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St. Cloud State University

St. Cloud State University


Parents and Families
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Application Process
Types of Financial Aid
Important Information
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SCSU's academic year resident tuition and fees are less than $4,000.
Office of Scholarships and Financial Aid

Application Process

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Before You Begin

Before beginning the application process, your student should apply for a Personal Identification Number (PIN) on-line at www.pin.ed.gov. This PIN will act as the electronic signature when applying for financial aid on-line.

As a parent of a dependent student, you can also apply for a PIN to act as your electronic signature. www.pin.ed.gov

Application Process

Students must apply for financial aid every academic year. You and your student should complete your Federal Income Tax returns as soon as possible after January 1. Having completed tax returns will make the application process much easier.

After your family has completed your federal income tax returns, you are ready to apply. There are two steps to apply for financial aid at St. Cloud State University.

  1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov.
    SCSU's Federal School Code is: 002377

  2. Complete the SCSU Application for Financial Aid. Remember to select the correct aid year for the application. The SCSU Application for Financial Aid should be completed and returned to our office along with copies of both parent and student federal income tax returns and wage statements (W2s and 1099).

Parents' Frequently Asked Questions When Applying for Financial Aid

1. Is there a deadline to complete the FAFSA?

Applying for financial aid can be completed anytime prior to or during enrollment and should be applied for as early as possible prior to enrollment. We encourage students to apply by April to ensure they will receive all of the financial aid for which they are eligible in the fall. Financial aid award notices will be sent the beginning in May. Application deadlines for the Minnesota State Grant program are available at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/before003a.htm

2. Why do I have to provide my income and asset information?

The Federal Government sets guidelines regarding independent status for financial aid purposes. In order for your student to qualify for independent status, he/she must meet one of the following:

  1. Your student is 24 years or older.
  2. Your student is admitted to a graduate degree program.
  3. Your student is married.
  4. Your student provides more the 50% of the support for a child or legal dependent, other than a spouse.
  5. Your student is/was an orphan or ward of the court.
  6. Your student is a veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces.

If your student does not meet at least one of the above conditions, your tax information must be reported on the FAFSA.

3. What if I am divorced?

Your student provides income information for the parent with whom s/he lived the most in the past 12 months. If this parent is remarried, the step-parent's tax information must also be provided.

4. Is there a fee to apply for financial aid?

The application for financial aid is FREE! If your student is applying on-line, beware of web sites that charge you a fee and ask for credit card information. To apply on-line, use FAFSA on the Web: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov

5. What if my financial situation changes and the FAFSA does not reflect the current situation?

If the family experiences a substantial change in income due to death, disability, unemployment or other similar circumstances, submit a letter of explanation of the situation with the St. Cloud State University Application for Financial Aid. If the student has already submitted the application, send a separate letter of the situation for us to review. Please include the student’s SCSU ID or social security number on the letter. 

6. Which address should my student use on the FAFSA?

Your student should use his/her permanent address when completing the address section and state of legal residence on the FAFSA, not their school address.

7. What can students use their PIN for?

They can use their PIN number to do their Renewal FAFSA on-line (it serves as the student's signature), complete Loan Exit Counseling, and to retrieve their loan history through the National Student Loan Database System (NSLDS).

8. How should my student complete their FAFSA if my student plans to get married in June?

If your student is a dependent (as defined by financial aid rules), you must provide your tax information if your student applies prior to the day your student is getting married. If your student waits until after the marriage date, he/she will be independent, and must provide spouse tax information.

Types of Financial Aid

Forms - Entrance Loan Counseling - Frequently Asked Questions - Contact Us