SFSU’s Pain-Free Guide to Applying for Financial Aid

Steve Hockensmith — Thu, 05 Dec 2024 18:21:15 +0000

SFSU’s Pain-Free Guide to Applying for Financial Aid

Author: Student Affairs and Enrollment Management

December 6, 2024

Applying for financial aid can feel overwhelming. But with our financial aid guide, you’ll navigate the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or California Dream Act Application (CADAA) like a pro. Whether you’re an SFSU student or not, we’re happy to provide some tips and tricks to make your 2025 – 2026 FAFSA application smooth and easy.

Important dates

Dec. 1: Applications have opened

March 3: State aid priority deadline

Guide to preparing 2025-2026 FAFSA applications

Create a StudentAid.gov login (FSA ID): Visit studentaid.gov and select Create Account. Save your FSA ID somewhere safe — you’ll need it every year!
Complete the 2025 – 2026 FAFSA form: Go to studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa and log in with your FSA ID. Fill out the form with personal and financial information. In most cases the IRS will directly transfer all of the tax information the FAFSA needs!
Sign and submit: Sign the FAFSA electronically, ensuring that both the student and parent (if applicable) sign before submitting.
Wait for financial aid offers: SFSU will use your 2025 – 2026 FAFSA to create a financial aid package. You’ll receive the package via email, and it will be available on your Student Center. Offers will be available in early 2025.

Guide to preparing 2025-2026 CADAA application

Access the 2025 – 2026 CADAA application: Visit dream.csac.ca.gov to start the application.
Gather required documents: You’ll need federal income tax returns and/or W-2s. Select San Francisco State University as your school and use school code 001154!
Complete the CADAA form: Fill out the application online with personal and financial information. Review instructions carefully.
Sign and submit: Sign electronically using the provided options on the CADAA platform. If applicable parents may sign electronically as well once the application is completed!
Wait for financial aid offers: SFSU will use your 2025 – 2026 CADAA to create a financial aid package. You’ll receive the package via email, and it will be available on your Student Center. Offers will be available in early 2025.

Not sure which application to fill out? Learn more about the 2025 – 2026 FAFSA and CADAA applications at financialaid.sfsu.edu/start.

Campus resources

The Financial Aid Outreach Team hosts Fin Aid Fridays to help with any financial aid questions you may have. Learn more about these events by visiting financialaid.sfsu.edu/fin-aid-fridays. Other questions? Reach out to the SFSU Office of Student Financial Aid at (415) 338-7000 or finaid@sfsu.edu.

Good luck, Gators!

University offers financial aid and scholarship tips

Steve Hockensmith — Wed, 08 Feb 2023 18:54:16 +0000

University offers financial aid and scholarship tips

Author: Steve Hockensmith

February 8, 2023

Photo Credit: SF State

The Financial Aid Awareness Month talks will help students learn how to complete financial aid applications and more

February is Financial Aid Awareness Month, and San Francisco State University’s Office of Student Financial Aid wants students to make the most of it — and the financial aid they could be receiving. That’s why it’s offering online information sessions throughout the month to promote financial aid awareness and encourage students to complete their financial aid application (Federal Application for Free Student Aid/California Dream Act Application) by the March 2 priority deadline. Session topics will include completing a financial aid application, financial wellness, scholarships, studying abroad with financial aid, basic needs resources and more.

Financial aid is critical for students at San Francisco State. Nearly 16,000 of them received financial aid during the fall 2022 semester — 64% of the overall student population.

“SF State is an ethnically and economically diverse campus, with 54% of our students being Pell eligible,” said Office of Student Financial Aid Director Denise Peña. “All of our students can benefit from building financial literacy to improve financial stability and understanding the costs of higher education in order to set themselves up for a successful future.”

The Financial Aid Awareness Month events kick off at noon Thursday, Feb. 9, with the Zoom session “Financial Aid February: Financial Wellness in School and Beyond.” They conclude Friday, Feb. 24, with the live talk “Fin Aid February: Completing a Financial Aid Application” in room 280 of the J. Paul Leonard Library.

See the full calendar of events (with passcodes for Zoom sessions) on the Office of Student Financial Aid website.