1) Do I need to reapply for financial aid every year?

Yes, to complete the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA go online to www.fafsa.ed.gov [External Hyperlink] and use your PIN (student and parent) to sign.  Apply for a PIN at www.pin.ed.gov [External Hyperlink].

The SDSU School Code is 003471

2) What is the difference between a subsidized and unsubsidized Stafford Loan?

Subsidized Stafford loan: The federal government pays the interest for you while you are in school and up to six months after you cease to be at least a half time student.

Unsubsidized Stafford loan:  Interest is not paid by the Federal Government. 

3) Do I need to include my parent's tax information on the FAFSA?

You need to have your parents tax information on the FAFSA unless you can answer yes to one of these questions on the FAFSA.

--Were you born before January 1, 1985?
--At the beginning of the 08-09 school year will you be working on a master's or doctorate program?
--As of today, are you married? (Answer yes if you are separated, but not divorced)
--Do you have children who receive more than half of their support from you?
--Do you have dependents (other than your children or spouse) who live with you and who receive more than half of their support from you, now and through June 30, 2009?
--Are both of your parents deceased, or are you  (or were you until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court?
--Are you currently serving on active duty in the U. S.  Armed Forces for purposes other than training?
--Are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces?

One out of every three students who fill out the FAFSA is chosen for verification. It is a random selection and does not mean that you made an error on the initial FAFSA.

A letter and verification form will be sent from the Enrollment Service Center (ESC) in Vermillion to the student at the address stated on the FAFSA. The student, and parents (if their information was stated on the FAFSA), will need to complete the verification form and send it to the ESC in Vermillion with signed copies or required Federal Tax Returns. Quick return of these forms will speed up the awarding process. 

5) I received my Award/Resources Letter and did not get enough money to pay my tuition and fee bill.  Is there any additional funding available to help with the costs?

Yes, there are additional loans that can provide additional assistance for students.

--The Federal Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) program is available for parents to borrow money.  These loans are in the parent's name and payments typically start while the student is in school.  Interest accrues while the student is in school, and rates are set by the government at 8.5%.  For additional information click here [External Hyperlink].

-- There are also non-federal/alternative loans for the student to borrow under.  The student will typically need a co-signer.  Interest accrues while the student is in school at a rate set by the bank (usually prime + 0-6%).  Payments are usually deferred until 6 months after the student graduates.  For more information on non-federal/alternative loans click here [External Hyperlink].

6) Can I receive financial aid even if I am taking credits from another school?

Yes, as long as those credits are from another state university in South Dakota, such as Northern State, Dakota State, University of South Dakota, Black Hills State, and School of Mines.

7) My parents own a farm/business. Does this have to be included under assets?

Do not include the value of a family farm you (your spouse and/or your parents) live on and operate. 

Do not include the value of a small business that you (your spouse and/or your parents) own and control and that has 100 or fewer full-time or full-time equivalent employees.  "Control," means that you own more than 50% and have a say in business operation.

8) Do I include a stepparent's information on my FAFSA?

Yes. If the parent has remarried as of the date you complete the FAFSA, answer the questions on the form about that parent and the person whom your parent married.

9) Are graduate students eligible for Pell Grants?

No. The Federal Pell Grant is funded only for financially eligible undergraduate students as determined by the FAFSA and who have not completed a Bachelor's or professional degree.

10) Will I receive Federal Work-Study this year if I received it last year?

There are no guarantees.  The most current FAFSA results, if submitted before the SDSU priority date of March 11th, will determine which federal financial aid programs students are eligible for.

Students who did not receive Work-Study can visit SDSU’s Financial Aid Office when school starts and be placed on a waiting list for a possible future award.