSU).

Qualifications for the ACG

To qualify, the student must meet all of the following conditions—

To qualify for the first year ACG

To qualify for the first year Academic Competitiveness Grant, the student –

To qualify for the second year ACG

To qualify for the second year Academic Competitiveness Grant, the student –

Applying for the ACG

Students apply by completing the FAFSA. (Refer to Step 1 – Applying for Aid.) 

Determining Student's Eligibility for the ACG

The U. S. Department of Education (USDE) uses the information collected on the FAFSA to identify potentially eligible students and notifies the university.  The SDSU Office of Admissions will confirm that the student completed a rigorous high school program and then notify the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS). 

The SDSU OFAS will utilize information provided by the Office of the Registrar, and the Office of Admissions to determine if a student aid applicant meets the requirements for either a first year ACG or second year ACG.

Awarding and Disbursement of ACG

Students who qualify for the first year ACG will be notified usually with their initial financial aid award notification.  

Disbursement of ACG may not take place until after the university's census date as awarded students must be enrolled full time for the semester to receive the award.

By mid-October we will notify students who qualify for the second year ACG.  Eligible students who have already received their financial aid for the fall will have their aid packages adjusted to reflect their eligibility for the new award.

ACG, in combination with the student’s Expected Family Contribution, financial aid, and other resources, cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.  Therefore, in some cases, the ACG will replace other financial aid, especially student and parent loan eligibility.   Students will be notified of the new award and any adjustment to other aid by e-mail and an Alert message in their AidLink account.

If sufficient funds are not available for all eligible students within a given year, the U.S. Department of Education (USDE) may notably reduce award amounts nationwide.

For additional information about the Academic Competitiveness Grant, go to the U. S. Department of Education Web site.

National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant
    (National SMART Grant)

The National Science and Mathematics Access to Retain Talent (SMART) Grant is a federally funded grant program that qualified students may receive for no more than two years. 

The maximum SMART Grant is $4,000 per academic year ($2,000 per semester at SDSU).

Qualifications for The National SMART Grant

To qualify, the student must meet all of the following conditions –

To qualify for the third year SMART Grant

The student must be a junior (i.e., earned no fewer than 60 units and no more than 89 units toward their undergraduate degree objective).

To qualify for the fourth year SMART Grant

The student must be a senior with less than 120 units (i.e., earned no fewer than 90 units and no more than 119 units toward their undergraduate degree objective).

Eligible Majors for SMART Grant

At San Diego State University, the following majors have been identified as eligible for SMART Grant consideration:

 

Science  Engineering    Language

Astronomy

Biology

Chemical Physics

Chemistry/Biochemistry

Computer Science

Environmental Sciences

Geological Sciences

Mathematics - BA

Mathematics - BS

(Applied Mathematics)

Microbiology

Physical Science

Physics

Statistics

Aerospace Engineering

Civil Engineering

Computer Engineering

Construction Engineering

Electrical Engineering

Environmental Engineering

Mechanical Engineering

Japanese

Russian

 

How to Apply for the National SMART Grant

To apply, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first step in the financial aid application process.

Determining Students' Eligibility for the SMART Grant

The university will identify students enrolled in eligible majors, confirm that the students meet all of the other eligibility criteria, and notify students of their awards.

Awarding of SMART Grant

We do not expect to make awards or notify eligible students until after the university's census date each semester.  SMART Grant-eligible students who have already received their financial aid will have their aid packages adjusted to reflect their eligibility for this new federal grant. 

SMART Grant, in combination with the student’s Expected Family Contribution, financial aid, and other resources, cannot exceed the student’s cost of attendance.  Therefore, in some cases, the SMART Grant will replace other financial aid, especially student and parent loan eligibility.   Students will be notified of the new award and any adjustment to other aid by e-mail and an AidLink Alert.

If sufficient funds are not available for all eligible students within a given year, the U. S. Department of Education (USDE) may ratably reduce award amounts nationwide.

For additional information about the National SMART Grant, go to the U. S. Department of Education Web site.

State University Grant

SUG is a state grant program available to California residents enrolled as undergraduate, graduate, and teaching credential students.

If you are not a California resident, contact your state's higher education agency for information about availability and eligibility of using your state's grant assistance while attending school in California.

SUG with Other Fee-paying Assistance

If you are an undergraduate, you may be awarded up to the maximum in State University Grant per semester in combination with other fee-paying financial aid and/or resources (for example - Cal Grant A, Cal Grant B Fee Assistance, Fee Waiver, any other aid designated to pay fees).

Factors that Determine the Amount of SUG Awarded

California Grant Programs

If you are not a California resident, contact your state's higher education agency for information about availability and eligibility of using your state's grant assistance while attending school in California.

Cal Grant Overview

The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) selects eligible California Residents for the Cal Grant A (Cal A) and Cal Grant B (Cal B) award programs. Undergraduates attending SDSU are eligible to apply for both Cal A and Cal B. These grant awards are made on the basis of financial need and grade point average.

Your eligibility for a State University Grant SUG may decrease if you receive Cal Grant fee assistance.  However, we encourage you to apply for Cal Grant as it is renewable, while SUG availability changes each year.

Cal Grants may be reduced or not awarded due to other resources, such as fee waivers, fees paid by an outside source, or scholarship aid.

Cal Grants A and B for Undergraduates

Cal Grant A provides fee assistance awards up to $2,772 per academic year at SDSU to assist with mandatory registration fees.

Cal Grant B provides access grants to assist with living expenses at SDSU, awarding up to $1,551 per academic year. Cal B recipients may also receive fee assistance (CBFA) awards up to $2,772 per academic year.

CSAC notifies qualified first-time recipients of their Entitlement or Competitive Cal A or Cal B award. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships must verify that recipients meet the criteria used to determine the Cal A or Cal B award, specifically financial information provided on the FAFSA.

Application Process for New Cal Grants

 Renewing Cal Grants

The CSAC Web site has additional information about Cal Grants.

Cal Grants for Enrollment in a Teaching Credential Program

The Cal Grant program is not currently accepting Teaching Credential applicants for new grant awards.

However, you may be eligible to renew the Cal Grant for up to one additional year while enrolled in a Teaching Credential Program (TCP), if you were awarded Cal A or Cal B benefits as an undergraduate.

To renew a Cal Grant, you must—

WebGrants for Students

WebGrants for Students is CSAC's secure Web site where you can monitor the processing of your Cal Grant application and award information.  Through this WebGrants for Students, you can—

Awarding Cal Grants A and B

Before a Cal Grant award will be added to your SDSU Award Notification—

Educational Opportunity Program Grant (EOPG)

EOPG Criteria

EOPG is a need-based grant available to eligible undergraduate students who are—

Financial aid applicants admitted to SDSU through EOP are considered automatically for this grant if funds are available, at the time of your SDSU Award Notification.

Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG)

 FSEOG may be available to students pursuing a first undergraduate degree who demonstrate exceptional financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships.

Application Process

By completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), the first step in the financial aid application process, you will be considered automatically for FSEOG.

Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Grants

BIA grants are available to students who are at least one-quarter American Indian, Eskimo, or Aleut, as certified by the BIA and/or tribal group serviced by the BIA.

Each agency establishes its own deadlines and eligibility requirements.

To obtain a BIA grant application, contact the specific office that services the tribe where you or your parents are registered.  For a list of area offices, visit the Office of Indian Education Programs Web site at http://www.oiep.bia.edu/.

Undergraduate Students should contact:

Sacramento Education Line Office

Bureau of Indian Affairs

2800 Cottage Way

Sacramento, California 95825

Phone: 916 - 978 - 6057

Graduate Students should contact:

American Indian Graduate Center

4520 Montgomery Boulevard NE, Suite 1-B

Albuquerque, New Mexico 87109-1291

Phone: 505 - 881 - 4584

Web site: http://www.aigc.com

State Grant Agencies—For non-California residents

Lists of links to higher education agencies by states.  Non-California resident students may find grant assistance availability form their state of residence.

 

Loans
Student Loans

Loans may be included as part of your financial aid award. Loans provide you (or your parent, if you are dependent) with the opportunity to borrow funds to meet your educational expenses.

Before borrowing, explore all other options available including work, scholarships, and grant assistance.

Loans must be repaid.

To find out if you have any loan eligibility, check your financial aid award on AidLink.

Federal Direct Loan Program for Student and Parents

SDSU participates in the Federal Direct Student Loan (Direct Loan) Program, which provides long-term, low-interest loans borrowed directly from the U.S. Department of Education.

Your award may include:

Loan Terminology

Capitalization – adding unpaid interest to the loan principal – increases the principal amount of the loan and its total cost.

Deferment – a postponement of payment on a loan that is allowed under certain conditions and during which interest does not accrue for subsidized loans.

Grace period – a 6-month period before the first payment must be made on a subsidized or unsubsidized loan. The grace period begins the day after the student ceases to be enrolled at least half-time.

Interest – an expense of borrowing money that is calculated as a percentage of the amount borrowed.

Interest rebate - a percentage of the loan fee that the borrower retains by making the first 12 monthly payments on time.

Loan fee – an expense of borrowing deducted proportionately from each loan disbursement.

Principal balance – the amount owed on a loan or loans at any given time (may include capitalized interest - see Capitalization).

Repayment – the period during which a borrower is obligated to make payment on his or her loan(s).

Direct Loan Comparison Tables
Subsidized Loan Unsubsidized Loan

Award is based on need.   Award is NOT based on need.
Student borrows and is responsible for loan. Student borrows and is responsible for loan.
Enrollment requirement: Must be enrolled at least half time. Enrollment requirement: Must be enrolled at least half time.

Loan Fee:

  • 2.0% reduced to 0.5% of the amount borrowed as an interest rebate* on loans first disbursed between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009.
  • 2.5% reduced to 1% of the amount borrowed as an interest rebate* on loans first disbursed between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008.

* Borrower retains the interest rebate by making the first 12 monthly payments on time. 

Loan Fee:

  • 2.0% reduced to 0.5% of the amount borrowed as an interest rebate* on loans first disbursed between July 1, 2008, and June 30, 2009.
  • 2.5% reduced to 1% of the amount borrowed as an interest rebate* on loans first disbursed between July 1, 2007, and June 30, 2008.

* Borrower retains the interest rebate by making the first 12 monthly payments on time. 

Interest Rate for Undergraduate Student:

  • 6.0% fixed rate on loans disbursed July 1, 2008, through June 30, 2009.
  • 6.8% fixed rate on loans disbursed July 1, 2006, through June 30, 2008. 

Interest Rate for Undergraduate Student: 

  • 6.8% fixed rate

Interest Rate for Teaching Credential or Graduate Student:

  • 6.8% fixed rate

Interest Rate for Teaching Credential or Graduate Student:

  • 6.8% fixed rate
Capitalized Interest – no interest is charged while student is in school at least half-time, during grace and during deferment periods.  Capitalized Interest – interest is charged during all periods.
Repayment – begins after grace period ends Repayment - begins after grace period ends
Grad PLUS Loan Parent PLUS Loan
Award is NOT based on need. Award is NOT based on need.

Conditions of Eligibility —

  • Graduate student can borrow up to his/her cost of attendance excluding other financial aid, resources and the annual subsidized and/or unsubsidized loan limits ($20,500).
  • Graduate student should have already activated his/her annual subsidized and unsubsidized loans.
  • Graduate student cannot have an adverse credit history

Conditions of Eligibility —

  • Parent can borrow up to the student's cost of attendance excluding other financial aid, resources and the student's annual subsidized and/or unsubsidized loan eligibility.
  • Parent can borrow to pay for student's educational expenses IF student is a dependent undergraduate enrolled at least half-time.
  • Parent cannot have an adverse credit history
Enrollment requirement: Must be enrolled at least half time.  Enrollment requirement: Must be enrolled at least half time.
Loan Fee - 4% which is adjusted down by a 1.5% repayment rebate Loan Fee - 4% which is adjusted down by a 1.5% repayment rebate
Interest Rate - 7.9% fixed rate. Interest Rate - 7.9% fixed rate.
Capitalized Interest– interest begins to accumulate at the time the first disbursement is made.   Capitalized Interest – interest begins to accumulate at the time the first disbursement is made.

Repayment —

  • Begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed (typically the spring term).
  • There is no grace period for this loan.
  • Borrower may receive a deferment while enrolled at least half-time at an eligible school.  

Repayment —

  • Begins within 60 days after the loan is fully disbursed (typically the spring term).
  • There is no grace period for this loan.
  • Parent must begin repaying both principal and interest while the student is in school.

Refer to Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education for more information on federal loans, including:

Federal Perkins Loan

A Federal Perkins Loan is a low-interest loan (5%) for eligible undergraduate and graduate students with exceptional financial need. SDSU is the lender on the Perkins Loan. The loan is made from federal government funds and SDSU funds. Qualified recipients of a Federal Perkins Loan, will receive detailed information and instructions on how to apply by logging on to AidLink.

For information on the Federal Perkins Loan, go to the Funding Education Beyond High School: The Guide to Federal Student Aid from the U.S. Department of Education.

Consolidation Loan

A Consolidation Loan can help you (and your parents, if they borrowed for you) simplify loan repayment by allowing you (or your parents) to combine several types of federal student loans with various repayment schedules into one loan. The repayment process is simpler—

For information on loan consolidation: http://www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov.

Loan Cancellation and Deferment Options

For Teachers

The Assumption Program of Loans for Education (APLE)

APLE is a state-funded program administered by the California Student Aid Commission (CSAC).  You may be able to defer payment of or have a portion of your outstanding loan balance forgiven if you meet the teaching guidelines designated by the U.S. Department of Education.

Find more information about APLE and the Federal Cancellation and Deferment Option.

For Volunteers

You may be eligible for loan deferment or cancellation under the provisions of the Peace Corps Act, the Domestic Volunteer Services Act of 1973, and comparable service as a volunteer within a tax-exempt organization active in community service. 

Alternative Loans

Alternative loans (private loans) are useful if you need to find another source of assistance to supplement your federal and state aid.  Before committing to an alternative loan, you should explore all other options available, including other types of student loans.

Alternative loan borrower's responsibilities and options

As a borrower of a private consumer loan, it is your responsibility to research and examine the terms and conditions offered by each lender to determine the right loan for you. Be aware that—  

Carefully compare the loan terms of the lenders that you research.

SDSU alternative loan policies

If you decide that an alternative loan is right for you, you should be aware of OFAS and SDSU policies regarding the processing and disbursement of your loan.

Most alternative loan applications require a signature and completion by a school's financial aid officer.  SDSU will only process an alternative loan if:

When to apply for an alternative loan

The OFAS does not begin alternative loan processing for the upcoming academic year until August.

Credit checks expire after a specified period that varies from lender to lender. Therefore, research, but don’t apply for the loan until June because some credit checks can expire within 60 days.

Alternative loan disbursement

When SDSU processes an alternative loan, the information is sent directly to your lender.  Lenders are advised that no loan funds will be disbursed prior to the beginning of each term.

SDSU will only disburse funds for an alternative loan if —

Non-school certified alternative loans

There are student loans that do not require completion and signature by a school's financial aid officer.  You might want to consider this type of loan if you—

The requirements and terms vary from lender to lender, so carefully compare the terms of the lenders that you consider.

Non-school certified alternative loans should be disbursed by the lender directly to you and not through SDSU.

Useful Web Sites

The Direct Loan Web site includes an online repayment plan calculator to help you figure out what your payments could be before you commit to borrowing: www.ed.gov/DirectLoan

General student loan repayment information: http://studentaid.ed.gov/PORTALSWebApp/students/english/repaying.jsp?tab=repaying

Direct Loan Servicing Center - access your loan account record (Federal Student Aid PIN required):www.dl.ed.gov

Review your aid history on the Department of Education's National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS): www.nslds.ed.gov

Electronic Master Promissory Notes for Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans or PLUS Loans: http://dlenote.ed.gov

Information on Direct Loan Consolidation: www.loanconsolidation.ed.gov

Information on establishing and managing credit:  www.studentdebthelp.org

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan

The Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan enables parents to borrow to help pay for the educational expenses of their dependent, undergraduate student.

Parent PLUS Loan Eligibility Requirements

To borrow a Parent PLUS Loan—

The Parent PLUS Loan Interest Rate and Loan Fee

The interest rate on a Parent PLUS Loan is —

The loan fee on a Parent PLUS Loan is —

Requesting a Parent PLUS Loan

Parents of dependent students are automatically considered for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan when applying for financial aid.

  1. To apply for financial aid, parents and students must complete and submit a FAFSA.
  2. Make sure you request that the student's information be sent to SDSU when completing the FAFSA
    » SDSU's Federal school code is 001151
  3. After the student's application is processed, he/she will receive an e-mail (or paper) notification with instructions to go to the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship's Web site and log on to AidLink to access his/her award.
    » Parent PLUS Loan eligibility will be included in the dependent student's award.
    » In some cases, a parent and student may be required to submit certain verification documentation to this office.
  4. If a parent wishes to borrow a Parent PLUS Loan, the parent should complete the Request for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan form and submit by mail. To download the form, Adobe Reader must be installed on your computer.  For a free copy of Adobe Reader link to Adobe and follow instructions.
  5. After the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships (OFAS) receives the completed Request for A Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan form, this information is electronically submitted to the Direct Loan Servicing Center. 
  6. The Servicing Center will transmit the information to a credit bureau for evaluation. An acceptable credit history is necessary to continue the Parent PLUS Loan process.
Request for a Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Student attended SDSU during...      Enrollment Period
Academic Year 2008 - 2009  August 2008 through May 2009
will be available mid-July 2008
Academic Year 2007 - 2008  August 2007 through May 2008

Disbursement - Receiving Financial Aid Funds

Parent PLUS Loan funds are disbursed to the parent borrower only after all the university charges have been paid for the term (including housing, if applicable). The OFAS does not begin preparation to disburse a Parent PLUS Loan until all conditions listed below have been met.

One-half of the Parent PLUS Loan is disbursed during the fall and the second half during the spring. 

If all conditions are met, parents who apply and complete the Parent PLUS Loan process early may receive Parent PLUS Loan funds at the beginning of the term.  For more information about the disbursement of aid, other than the Parent PLUS, see Disbursement - Receiving Financial Aid Funds.

Repaying the Parent PLUS Loan

Repayment begins within 60 days after the final disbursement.

Calculate Your Payments Before you Borrow:

You will use the PLUS Loan Repayment Calculator Web page.

  1. Make sure your Internet browser is either Netscape Navigator 4.0 or higher, Internet Explorer 5.5 or higher, or Mozilla Firefox 1.5 or higher.
  2. Go to the Direct Loan Calculator Web site.
  3. Select "Direct Loans" as the Loan Type.
  4. The current interest rate is automatically inserted.
  5. Enter various loan amounts until you find a match with your needs.
  6. Click on the "Calculate" button.  It will display estimated payments for each repayment plan.

For detailed information on Direct Loans, go to the student guide and the Direct Loan Web sites.

Federal Work Study—

Features of Federal Work Study

To be eligible for Federal Work Study (FWS), you must have financial need as determined by the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships (OFAS).

The Federal Work Study Program is a part-time employment program that can help you —

If you have been awarded FWS, detailed information can be viewed by logging onto AidLink and selecting "Federal Work Study Program" within the Award Notification screen.

Your Certification Period

The Certification Period is the time you may work and receive FWS funds.  There are two certification periods—

The academic year period:

The AY period begins the week before fall semester classes and ends May 31.

Important:  Budget your hours so that you earn no more than the fall portion of your FWS award during the fall semester.  Any unearned fall semester amount may be earned during the spring semester.

You must stop working when —

The summer period:

The summer period begins June 1 and ends August 31.

Unused fall semester amounts cannot be earned in summer

You forfeit the remainder of your Earnings Limit

Adding or Declining a Federal Work Study Award

Contact a financial aid counselor to find out—

Tax Regulations Regarding FWS

All FWS earnings are considered taxable income and must be reported to the IRS, if you are required to file a tax return. Every FWS employee is sent a W-2 Form in January showing total earnings for the previous year.

Reporting FWS Earnings on Your FAFSA

Information about your earnings and Adjusted Gross Income (AGI) for the prior tax year are collected from the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and is used to determine your eligibility for financial aid.

In order for the OFAS to exclude any FWS earnings that you report as part of your earnings and AGI, you must include those earnings on the FAFSA as a Title IV Income Exclusion. The FAFSA provides instructions on how to properly complete this item.

Scholarships—

Money awarded to students who demonstrate certain qualities such as academic or athletic accomplishments, musical or artistic ability, or specialized fields of study.  Scholarships do not need to be repaid.

There are three Scholarship application filing periods at SDSU—

  1. Fall: Mid-August through Mid-October
  2. Spring 1: Mid-November through Mid-February
  3. Spring 2: Mid-March through April

Applications for SDSU-based scholarships are available—

Other information available on the SDSU Scholarships Web pages—

Other Resources and—
       Other Financial Assistance

Other Resources

Financial assistance through defined scholarship programs, fellowships, and traineeships.  See “Other Scholarships” on the Scholarships pages.

Other Financial Assistance

Financial assistance provided through sources other than the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, such as—

◊ Policies and Academic Requirements ◊

 

Academic Progress—
Academic Progress Requirements

In accordance with regulations that govern state and federal financial aid programs, SDSU is required to define and enforce standards of satisfactory academic progress for all financial aid applicants.

These standards are established to encourage you to complete your degree, credential, or certificate within a reasonable time frame and includes three requirements—

We attempt to keep you informed of your status. However, it is your responsibility to be aware of SDSU’s satisfactory progress standards and to make sure you are in compliance.

Your aid eligibility for future semesters may be in jeopardy if you do not take appropriate steps to ensure that you are meeting satisfactory academic progress requirements.

Periodic Review of Students' Academic Progress

We will review your academic standing at the end of each semester to determine if you are making satisfactory academic progress.

The sections that follow describe the minimum and maximum number of units needed to maintain satisfactory academic progress to continue receiving financial aid.

Minimum number of units—

Maximum number of units or full-time equivalent semesters (FTES)

You may continue receiving financial aid until you reach the maximum units or full-time equivalent semesters (FTES) established for your degree, credential, or certificate. At the end of the spring semester of the academic year in which you reach either maximum units or maximum FTES, you will not be eligible for further aid for that degree or objective. We will notify you by e-mail and post a message on your AidLink account. (Refer to Maximum Number of Units and Semesters.)

Graduate students and Thesis 799A/B/C

Enrollment in Thesis 799A/B/C does not count toward the maximum number of units and FTES.  Your aid eligibility is limited to four semesters of thesis coursework (i.e., any combination of Thesis 799A/B/C).  However, if you need additional semesters of thesis coursework, you may submit a written appeal, with a letter of support from your thesis chair or adviser. 

Doctoral Students

Enrollment in Doctoral Research 897, Doctoral Dissertation 899, or Clinical Internship (Psychology 894) count toward the maximum number of units and FTES.

Minimum Units Required

You must complete a minimum number of units each year to remain eligible for financial aid.

Converting your units into FTES

The number of units in which you are enrolled at census determines the minimum number of units you are required to complete for that semester.

Your academic progress is measured by converting the number of units you are enrolled in at census into full-time equivalent semesters (FTES).

FTES are assessed according to a range of units. ( See appendices Undergraduates see Undergraduate Units Table or Graduates see Graduate and Doctoral Units Table.)

Understanding Full-time Equivalent Semesters (FTES)

When you initially enroll at SDSU a full-time equivalent semester (FTES) figure is assigned, whether you enter as a freshman, graduate, or transfer from another college.

If you have transfer units, your initial FTES are determined by dividing your total transfer units by 12 (9 for graduate units) and rounding down to the nearest .25 FTES.

After we establish your initial FTES, the FTES assessed for any subsequent semester may be 1.00, .75, .50, or .25, depending upon how many units you are enrolled in.

Your FTES are assessed based on the lowest number of units for that range. For example, as an undergraduate, whether you have 9 units or 11 units, you will still be assessed .75 FTES for that semester. Twelve units or more are assessed as 1.00 FTE.  (Examine the following Enrollment Status Table.)

 

Effect of Enrollment Status on Full-time Equivalent Semesters (FTES)
Enrollment Status Undergraduate* and Credential Students Number of Units at Census*** Masters and Doctoral Students Number of Units** at Census*** Full-time Equivalent Semesters (FTES) Assessed
Full time 12 units or more 9 units or more 1.00 semester
3/4 time 9 to 11 units 7 or 8 units 0.75 semester
1/2 time 6 to 8 units 5 or 6 units 0.50 semester
Less than 1/2 time 3 to 5 units AT SDSU 3 or 4 units AT SDSU 0.25 semester

 

* If you are unable to register for courses that you need at SDSU, you may be able to attend the courses at a community college or through the SDSU College of Extended Studies and have the units count towards your financial aid eligibility at SDSU. For more information, see Concurrent Enrollment.

** Graduate level units are those numbered 500 and above.

- Graduate students enrolled in Thesis 799A are considered to be enrolled full time.

- Graduate students enrolled in Thesis 799B or 799C are considered to be enrolled half time.

- Doctoral students enrolled in Doctoral Research 897, Doctoral Dissertation 899, or Clinical Internship (Psychology 894) are considered to be enrolled full time.

Find more information about financial aid for graduate enrollment.

You must pay the part-time registration fee if your total units are 6.0 or less, regardless of enrollment status.

*** The census date is usually one week after the semester deadline for adding a course. The official census date is published in the SDSU General Catalog and Class Schedule.

Cumulative Units

As long as your cumulative units are at or above your total assessed FTES at the end of the spring semester, you are making satisfactory academic progress.

You can calculate your target cumulative units by multiplying 12 X your total FTES (classified graduate students use 9 instead of 12).

Undergraduate students refer to the Undergraduate Units Table; graduate and doctoral students refer to the Graduate and Doctoral Units Table for a complete breakdown of FTES and required units.

Academic Standing and Grade Point Average

To continue receiving financial aid you must be in good academic standing with the university. The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships adheres to the university’s academic standards. These standards consider the quality of your performance and progress toward your degree objective.

Find information about SDSU’s academic standards

The SDSU General Catalog provides detailed information under “University Policies” concerning academic probation and academic disqualification.

How Academic Disqualification Affects Financial Aid

If you are academically disqualified and do not meet the SDSU's standards of academic performance required for graduation, you are ineligible for financial aid, until reinstated by the university.

After being reinstated, you should contact the OFAS.  Also, refer to How to Reestablish Eligibility.

How to Reestablish Eligibility

If you are deficient more than 6 units at the end of the spring semester, you are not eligible for financial aid until you reduce your deficiency to 6 units or less. You can reduce your unit deficiency in several ways.

Complete more than the minimum units

Enroll in and complete more than the minimum number of units for your enrollment status.

For example—

Change incomplete (I) grade to a passing grade

Make arrangements with your professor to complete the assigned work for any authorized incomplete grades.  The Incomplete, or any other grade change, must be posted to your SDSU academic record, in order to reduce a unit deficiency.

Complete transferable units at another institution

Units that you transfer to SDSU from another college may help to reduce your unit deficiency but only if they exceed the FTES assessed. (Review the Undergraduate Students - Unit to FTES Examples Table.) Units completed at another institution must be transferable to SDSU and posted to your academic record.

Submit an appeal

Student's Responsibility

Remember, you are in charge of your academic progress. Therefore, avoid enrolling in more classes than you can realistically complete. Do not expect more from yourself than you can deliver.

 

Unit Deficiency and Its Consequences

Unit deficiency = 1 to 6.0 units

You remain eligible to receive aid as long as your unit deficiency is 6.0 units or less at the end of the spring semester each academic year.

Unit deficiency = 6.1 units or more

You are not eligible to receive financial aid if your unit deficiency is 6.1 or greater at the end of the spring semester. (Refer to How to Reestablish Eligibility.)

Refer to the following tables to understand how we measure academic progress for all students.

The Effect of Enrollment Status on Full-time Equivalent Semesters (FTES) Table (see above) defines enrollment status for undergraduates, graduates, and postbaccalaureate students and the full-time equivalent semester (FTES) for each.

The Undergraduate Units Table (see Appendices) represents the minimum number of units for undergraduate or credential students to remain eligible for financial aid.

The Graduate and Doctoral Units Table (see Appendices) represents the minimum number of units for graduate and doctoral students to remain eligible for financial aid.

The tables that follow indicate which grades are acceptable in determining whether the units will count towards your minimum cumulative units completed.

Grades that Count Toward Minimum Cumulative Units
Earned grades of A through D- or CR (credit)
Review the General Catalog and Graduate Bulletin for acceptable grades for your degree

Grades that DO NOT Count Towards Minimum Cumulative Units
F (Failure)
I (Authorized Incomplete)
RD (Report Delayed) 		NC (No Credit)
AU (Audit
RP (Report in Progress)		 W (Withdrawal)
WU (Withdrawal Unauthorized)

Undergraduates:  Any course repeated for course forgiveness in which you previously
received a grade of D- or better.  Review Repeated Courses - Course Forgiveness.

 

Maximum Number of Units and Semesters

You may continue to receive financial aid until you reach the maximum units or full-time equivalent semesters (FTES) allowed, whichever occurs first (See how FTES are calculated). All units you have completed at SDSU and at other institutions (which are transferable to SDSU), are counted. Your eligibility to continue receiving aid is determined at the end of the spring semester each academic year.

NOTE: You may request an appeal for an extension of eligibility for one or more semesters by submitting a Maximum Units/Semesters Appeal form, available in PDF format.  If your appeal is approved, you will receive aid only for courses required to complete your degree.

Undergraduate Students

Undergraduate students may receive funds only until one of the following has occurred—

Classified Graduate Students

Classified graduate or credential students may receive funds only until one of the following has occurred—

NOTE:  Some graduate degrees require more than 50 units for completion, in which case the maximum units and FTES are adjusted accordingly.  If you are a graduate student enrolled in a degree program requiring more than 50 units, or you are enrolled in a second advanced degree, and have reached maximum units or FTES, consult with a financial aid counselor.

Doctoral Students

Doctoral students may receive funds only until one of the following has occurred—

NOTE:  Some doctoral degrees require more than 100 units for completion, in which case the maximum units and FTES are adjusted accordingly.  If you are a doctoral student enrolled in a degree program requiring more than 100 units, consult with a financial aid counselor.

Certificate Students

SDSU offers a number of nondegree programs leading to certificates. Students who enroll in courses leading to a certificate may be eligible for aid depending on the number of units and length of the course. To qualify, you must enroll at least half-time, and the length of the certificate term must be at least 15 weeks.  To see if your certificate is eligible, contact the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships.

Eligible students enrolled in eligible certificates may receive funds only until one of the following has occurred—

For example, a student enrolled in an eligible certificate course requiring 18 units may be eligible to receive financial aid until he or she completes the certificate or attempts 27 units, whichever occurs first.

 

Repeated Course - Course Forgiveness

Undergraduate Students

If you repeat a course for course forgiveness in which you received a grade of D- or better, the units for the course will be counted only once toward graduation. While your new grade for the repeated course may help with your grade point average and/or academic requirements, it may also increase your financial aid unit deficiency and affect your continuing financial aid eligibility.

If you must repeat a course, you should consult with a financial aid counselor to determine if your aid eligibility will be affected. Also review the Course Forgiveness and Course Repeat Policy in the SDSU General Catalog.

Graduate Students

Review the Course Repeat Policy in the SDSU Graduate Bulletin and consult with your graduate advisor.  Generally, a graduate student may not repeat a course.  With prior permission, if you do repeat a course, both grades remain on your permanent record and both grades affect your grade point average.

 

Enrollment and Aid
How Enrollment Affects Financial Aid Awards

Enrollment Census at SDSU

One week after the semester's add/drop date, the Office of the Registrar officially verifies SDSU student enrollment and the number of units in which each student is enrolled.  It is referred to as census.

The census date for your enrollment period is available from the Academic Calendar in the Class Schedule.

Initial Financial Aid Awards

If your initial award is made—

Enrollment and Award Adjustments

Census enrollment information is used to make award adjustments.

Part Time Enrollment

If you are enrolled in 6 units or less at SDSU, you are considered part time.

If your award is adjusted —

The Effect of Enrollment on Financial Aid Programs

This table lists some of the financial aid programs that may be affected by your enrollment status.  Your eligibility for aid programs other than those listed in this table may also be affected.

Financial Aid Programs Affected by Enrollment

Student's Class Level		 Programs Canceled or Reduced
if Enrolled 7 to 12 Units		 Programs Affected
if Enrolled 6 units
Undergraduate or
Teaching Credential
  • Pell Grant
  • Academic Competitiveness Grant
  • National SMART Grant
  • Cal Grant B Access
  • Educational Opportunity Program Grant
  • Future Scholars Program
  • Presidential Grant
  • Cal Grant A or B Fee Assistance
  • Cal Grant B Access
  • Pell Grant
  • State University Grant
  • Presidential Grant
  • Educational Opportunity Program Grant
  • Future Scholars Program
  • Loans when the amount is affected by student's total cost of attendance
Graduate Not applicable to graduate students.
  • State University Grant
  • Loans when the amount is affected by student's total cost of attendance

Before dropping units, we encourage you to consult with a Financial Aid and Scholarships counselor to see how your aid may be affected.

 

Adding or Dropping Units

Adding or Dropping Units Before Census

Disbursement of financial aid is based upon the number of units in which you are enrolled at the time your aid is disbursed. Your disbursement statement will detail this information.

If