Santa Clara University

Our staff members are interested in helping you finance your education at Santa Clara University. Here are some financial aid resources you may find helpful:

Financial Aid Applications

• Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
  The U.S. Department of Education’s Web page where you can complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) electronically.
• CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
  Incoming undergraduate freshmen and incoming transfer students need to complete this form.
• Federal Student Aid Personal Identification Number (PIN)
  The U.S. Department of Education’s page where you request a personal identification number to electronically sign financial aid forms.
• Cal Grant GPA Verification Form (California Residences Only)
  All California resident undergraduate students who are not currently receiving a Cal Grant need to complete this form. This form is available at the Financial Aid Office and/or California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) Web site.

Financial Aid Calculators

• FAFSA4caster
  The U.S. Department of Education tool designed to help students and their families plan for college. FAFSA4caster provides students with an early estimate of their eligibility for federal student financial assistance.
• FinAid! A SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid Calculators
  Offers online calculators on a wide range of student finance issues from needs analysis to loan repayment.
• CollegeBoard Calculators
  A calculators for everything from Expected Family Contribution (EFC) to loan repayment.
• Net Price Calculator
  This calculator is a federally mandated tool that can help you determine your estimated college financial aid award. This calculator is meant to be used as a tool for prospective students. It will not provide returning students or graduate students with an accurate estimate.

General Financial Aid Information

• California Student Aid Commission (CSAC)
  Provides information on the Cal Grant Program, other State programs and the California State ScholarShare Program.
• College.gov
  Created by the U.S. Department of Education, college.gov is an interactive Web site preparing students for college.
• CollegeBoard Online
  An excellent overview of financial aid, as well as calculators with which you may estimate your family's contribution.
• Educational Credit Management Corporation: Financial Awareness Basics
  An excellent online tool, resource and financial calculator, the interactive Web site helps users discover ways to pay for college costs, learn how to make informed financial decisions and maintain a healthy balance between academics and campus life.
• The Federal Student Aid Gateway
  A source for free information, guidance and tools for federal student assistance from the U.S. Department of Education's Office of Federal Student Aid.
• FinAid! A SmartStudent Guide to Financial Aid
  A comprehensive site on financial aid, this site provides links to major scholarship and loan sources as well.
• Student Aid on the Web
  The office within the U.S. Department of Education which handles financial aid. This is an excellent Web site devoted to furthering students and parents understanding of federal financial aid.
• Studentjobs.gov
  Created as a joint project by the United States Office of Personnel Management (OPM) and the U.S. Department of Education’s Student Financial Assistance Office for students who are interested in jobs in the federal government.

Financial Aid Glossary

• Terms to Know
  We understand that financial aid is often an incomprehensible language. This glossary will help you understand financial aid in simple terminology.

Tax Benefits

• Federal Tax Benefits at a Glance - Tax Year 2010
  This brochure covers a variety of important tax topics related to higher education.
• Federal Tax Benefits for Higher Education - Tax Year 2010
  Published by ECMC, this brochure summarizes tax benefits is intended to assist parents and students considering or currently paying for higher education.
• IRS Publication 970: Tax Benefits for Education
  Information about federal programs designed to support higher education by providing tax benefits to students and their families.
• American Opportunity Credit¹
  A nonrefundable tax credit for out-of-pocket tuition expenses. You can deduct 100 percent of the first $2,000 plus 25 percent of the next $2,000 of qualified education expenses for each eligible dependent. So, your family can claim a tax credit of up to $2,500 for each eligible dependent.
• Lifetime Learning Credit
  A tax credit of up to $2,000 (20 percent of the first $10,000) for educational expenses.
• Student Loan Interest Deduction
  Interest paid on education loans can be deducted up to $2,500, even if the tax filer does not itemize deductions.
• Tuition and Fee Deduction
  A tax deduction of up to $4,000 for tuition and fees from your taxable income if you are not eligible for the Hope or Lifetime Learning tax credits.
• Coverall Education Savings Account (ESA)
  Families can contribute up to $2,000 per year tax free for each child under 18 in the child's name toward education expenses.
• 529 College Savings Plans/Qualified Tuition Plans
  An account that is set up to let you save for or prepay your or another beneficiary's college cost. Each plan has its own annual and total contribution limits.

¹ The American Opportunity Credit expires at the end of 2012.