Apply for Aid
Three Steps to Apply
FAFSA
Free to file and only takes about 30 minutes. Add Santa Clara with our school code:
001326
CSS Profile
Required for SCU need-based aid. Fee waivers are available for eligible families. Our code:
4851
Watch Portal
If we need anything else, like a Non-Custodial Parent Profile or verification documents, it will appear in your admission application portal.
Alert icon Only after merit scholarships? Merit awards don't require the FAFSA or the CSS Profile. Only the Common App is required for merit scholarship consideration. Submitting both the FAFSA and the CSS Profile keeps every option open.
Deadlines
Submit both forms by the deadline for your admission plan (2026–27 aid year) so you don't miss out on any aid you may be eligible for.
| Admission Plan | FAFSA & CSS Profile Deadline |
|---|---|
| Early Decision I | November 15 |
| Early Action | November 15 |
| Early Decision II | January 15 |
| Regular Decision | February 1 |
| Transfer | February 1 |
California residents: also confirm your Cal Grant GPA Verification is submitted by March 2. Most CA high schools send it automatically — check with your counselor to be sure.
Eligibility Requirements
Students must be eligible to apply for federal student aid to be eligible to apply for need-based aid at Santa Clara University.
My parents are divorced, separated, or were never married
If your biological parents don't live together, your non-custodial parent also completes a short form, the Non-Custodial Parent (NCP) Profile, when you file the CSS Profile. SCU expects both parents to contribute to your education.
Can't provide it for reasons beyond unwillingness to support? You can submit an NCP Profile Waiver Appeal.
I was asked for verification documents
Sometimes we need to double-check reported information. Any missing items appear in your admission application portal, so make sure to check it regularly and upload documents there.
I am an undocumented/Dreamer student
Undocumented/Dreamer applicants follow a different process. Visit our Undocumented Students page for the forms and deadlines that apply to you.