Navigating Financial Aid at San Diego State University: A Comprehensive Guide

San Diego State University (SDSU), a community-centered public research institution renowned for its diverse culture and commitment to research, service, and education, offers a multitude of financial aid programs designed to make higher education accessible. Recognizing that many students require assistance to meet their educational costs, SDSU provides a comprehensive range of options, including grants, scholarships, and loans. This guide aims to provide a detailed overview of the various financial aid programs available to SDSU students, empowering them to navigate the process effectively and achieve their academic goals.

Understanding the Basics of Financial Aid

Student financial aid programs are intended to provide assistance to students who do not have the necessary financial resources to meet their educational costs. Most students qualify for some type of assistance. Financial aid comes in two main forms: gift aid and borrowed funds. Gift aid, such as grants and scholarships, does not need to be repaid, while borrowed funds, or loans, must be repaid with interest.

Only United States citizens and eligible noncitizens can receive federal financial aid. The California Dream Act helps eligible non-citizens obtain gift aid as well.

Applying for Financial Aid: The FAFSA and Beyond

Applicants who want to be considered for all types of state and federal financial aid should apply as soon after October 1 as possible by completing a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The online FAFSA is all you need to begin the financial aid application process. For California Dream Act-eligible students, complete the California Dream Act application.

Filling out your FAFSA will automatically enroll you in SDSU’s AidLink. This is the online system where you can check on your financial aid and scholarship applications. By submitting your FAFSA and all necessary information, you will find out how much and what kinds of federal, state, and institutional aid you can qualify for. Be sure to regularly check my.SDSU for important information about your financial aid. Through my.SDSU, students can access financial aid award information, activate loans, view requests for and submit documentation, and more.

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Types of Financial Aid Available at SDSU

SDSU offers a variety of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs to help students reduce or eliminate economic barriers to pursuing their education. These programs include:

Federal Aid Programs

Federal state aid can include grants (such as the Pell Grant that is disbursed to undergraduate students with financial need), work-study programs, and student loans.

Pell Grant: A federal grant program that provides need-based aid to undergraduate students.
Federal Work-Study: A program that provides part-time jobs for undergraduate and graduate students with financial need, allowing them to earn money to help pay for educational expenses.
Subsidized Federal Direct Loans: These are offered to undergraduate students with financial need. They do not accrue interest as long as you are in school at least part-time. They also do not accrue interest during a 6-month grace period after you graduate.
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loans: These are not need-based loans.

State Aid Programs (for California Residents)

If you are a California resident, there are many opportunities to receive state aid. The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) provides numerous opportunities for students pursuing higher education.

State University Grant (SUG): This covers basic tuition and fee costs for California residents enrolled at SDSU at least part-time, who demonstrate financial need. The awarded amount depends on available funds. You will be automatically considered through your FAFSA.
Cal Grant A and B: The CSAC selects the candidates, and you will need to submit a GPA verification to qualify. If you are already enrolled at SDSU, the verification is done automatically through your FAFSA application process. Cal Grant A can fund part of your basic tuition and fees. Cal Grant B helps with living expenses in your first year. It can then extend to tuition and fee assistance in your second year and beyond.
Middle Class Scholarship (MCS): If your family’s total income is less than $171,000 per year and your family assets are less than $171,000 in total, you can qualify for the MCS when attending a California State University. Funds are awarded on a sliding scale depending on need and available funds.
Educational Opportunity Program Grant (EOPG): Full-time California resident undergraduate students who are admitted through the Educational Opportunity Program (EOP) can qualify for this award. You will automatically be considered through your FAFSA if you are eligible.
Chafee Grant: If you were eligible for foster care between the ages of 16 and 18 and have not yet reached your 26th birthday, you can qualify for this award.

Institutional Aid Programs (SDSU Scholarships)

SDSU also offers institutional aid, which can be awarded in the form of scholarships or grants. Scholarships are generally based on merit or ability. They can also be disbursed through specific departments, for community service or leadership achievements, or for certain demographic groups. San Diego State University awards scholarships to students to recognize and encourage individual talents, academic achievement, leadership skills, and the determination to succeed in spite of significant hardships. Scholarships are also awarded to support participation in SDSU approved study abroad and internship programs.

Aztec Scholarships: Our application portal, “Aztec Scholarships,” allows students to apply for university scholarships via one application. All matriculated SDSU students in good standing, regardless of area of study, are encouraged to apply, including nonresidents and those who attend SDSU Global Campus and SDSU Imperial Valley. International students with F1 student visas and undocumented students with AB540 status are also eligible.

The SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships coordinates the SDSU scholarship application and awarding process with core committees from the various colleges, departments and organizations responsible for selecting recipients.

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Graduate Studies Financial Aid

At San Diego State University, a variety of federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs designed to substantially reduce or eliminate economic barriers to the pursuit of graduate study are available to students admitted to advanced degree curricula. Eligibility requirements and award amounts often differ by discipline and experience, and some opportunities are available only to students admitted to doctoral programs. Nominations for almost all of these awards originate with the chair or director of the department or school of the degree program for master’s degree students or the coordinator of the doctoral program for students pursuing either the Ph.D., AuD, DNP, Dr.PH, D.P.T. or Ed.D. degree. The College of Graduate Studies administers most of these programs for the university.

For graduate students of superior scholastic achievement, the university may provide assistance by waiving all or part of the cost of non-resident tuition. To be eligible for this program, an applicant must be a permanent resident or a citizen of the United States or a non-resident who is a citizen and resident of a foreign country. Assistance is provided on a semester-by-semester basis. Domestic non-residents are only eligible for one year. For more information, new students should contact the chair or director of the department or school of the Master’s program to which they have been admitted. Students pursuing a Ph.D. should consult the doctoral director.

Graduate Equity Fellowship: The Graduate Equity Fellowship program provides support for economically disadvantaged graduate students, especially from groups who are underrepresented within their respective disciplines. Only legal residents of California who can demonstrate significant financial need are eligible. Recipients must be classified or conditionally classified graduate students and must enroll for a minimum of six units of coursework each semester they hold the fellowship. Fellowships range from $500 to $2,000 for an academic year depending on demonstrated need. Students may receive awards for a maximum of two academic years but they must apply each year.
California Pre-Doctoral Scholarship Program: The California Pre-Doctoral Scholarship Program targets students who have experienced economic and educational disadvantages, and intend to apply to a doctoral program. The program supports upper division undergraduate students, and current (non-Ph.D.) graduate students. The program places a special emphasis on increasing the number of CSU students who enter doctoral programs at one of the University of California institutions. Students chosen for this award are designated Sally Casanova Scholars.
Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program: The Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program targets current or incoming doctoral students who intend to eventually pursue CSU instructional faculty positions. Students who obtain a loan through this program may have a portion of it forgiven if they obtain a CSU faculty position.
Fellowships and Traineeships: Students may receive fellowships or traineeships through the various departments on campus. Federal, state, and private industry programs of this nature are largely directed to students pursuing graduate studies or to students preparing for a specialized occupation.

External Scholarship Opportunities

In addition to SDSU-specific scholarships, students can explore external scholarship opportunities from various organizations and foundations.

First Bank & Trust Scholarships: First Bank & Trust will annually award scholarships to students attending accredited colleges, universities, or technical schools.
Dacotah Bank Scholarship Program: Dacotah Bank offers a top scholarship award of $10,000 for one high school graduate. Dacotah Bank also offers twenty-nine $2,000 individual scholarships to be awarded in different market areas across Dacotah Bank’s diverse, three state territory.
BankWest Scholarships: Each BankWest Scholarship has a $2,000 value and may be used to fund tuition at any accredited, post-secondary educational institution.
Folds of Honor Scholarship: The Folds of Honor Scholarship provides educational assistance to the families of those who have made extraordinary sacrifices for our country and communities. Administered by the nonprofit organization Folds of Honor, the scholarship helps offset the cost of education for eligible students pursuing K-12 private education, college degrees, technical or trade programs, and other approved postsecondary pathways.
Gordon Horgen Memorial Scholarship: The South Dakota Education Association/NEA is calling for applications for the new Gordon Horgen Memorial Scholarship, which will be awarded to Native American students who plan on entering the teaching profession. Be enrolled in a Tribe or descendent of a Tribal enrollee.
USD Valedictorian Scholarship: Valued at up to $500 (up to $250 per semester for the first two semesters), the USD Valedictorian Scholarship is presented to high school seniors who rank at the top of their graduating classes during the awarding period.
National Fellowships: SDSU students may apply for Fulbright, Marshall, Rotary, and other national fellowship programs. Since each campus is limited in the number of applications it may endorse, students interested in fellowships of this type are encouraged to discuss their applications with their designated campus adviser and with members of the university faculty who have themselves held these fellowships.

Financial Aid for SDSU Global Campus Students

SDSU Global Campus offers flexible learning options, including online courses, making education accessible to a wider range of students. Eligible enrollment programs offered through SDSU Global Campus have slightly different requirements and processing procedures when you are applying for and receiving financial aid. To be eligible for financial aid, all Global Campus students must be admitted, matriculated students to SDSU in a degree or certificate program that has been approved for financial aid.

Here is an updated list of all the SDSU Global Campus programs that are eligible for financial aid:

Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs
Master’s Degree Program
Advanced Certificate Programs

Not all certificate programs offered by SDSU Global Campus are eligible for financial aid. In order to qualify for Federal Direct Loans, you must be taking a certificate course that meets the U.S Department of Education standards for financial aid.

Eligibility Requirements for SDSU Global Campus

To maximize financial aid eligibility during the fall and spring semesters, you should be at least a half-time student for the full length of the semester. Half-time means 6 units for undergraduate students and students in a teaching credential program or 5 units for graduate students. To maximize financial aid eligibility during the fall and spring semesters, you should be at least a half-time student in at least one summer session. Half-time means 6 units for undergraduate students and students in a teaching credential program or 5 units for graduate students. Note, you will need to submit a Concurrent Enrollment Agreement here.

Financial Aid Resources for SDSU Global Campus Students

SDSU Global Campus is here to help you with your FAFSA application and any other questions you have about funding your education.

Additional Financial Resources and Support

Educational Programs / Financial Literacy: Student Services West 2620 (second floor). to help educate students on various financial topics. page for dates, times and topics. and student accounts processes. Financial aid awards are contingent on enrollment at the time of disbursement. account balance. five years. financial aid, scholarships and student accounts/ billing. credit, student loans, saving & investing, and more. and education. resources to deliver a highly personalized experience designed just for you. sdsu.igrad.com. Financial Aid OverviewQuestions on financial aid? At SDSU Global Campus, we are here to help walk you through the financial aid process and answer all your questions along the way.
Cal Coast Student Financial Center: Questions about the financial aid application process and aid eligibility can be answered via the Cal Coast Student Financial Center.
SDSU Testing Services Office: Since test scores from the Graduate Record Examinations General Test are required, students should take this examination well in advance of the deadline date for the submission of applications. The GRE may be scheduled through the SDSU Testing Services Office located in Gateway Center, Room 1538. The telephone number is 619-594-5216.
College of Graduate Studies: Continuing and prospective students interested in specific information about any of these on-campus programs are invited to write or visit the College of Graduate Studies at San Diego State University, 5500 Campanile Drive, San Diego, CA 92182-8220. The phone number is 619-594-5213. The College of Graduate Studies is located in Student Services East, Room 1410.
Virtual Center Help Desk: to the virtual center help desk.
Meeting Rooms: meeting rooms for students to connect to the virtual center. through the zoom link on days the campus is open. State University. Programs space located in Student Services West 2620. There are currently no pending workshops. the year. aid and student accounts processes. to help educate students on various financial topics.
Student Services West 3615: at Student Services West 3615 (third floor).
My.SDSU Portal: Only students have access to my.SDSU. aid information with you. if you plan to make payments on their behalf. Direct your student to the "how to set up an alternate payer" page if you would like to have access to make payments on their behalf. We want to hear from you! portal) is now closed. Parents: please be sure your student is with you or has authorized you to speak with us. unless your student is with you, or has released authorization to you. authorization is done via my.SDSU in the "Profile" tile.

Responsible Borrowing: Student Loans as a Last Resort

Your last resort should be borrowing funds. Student loans accrue interest that you will have to pay back in addition to the borrowed amount. This means you will end up paying more over time than the actual cost of attending college. If you still need help after receiving any grants and scholarships available to you, only borrow as much as you need to cover the rest of tuition via student loans. You will have to pay the loans back with interest. If you have to borrow money, less is better.

Private student loans should be a last resort. If you go this direction, be sure to choose carefully. Lenders can be financial institutions, banks, or credit unions. Their interest rates and repayment terms are not as competitive as federal loans.

Additional Funding Options

The total amount of federal and state aid you receive (including grants, scholarships, and loans) may not cover the full cost of your program. To help cover the balance of your tuition, you may be able to borrow additional loans from a private lender. Various local banks, credit unions, and lending institutions now offer private loan programs specifically for continuing education. Check with your local financial institution to see what types of programs may be available.

Many companies and organizations have tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. Check with your company’s human resources department to see if you qualify.

Important Dates and Deadlines

The 2026-27 FAFSA is available NOW!

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