Student Financial Services
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FAFSA

The FAFSA, or Free Application for Federal Student Aid, is used to determine how much a family is expected to contribute to the cost of attending college. So, why file a FAFSA?

  • You don’t know what amount of aid you may receive.  Students are often surprised at the type and amount of aid they receive.  From aid programs like federal, state, or SPU grants (they do not have to be repaid!), federal low-cost and forgivable loans, and work-study the FAFSA provides opportunity to make it work for you.
  • Receive a safety net.  Situations change, so if difficult financial circumstances arise the FAFSA is the first step in receiving help.
  • It’s free and takes less than 30 minutes to complete!

To receive the best possible financial aid offer, submit your FAFSA online as soon as possible after October 1 of each year you will attend SPU. Remember:

  • You must reapply each year.
  • Get your FSA ID (your electronic signature), which you’ll need to complete the FAFSA. Parents can also get an ID and password, which they’ll need in order to electronically sign the FAFSA.
  • If you miss a deadline, file a FAFSA anyway. We will always consider you for the best aid available.

SPU does not require the CSS PROFILE or a separate institutional form.

Once your FAFSA has been processed, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR) and learn how much you and/or your family can expect to contribute financially. Federally mandated allowances are taken into account, as well as reported income and assets. Take a close look at the SAR and correct any inaccuracies.

2019-20 FAFSA deadlines

First Day to File: October 1, 2018


Incoming First-Time Freshmen Students

  • Priority deadline for Early Action: November 1, 2018
  • Priority deadline for regular admission: March 1, 2019
Incoming New Transfer Students

  • Priority deadline for Early Action: April 1, 2019
  • Priority deadline for regular admission: July 1, 2019
Continuing Students
  • Priority deadline: April 1, 2019

Final Day to File: June 30, 2020
2018-19 FAFSA deadlines

First Day to File: October 1, 2017


Incoming First-Time Freshmen Students

  • Priority deadline for Early Action: November 1, 2017
  • Priority deadline for regular admission: March 1, 2018
Incoming New Transfer Students

  • Priority deadline for Early Action: April 1, 2018
  • Priority deadline for regular admission: July 1, 2018
Continuing Students

  • Priority deadline: April 1, 2018

Final Day to File: June 30, 2019

Important links
  • FAFSA4caster: Run estimated calculations and learn your EFC (Estimated Family Contribution.) This is not an application for aid, but is useful for high school sophomores and juniors.
  • Studentaid.gov: Helps you learn how to pay for college, and see what you need to do to get there. You can also find federal student aid on Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube.
  • Net Price Calculator: Estimate your aid and out-of-pocket costs.
Student on computer
Beware of FAFSA phishing 

As with anything else you approach online, beware of scams. Learn how to spot potential fraud, avoid paying for free services, and prevent identity theft. Learn more.