Undergraduate Freshmen Applicants FAQs
Below is a list of frequently asked questions regarding financial aid for the 2010-11 academic year. Do not hesitate to contact the Financial Aid Office with any further questions.
| Applying for Financial Aid | FAFSA |
| Student Aid Report (SAR) | CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE |
| Scholarships | General Questions |
| Federal Student Aid PIN | Verification/Quality Assurance |
Applying for Financial Aid
How do I apply for financial aid at Santa Clara University?
To apply for financial aid at Santa Clara University you need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA may be obtained at the Financial Aid Office or completed and submitted online using FAFSA on the Web. In addition, you will need to complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE.
What is the deadline to apply for financial aid?
For each academic school year (in order to receive maximum consideration for aid) your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) must be received by the Federal processor on or before February 1. In addition, you will need to complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE before the November 15 priority deadline (Early Action Applicants) or February 1 for Regular Action Applicants.
Will I receive more financial aid if I apply for admission in the early action or in the regular decision cycle?
Timing of admission is not a factor. Thus, any financial aid decision we make would be the same regardless of whether you apply early action or regular admission.
What if I am unable to meet the deadlines for applying for financial aid?
You may still complete a FAFSA after February 1. However, eligibility for some types of aid may be limited.
Should I wait until my parents finish their tax forms before I complete my financial aid applications?
Do not wait until your parents file their tax return to submit the FAFSA or CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE. Instead, get your financial aid applications in early using estimated figures based on last year's return or payroll stubs. (If your estimates are significantly higher or lower than your actual numbers, your Expected Family Contribution may change and your financial aid offers may be revised).
You will also need your W2 forms or other records of money earned, current bank statements, business and investment records and any records of untaxed income (Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families, General Assistance or veteran benefits).
In order to receive financial aid do I have to apply every year?
Yes. In order to receive consideration for as many programs as possible, the student and parents should submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year.
FAFSA
What is the FAFSA?
The federal government's Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) provides the Financial Aid Office with complete, and 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.
What is Santa Clara University’s Federal School Code?
Santa Clara University’s Federal School Code is 001326.
What documents and information do I need to complete my FAFSA?
In order to complete your FAFSA, you will need the following:
- Your Social Security number;
- Your driver's license number, if you have one;
- Your W-2 Forms;
- Your federal income tax return;
- Your current bank statements and records of stocks, bonds, and other investments;
- Your records of other untaxed income received, such as Social Security, Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF), welfare or veteran's benefits;
- Your business or farm records, if applicable;
- Your alien registration number, if you are not a U.S. citizen.
- Your parent(s)' Social Security number(s);
- Your parent(s)' income and financial records (as listed above).
- Use income records for the calendar year prior to the academic year for which you are applying for financial aid. For example, use 2009 income information to complete the 2010-2011 FAFSA.
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.
How can I complete the FAFSA without having completed my federal tax information?
We suggest students and their families estimate their income and tax information before completing these applications. Do not skip or leave blank, this may cause a delay or miscalculation. If your or your family's income has not changed in the past year, the easiest way to estimate your taxes is to use last year's tax information. If family income has slightly changed, use these steps to estimate taxes:
- Take the line item from your federal income tax return entitled, "This is your total tax;"
- Divide this number by your adjusted gross income;
- Multiply by your estimate of this year's adjusted gross income to obtain an estimate of your tax refund or payment;
- You can also search for a Web site with a free tax estimator, such as TurboTax Estimator.
Which parent's financial information should I use on the the FAFSA?
It does not matter who claimed you as a tax exemption. For divorced or separated parents: Give answers for the parent you lived with more during the past 12 months. (If you did not live with one parent more than the other, then answer for the parent who provided more support during the past 12 months). If your parent is widowed or single, answer the questions about that parent. If your widowed parent has remarried as of the day you completed the FAFSA, answer the questions about that parent and the person your parent married (your stepparent).
If you do not know where your parents are or if you left home due to irreconcilable differences, let your high school counselor know. They will assist you in completing the FAFSA.
For the FAFSA, the following people are not your parents unless they have adopted you: grandparents, foster parents, legal guardians or older brother or sister. (For the education-level question, answer for your biological or adoptive parents only).
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. 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.
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.
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.
Student Aid Report
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.
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.
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.
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.
How much does the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE cost?
All students are charged $25 for the initial application. This covers the costs of creating your CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE Application and the first school report. You will be charged $16 for each additional college or program to which you want information sent.
How do I receive a CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE waiver?
All waivers are processed by the CollegeBoard. When you complete the "Personal Data" response, the CollegeBoard (CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE) automatically determines waiver eligibility.
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.
How can I complete the CSS/Financial Aid PROFILE without having completed my federal tax information?
We suggest students and their families estimate their income and tax information before completing these applications. Do not skip or leave blank, this may cause a delay or miscalculation. If your or your family's income has not changed in the past year, the easiest way to estimate your taxes is to use last year's tax information. If family income has slightly changed, use these steps to estimate taxes:
- Take the line item from your federal income tax return entitled, "This is your total tax";
- Divide this number by your adjusted gross income;
- Multiply by your estimate of this year's adjusted gross income to obtain an estimate of your tax refund or payment;
- You can also search for a Web site with a free tax estimator, such as TurboTax Estimator.
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.
Scholarships
Does Santa Clara University offer Merit Scholarships?
Yes. Santa Clara University currently awards merit scholarships to students. Presidential Scholars at Entrance (full tuition awards), Provost Scholars (half tuition awards) and Dean’s Scholarships from Santa Clara University’s three academic disciplines (Engineering, Arts and Sciences and Business) are available. Additional awards may include SCU Scholarship, some Jesuit Ignatian Awards as well as National Merit Scholarships. For some scholarships, special consideration is given for exceptional ability or performing arts talent. These awards include Athletic, Theater Arts and Dance, Music, Debate and Forensics.
Should I use a scholarship search service?
These companies are not recommended by the Financial Aid Office. 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 the library or using a variety of free scholarship searches on the web.
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.
General Questions
What is the income cutoff for financial aid eligibility?
There is no income cutoff since income alone is not the only consideration. For need-based aid, we consider income, tax liability, family size, medical expenses, standard living expenses, where you live in the country (some areas are more expensive than others), your parents' assets, their ages and whether they have protection for their retirement years. Many factors make each family's financial situation unique that we cannot make judgments on income alone.
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 of children in college, assets, etc. All students are urged to apply for financial aid for an accurate and professional evaluation, regardless of parents' income level, since 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.
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 loans even if you chose not to take them during the previous year.
How is financial need determined?
Eligibility for most financial aid is contingent on your financial need. Financial need is the difference between the cost of attendance and your expected family contribution (EFC). The EFC is calculated from the information you supplied on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) using a federally legislated formula used by post-secondary educational institutions across the nation.
What are the requirements to be considered an independent student?
In determining whether you are independent, the Financial Aid Office is required to adhere to the standard definition of independent status as outlined by the U.S. Department of Education. According to this definition, you will be considered an independent student for the 2010-2011 academic year if you:
- 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.
Verification/Quality Assurance
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.
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.
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