Incoming Undergraduate Students FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding financial aid by incoming undergraduate students for the 2010-11 academic year. Contact the Financial Aid Office with any questions not listed.
Your Award
How do I accept my award?
If you received an Electronic Financial Aid E-mail Notification, you should log-on to the ecampus system. You will be required to use your User ID and Password information to enter the main ecampus page on which the “Financial Aid” link will be listed. Please choose the “Accept/Decline Financial Aid” link to view and accept or decline your financial aid award. On the “Select Aid Year to View” page click the proper aid year. On the “Award Package” page indicate your choice to accept or decline each award by checking the appropriate box and then click the yellow “Submit” button.
Once I receive my financial aid award letter, is there any reason it could change later?
There are a number of circumstances that could have an effect on your original award letter. Verification of your application, change in your family's financial situation, failure to maintain academic progress, notification after your award of outside aid such as a scholarship, or not enrolling for the required number of hours to receive aid through programs awarded are all examples of things that could change your award letter.
Why is the aid offered at Santa Clara University different from aid I was offered at other schools?
Financial aid offers can be different from one institution to another for many reasons. Schools and their applicant pool are different. Your academic credentials and a school’s selectivity will influence the amount of institutional funds offered. Some types of financial aid are awarded based on criteria established by the institution. Funding for some federal programs is limited. Institutions receive an allocation, or set amount, for each of the campus based aid programs (Federal Work Study, Federal Perkins Loan and Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant) from the U.S. Department of Education. Since schools receive different allocation amounts, institutions will have different rules and methods for awarding their allocation of limited funding. Institutions also have different costs of attendance, which can change a student's eligibility for need-based financial aid funding and can affect the total amount of financial aid offered from one institution to the next.
FAFSA
What is the FAFSA?
The federal government's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides the Financial Aid Office with complete, consistent financial data analyzed within policy established by the federal government. The federal government does not award financial aid; individual schools do, based on the analysis of information provided by you on the FAFSA. To obtain any type of financial aid from Santa Clara University, you must file the FAFSA each year.
If my parents are divorced or separated, which parent should complete the FAFSA?
You should answer the questions using information about the parent that you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, give answers about the parent who provided the most financial support for you (e.g. money, gifts, loans, housing, food, clothes, medical expenses). Child support payments from your other parent will be taken into consideration, and information about the income and assets of any stepparent must also be provided. We realize that these situations can be sensitive and complicated. Please feel free to discuss your individual circumstances with one of our counselors. All information will remain confidential.
My parents are divorced, and my father claims me on his taxes, but I live with my mother. Whose information should I use when completing the FAFSA?
The custodial parent's information is used when filing the application. However, there are times that we request certain information from the non-custodial parent.
The "custodial" parent is the one with whom you reside more than 50% of the time. It does not matter which parent claims you on their tax return. (e.g. If your father claims you on his taxes but you live with your mother most of the time, your mother is your custodial parent.)
I am going to be married during the 2010-11 school year. Can I fill out the FAFSA as "married" now, since I will be in a few months?
You must indicate your marital status as of the date you are completing the FAFSA. You cannot update your marital status once you have filed your application.
Since I have yet to file my federal income taxes, should I still complete the FAFSA?
If you have not filed your taxes and the FAFSA deadline is approaching, you need to submit your best estimates and complete the FAFSA. Failing to meet the deadline could disqualify you from consideration for grant aid. Please submit corrections once you have filed your taxes. If you cannot do that, verification of your application at a later date will provide exact figures.
I filled out the FAFSA. Now what?
The school will receive the application and process the information you provided. It can take several weeks for us to receive the processed data, so do not be concerned if you do not hear from us immediately. If you feel that it is taking longer than anticipated, please contact our office and we will check the status of your application.
How will I know my FAFSA has been processed?
You will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) generated from the information you provide on your FAFSA. Within seven to ten days after your receipt of the SAR, we will receive the same information electronically. Keep the SAR for your records.
Do I re-apply for aid in subsequent years?
Because your family’s financial position may change from year to year, you are required to resubmit the FAFSA by March 2 to be eligible for aid during the following school year. If your family’s financial standing remains consistent with the previous year, then you can generally expect Santa Clara University to re-issue your current federal and state aid package. Santa Clara University merit-based aid remains the same for twelve quarters whereas, Santa Clara need-based aid may change based on need and availability of funding.
Student Aid Report (SAR)
What is a Student Aid Report (SAR)?
The Student Aid Report (SAR) is a report sent to the student from the Central Processing System (CPS). Student and family should review the SAR for its accuracy. If accurate, the SAR should be kept by the student for their records. If inaccurate, it should be corrected, signed by the appropriate individuals and returned to the processor.
What does the EFC number mean on my Student Aid Report (SAR)?
The data reported on your FAFSA is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) value. This value is used to determine your federal aid eligibility. Santa Clara University uses this value as a guideline for determining your aid eligibility. The federal EFC value is not necessarily your out-of-pocket cost to Santa Clara University.
I have received my SAR from the processor and it says that I have been selected for verification. What next?
Nothing now. However, you still may be selected by the Financial Aid Office to participate in the quality assurance sample. Therefore, you need to have all tax documentation for you and/or your parents available if requested.
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE
What is the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE?
CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is the financial aid application service of the CollegeBoard. Santa Clara University uses the information collected on the PROFILE to determine eligibility for non-federal student aid funds.
What is Santa Clara University’s CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE school code?
Santa Clara University’s CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE is 4851.
How will I know that the CollegeBoard has received my submitted CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE application?
Your CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Acknowledgment is your record of submitting the application. It shows the colleges and programs to which we will send your information and reports the data you provided in your application.
Can I use the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE to apply for federal student aid?
No. For federal assistance you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You can complete this federal application by visiting FAFSA on the Web.
Federal Student Aid PIN
What is a Federal Student Aid PIN and why do I need one?
Your Federal Student Aid PIN is the personal identification number you use when you visit certain U.S. Department of Education Web sites. When you type in your PIN at these sites, you are saying either "Yes, it is really me — please show me the personal information about me on this site" or "Please accept my PIN as my electronic signature on this online form."
How do I get a Federal Student Aid PIN?
Go to U.S. Department of Education Federal Student Aid PIN Web site and provide a few pieces of information such as your name, address and Social Security number.
You will be given the option of creating your own PIN or having the site create one for you. If the site creates one for you, you can choose to have your PIN mailed to you, or you can choose to receive an e-mail that will give you the link to a site where you can access your PIN. The U.S. Department of Education will not send your PIN to you in the e-mail itself for security reasons. Instead, the U.S. Department of Education will ask you some personal information to identify yourself before they show you your PIN.
Scholarships
Does Santa Clara University offer Merit Scholarships?
Yes. Santa Clara currently awards merit scholarships. Presidential Scholars at Entrance (full tuition awards), Provost Scholars (half tuition awards) and Dean’s Scholarships from SCU’s three academic disciplines (Engineering, Arts and Sciences and Business) are available. Additional awards may include Jesuit High School scholarships as well as National Merit Scholarships. For some scholarships, special consideration is given for exceptional ability or performing arts talent. These awards include Theater Arts and Dance, Music, Debate and Forensics.
Will my merit aid increase each year?
With the exception of the Santa Clara University Presidential at Entry and the Provost Scholarship awards, all merit awards are fixed amounts and are not indexed to changes in tuition, therefore they will not increase annually. You are required to maintain specific program eligibility requirements in order to retain your merit award.
What is the Santa Clara University Presidential Scholarship at Entry?
The Presidential Scholarship at Entry is a merit-based award. This scholarship provides a full-tuition scholarship to freshman students who are admitted with distinction and who demonstrate other qualities identified and emphasized by the president as critical to the University’s mission. All Presidential Scholars are notified at the time of entry. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any other federal, state or University aid received.
What is the Santa Clara University Provost Scholarship?
The Provost Scholarship is a merit-based award. This scholarship provides a 50 percent tuition scholarship to freshman students who are admitted with distinction and have assumed leadership roles in their schools or communities. All Provost Scholars are notified at the time of entry. The scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any other federal, state or University aid received.
What is the Santa Clara University Dean's Scholarship?
The Dean’s Scholarship (Arts and Sciences, Business and Engineering) is a merit-based award to freshmen. Recipients are selected during the admission process. The amount of individual awards varies based on the number of recipients and available funds. The Dean’s Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any federal, state or University aid received. In addition, the Dean’s Scholarship is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually.
What is the Santa Clara University Scholarship?
The Santa Clara University Scholarship is a merit-based award. The SCU Scholarship is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any state or federal aid received. Award amounts vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. In addition, the SCU Scholarship is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually.
What is the Santa Clara University Preferred Scholarship?
The Santa Clara University Preferred Scholarship is a personal recognition award. It is not an academic merit award, nor a need-based award. It is awarded to those select individuals who are not receiving other forms of University assistance, and who will improve the characteristics of the entering class by virtue of the degree to which we are able to foster a stronger spirit of inclusive excellence among our students as measured by geographic, gender, economic and ethnic diversity of the freshman class. Award amounts vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. The SCU Preferred Scholarship is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually. The award is renewable for up to four years and must be coordinated with any other financial aid that might be awarded at a later date.
What is the Jesuit Ignatian Award?
The Jesuit Ignatian Award is offered to academically outstanding students who graduate from a Jesuit high school. Awards will vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds. The award is renewable for up to four years, but must be coordinated with any state or federal aid received. In addition, the Jesuit Ignatian Award is a fixed amount and is not indexed to changes in tuition; therefore, the scholarship will not increase annually.
What is the Alumni Family Scholarship?
The Alumni Family Scholarship is a need-based scholarship awarded each year to children and grandchildren of Santa Clara University undergraduate alumni. Candidates are identified from information contained in the application for admission and decisions are made by the Alumni Family Committee in consultation with the Financial Aid Office. Criteria for selection include financial need, academic accomplishments, extracurricular activities, and demonstrated leadership ability. Students who are selected to receive a scholarship will be notified with an award letter from the Financial Aid Office. Award amounts will vary, depending on the number of qualified students and the availability of funds.
How is the treatment of scholarships coordinated with the parent's federal taxes?
Treatment of scholarships under the IRS publication 970 and Tax Topic 421 of the Internal Revenue Code provides that you may exclude from your gross income only scholarship amounts used for:
- Tuition and fees required for enrollment or attendance at the educational organization, and
- Books, supplies and equipment required for courses of instruction. Amounts used for other expenses, such as room and board, are able to be included as income.
Should I use a scholarship search service?
The Financial Aid Office does not recommend those companies that charge a fee. Many have been found to be fraudulent at worst and misleading at best. Do not be fooled by the money-back guarantee. It is virtually impossible to get your money back. The services provided by these companies can be done on your own by researching scholarship publications at a library or using a variety of free scholarship searches on the Web.
I have just been notified that I will receive a scholarship from my high school. How will this scholarship affect my financial aid?
Congratulations! We encourage students to apply for scholarships awarded by private organizations. This is an excellent source of funding and may reduce a student's need to borrow. In many cases, no alteration to a student's financial aid is necessary. If we are required to amend the financial aid package as a result of receiving an outside scholarship, we will make every effort to reduce the student's loan and/or Federal Work Study before reducing Santa Clara University grants or scholarships.
How does the Financial Aid Office handle scholarships you receive that are not included on your original Financial Aid Award notification?
The treatment of the award will depend on the source of the funds.
Santa Clara University Funds: Funds later awarded to you by a Santa Clara University department or program are considered to be part of the original scholarship/grant offer made to you. These later awarded funds are not supplemental to your original award and your original award will be adjusted accordingly.
Private Scholarships: To the extent permissible by state, federal and other University regulations, we will attempt to coordinate your receipt of private awards so that no adjustment is necessary to the financial aid already offered to you. If it becomes necessary to adjust your award we will first eliminate loans, then work study, and finally aid awarded from Santa Clara University.
State and Federal Grants: Individual program requirements and restrictions will govern award coordination. Typically state and federal aid is need based and an award adjustment may be required unless you demonstrate a remaining unmet need according to your FAFSA. You will be contacted as soon as possible if it becomes necessary to adjust financial aid already awarded.
It is your responsibility to inform us of any additional scholarship or grant funds that you may receive.
What should I do with my outside scholarship checks?
If you are receiving any financial aid from our office, you will first want to contact us directly with the amounts of your scholarships. Outside monies may affect your original award, so we would like to inform you of any changes as early as possible. You can expect to receive a revised award letter with any changes made to your award caused by outside scholarships.
After contacting the Financial Aid Office, please mail the scholarship check(s) to Santa Clara University, Financial Aid Office, 500 El Camino Real, Varsi Hall Second Floor, Santa Clara, CA, 95053. Include the student’s ID number on the check. The scholarship check may have been made payable to the student, SCU or co-payable to the SCU and the student. In the event that the student needs to endorse the check, the Financial Aid Office will notify the student via e-mail to come to our office for the check endorsement. The scholarship will be posted to the student’s account to reduce any tuition, room or board charges as specified in the scholarship award.
Federal Grants
How do I apply for the Federal Pell Grant?
You have already applied for this grant; you did so when you completed the 2010–11 FAFSA. As a result, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education. Please keep your SAR for your records. We will receive your FAFSA information electronically from the U.S. Department of Education.
How much is the Federal Pell Grant?
Federal Pell Grant is a need-based federal grant and is awarded to every undergraduate student who qualifies and has not already earned a bachelor’s degree. Students can be enrolled less than half time and still qualify for the Federal Pell Grant. Your Expected Family Contribution (EFC) will determine if you qualify and the amount of the award. Unit enrollment verification will be performed after the add/ drop period each term, and adjustments will be made based on your enrollment.
The Federal Pell Grant award listed on my award letter is different from the amount I received. Why?
Final Federal Pell Grant awards are based on your actual enrollment status and are contingent upon verification of any discrepancies in data you provide on your financial aid application. For example, a change in your household size from your original application may affect the amount you will receive. Also, the amount on your award letter is made assuming that you will enroll full time. If you enroll for fewer hours, your award will be reduced accordingly.
What is the Academic Competitiveness Grant (ACG)?
The Academic Competitiveness Grant is a need-based federal grant for students who complete a rigorous high school program (as determined by the state or local education agency and recognized by the Secretary of Education) and are eligible for the Federal Pell Grant. The ACG program will provide up to $750 for the first year of undergraduate study and up to $1,300 for the second year of undergraduate study. Second-year students must also maintain a cumulative grade point average (GPA) of at least 3.0.
Cal Grants
What is Cal Grant?
Funded by the State of California and administered by the California Student Aid Commission, a Cal Grant entitles you to funding to pay for college expenses at Santa Clara University. Depending on the Cal Grant program (Cal Grant A or Cal Grant B), funding can be used for tuition, room and board and supplies.
How do I apply for a Cal Grant
You need to submit your FAFSA between January 1 and March 2 and the Cal Grant GPA Verification form between November and March 2 deadline. If you are offered a Cal Grant award, you will receive a California Aid Report, which is a letter from the California Student Aid Commission with information on your eligibility for a Cal Grant.
Student Loans
What is the Federal Direct Loan Program (Subsidized and Unsubsidized)?
The Federal Direct Loan program is one of the Federal Student Aid programs of the U.S. Department of Education, which provides students with a simple, convenient and flexible way to borrow money to pay for education after high school. Students do not borrow from banks. The federal government raises the loan funds through its regular Treasury bill auctions. Federal Direct Loans are loans made with federal capital and owned by the federal government. Loan repayments are made to the government and Federal Direct Loans are never sold. Since borrowing is direct through the federal government, borrowers make loan payments to the U.S. Department of Education for the life of their loans.
The Federal Direct Loan – Subsidized interest will be 4.5% (fixed for the 2010-11), whereas the Federal Direct Loan – Unsubsidized will remain at 6.8% (fixed). Both Federal Direct Loan – Subsidized and Federal Direct Loan – Unsubsidized allow you to defer payment until you graduate or drop below half time status; you must be enrolled at least half time status to qualify for this loan. The federal government pays the interest on your subsidized Federal Direct Loan while you are enrolled or in your grace period. You are responsible for paying the interest on an unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan while you are enrolled, although you have the option to defer interest payments and add the interest to the principal of the loan at repayment.
What is the difference between Federal Direct Loan subsidized and unsubsidized loans ?
The Federal Direct Subsidized Loan is based on need, and the government pays the interest while the student is still enrolled at least at a half time basis and during the grace period. The Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan is not need based, so it is available to students regardless of financial need. While the student is still in school the interest accrues and is capitalized, or added to the principal if the recipient chooses not to make payments upon the interest. However, students may request to make interest payments while still in school. Most students will begin repayment six months after leaving Santa Clara University or dropping below half time status.
How do I apply for the Federal Direct Loan?
You have already applied for this loan, if you completed the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. As a result, you will receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) from the U.S. Department of Education. Please keep the SAR for your records. We will receive your FAFSA information electronically from the U.S. Department of Education.
What is a Federal Perkins Loan?
The Federal Perkins Loan is a component of the financial aid award. If you are eligible for this loan, the award notification indicates the maximum amount you may borrow. Federal Perkins Loans are available to U.S. citizens or eligible non-citizens based on demonstrated financial need. The loan limit is $5,500 per academic year for undergraduate students with an aggregate total of $27,500. Interest on Federal Perkins Loans is a 5 percent fixed rate. Loan repayment and interest accrual begins nine months after graduation or less than half time enrollment.
What is the Master Promissory Note?
The Master Promissory Note (MPN), the legal contract requiring borrowers to repay the loan, is similar to a line of credit that allows students to borrow up to the annual and aggregate limits specified in the loan program. The MPN is valid for up to 10 years from the date you sign it, provided the first disbursement of this loan is made within twelve months of the signature. If you were awarded both a Federal Direct Loan and a Federal Perkins Loan, you will be required to complete a MPN for each loan program.
What is the Loan Entrance Interview?
If you accept a Federal Perkins Loan and/or Ford Federal Direct Loan, federal and institutional regulations require you to complete a Loan Entrance Interview, where you will learn important information about repayment, deferment, forbearance and cancellation. Students meet this requirement by completing the online Loan Entrance Interview at http://www.dl.ed.gov (Federal Direct Loan) and/or http://www.signmyloan.com (Federal Perkins Loan).
I have loans on my financial aid award. When do I have to repay them?
Generally, there are two types of federal student loans — a Federal Direct Loan and a Federal Perkins Loan. After you graduate, leave school, or drop below half time enrollment, you have six months before you begin repayment on the Federal Direct Loan, and nine months before you begin repayment on the Federal Perkins Loan. This is called a grace period. During the time you are in school and during the grace period on a subsidized loan, you do not have to pay any principal, and no interest will be charged. During the time you are in school and during the grace period on an unsubsidized loan, you do not have to pay any principal, but interest will be charged. You can either pay the interest or it will be capitalized — that is, the interest will be added to the principal amount of your loan and additional interest will be based upon the higher amount.
Parent Loans
What is a Federal Direct PLUS Loan?
The Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) was created by the federal government to help parents or stepparents pay for their dependent student's college costs. Federal Direct PLUS Loans are made under the William D. Ford Federal Direct PLUS program by the U.S. Department of Education. Federal Direct PLUS Loans require a credit check, but they are not based on family income/assets and parent borrowers can borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any other financial aid the student receives. Parent borrowers must be a citizen or eligible non-citizen in order to qualify for a Federal Direct PLUS Loan. The student must be a dependent and enrolled at least half time. Generally, if the student is under 24 years old, has no dependents, is not married or a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces, he or she is considered to be dependent. The interest rate is at 7.9% (fixed) for all loans. The parent borrower begins repayment within 60 days of the last disbursement. The loan borrower may defer repayment by contacting the Direct Loan Servicing Center.
How much will my parent(s) be eligible to borrow from the Federal Direct PLUS Loan program?
Assuming your parent (who is the Federal Direct PLUS Loan borrower) has a good credit history, he or she will be eligible to borrow up to the cost of attendance minus any financial aid for which you are eligible, including federal, state, private and University funds.
What options are there if my parent is denied the Federal PLUS Loan?
If your parent is denied the Federal Direct PLUS Loan . . .
- he or she can submit an appeal directly to the Direct Loan Department; or
- re-apply for the loan using an endorser (co-signer); or
- You (the student) are eligible to borrow an additional Unsubsidized Direct Loan ($4,000 for freshman and sophomore grade level; $5,000 for junior and senior grade level). The Financial Aid Office must receive a written request from you (the student) if you would like to borrow the additional Unsubsidized Loan.
Verification/Quality Assurance
What is Verification and who gets selected for this process?
The U.S. Department of Education requires all institutions disbursing federal financial aid funds to verify the accuracy of the information students and their families submit as a basis for awarding aid. Santa Clara University complies with this mandate by participating in the Federal Quality Assurance Program.
Each year, we randomly select a percentage of students receiving federal student aid funds for verification of some of the information on which their awards were based. If selected for verification, you will need to submit additional documents and verify information such as household size and number of family members enrolled in college. We reserve the right to request similar information for verification purposes for any student awarded aid. Information collected may result in changes to your financial aid award. Failure to comply with the request for this information will result in the cancellation of your financial aid funds.
What is the Quality Assurance Program?
The Financial Aid Office is a participant in the U.S. Department of Education's Quality Assurance Program; we do not participate in the Federal Verification Program. You do not need to submit the verification worksheet if your SAR indicates that you were selected for verification. If we need additional documents to verify your FAFSA (such as tax returns or the verification form) we will send these to you, which you must complete and return to us.
The Federal Quality Assurance Program allows our financial aid staff to study our student population and only verify certain FAFSA items that historically have been error-prone for our students.
I have received my SAR from the processor and it says that I have been selected for verification. What next?
Nothing now. However, you still may be selected by the Financial Aid Office in the Fall to participate in the quality assurance sample. Therefore, you need to have all tax documentation for you and/or your parents available if requested.
Does Santa Clara University want my tax forms?
We do not require tax forms from everyone. After we receive your FAFSA, we may request additional information including tax forms. We will send this request to you in writing. Please remember to sign everything that you send to us. Please do not send anything unless we request it.
General Questions
I do not think I will qualify for financial aid. Should I bother applying?
Yes. It is unlikely that you will receive institutional aid, but at the very least, you will be able to borrow a low-interest Federal Direct Unsubsidized Student Loan. In order to receive a Federal Direct Student Loan, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). If your family’s financial situation changes during the academic year, we can consider you for financial aid as long as we have a completed FAFSA on record.
Is it too late to apply for financial aid?
Probably not. The FAFSA takes approximately one week, using FAFSA on the Web to process. Financial aid can be calculated and awarded to students once we receive the FAFSA data. We would encourage you to review our priority application deadlines for Santa Clara University's financial aid programs.
What are the school codes for Santa Clara University?
The Federal School Code (FAFSA) for Santa Clara University is 001326. The CSS Profile Code is 4851.
May I appeal the award offer?
Santa Clara University does not hold either need-based or merit-based scholarships or grant funds in reserve for appeals. All available funds are offered at the time of initial award. Very few appeal requests are granted. To be considered for appeal funding there must have been a significant change in your family circumstances since the time you filed your FAFSA and CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE forms that caused your demonstrated financial need to change. The change in family circumstances must be documented (for example, ongoing unemployment or excessive medical expenses not covered by insurance). Santa Clara University will not grant an appeal on the basis of a higher award offer from another school. If you choose to submit an appeal request based on changed circumstances, it will be reviewed once all proper supporting documentation is received and, if additional funds are available, you will be notified as soon as possible. Please note that it may not be possible to let you know the disposition of your appeal prior to the May 1 attendance confirmation deposit date.
How do I pay the difference between my estimated cost of attendance and my financial aid?
Families have several options to assist with their costs. Parents of dependent students can borrow from the Federal PLUS Program (a description of the program and a pre-application can also be found in the Putting It Together: A Guide to Financial Aid booklet sent with your financial aid award letter). You also have the option of applying for a private loan (i.e. non-federal) as long as you have a credit-worthy co-signer. Applications for both alternative loans can be submitted directly online or by telephone. For more information, please refer to the "Loan Information" on our Web site.
How does the Federal Work Study Program work?
Students who complete the FAFSA may see Federal Work Study listed on their financial aid letter. This is an option for students to assist them with their day-to-day expenses while on-campus. Students can secure a part time job on-campus through the Career Center Web site. Students who participate in the Federal Work Study Program are paid directly through a bi-weekly payroll check. Since the program is based on participants working and earning income, the funds are not directly applied towards the student's billing statements. Earnings vary depending on the number of hours worked and the rate of pay.
What is the difference between grant and a loan?
Grants and scholarships are considered gift aid. Gift aid is free money that does not have to be repaid. Loans are considered self-help programs. Loans have to be repaid by the borrower.
When is financial aid disbursed?
Scholarships and/or Grants are disbursed to your student account at the beginning of each quarter. Federal Loans (Federal Perkins Loan, Federal Direct Loans and/or Federal PLUS Loan) are disbursed to your student account once you and/or your parent has completed and signed the Master Promissory Note as well as completed the Loan Entrance Interview. Parents do not have to complete a Loan Entrance Interview for the Federal PLUS Loan.
Federal Work Study recipients receive payment in the form of a bi-weekly paycheck, once you are employed. Your earnings from the Federal Work Study program depend on your hours worked and rate of pay.
What other forms must I submit to apply for financial aid?
The FAFSA form is the only application initially required by Current Santa Clara University Undergraduate Students. If we find that we need additional information, we will request it from you at a later date.
I have some money put away for this year, but next year I may need some aid. Will I still be eligible?
Any student who submits the FAFSA will be considered for Financial Aid. Also, you are eligible for even loans if you chose not to take them during the previous year.
My parents do not claim me on their tax return nor do they give me money. Can I file my financial aid application as "Independent"?
According to federal regulations, you must answer "yes" to one of the following questions to be considered "Independent" for financial aid purposes during the 2009-10 academic year:
- were you born before January 1, 1987;
- are you working on a master's or doctorate degree or graduate certificate in the fall of 2010;
- are you married as of the date you complete the FAFSA;
- do you have children who receive more than half their support from you;
- do you have dependents other than your spouse or children who live with you and who receive more than half their support from you;
- do you have no living parents (biological or adoptive) when you were age 13, even if you are now adopted;
- are or were in foster care or were ward or dependent of the court at any time when you were 13 or older (even if you are not anymore);
- are you an emancipated minor or are in legal guardianship as determined by the court in your state of legal residence;
- are you a self-supporting unaccompanied youth who is homeless or at risk of homelessness;
- are you a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces (or will be a veteran as of June 30, 2011), or you attended a service academy and were released under a condition other than dishonorable;
- are you currently servicing on active duty (other than training) in the U.S. Armed Forces.
If you do not meet any of these conditions, you are considered a dependent. Undergraduates cannot declare themselves independent of their parents due to family disagreement, living arrangements, or parental unwillingness to contribute to the cost of attendance. If you have further questions, please contact our office.
I have been told that I will not qualify for financial aid if my parents earn more than $30,000 (or $40,000 or $50, 000 etc.) Is this true?
There is no income level at which a student will not qualify for financial aid. The need analysis procedure determines each student's financial need based upon a number of variables: income, family size, number in college, assets, etc. All students are urged to apply for financial aid for an accurate and professional evaluation, regardless of parents' income level, because income is only one consideration. At the very least, every student who files a FAFSA is eligible for a William D. Ford Federal Direct Loan - Unsubsidized.
What does it mean to maintain 'Satisfactory Academic Progress'?
Federal guidelines require that students receiving federal financial aid make satisfactory progress towards their degree. In general, satisfactory progress regulations mirror the University’s continuance standards.
How does academic load relate to financial aid?
Undergraduate students must enroll for at least twelve academic credit hours per quarter to receive aid as a full time student. Aid recipients wishing to be less than full time should consult with the Financial Aid Office.
What is the period of eligibility for undergraduate students?
Federal guidelines require the establishment of a maximum time frame, or period of eligibility, during which students can receive federal aid. The Financial Aid Office follows the continuance requirements as listed in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
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