Axe ’Em, Jacks!
Applicants whose financial aid files are complete by the priority deadline will receive maximum consideration in the distribution of funding resources according to funding criteria. Eligible applicants completing a file after the priority deadline will be offered all federal, state and institutional programs dependent on funding limitations.
Evaluating your aid package offer
Most financial aid packages are a combination of grants, scholarships and student loans. Your personal financial aid offer will be determined based on several factors, including your expected family contribution, academics, need and financial circumstances.
Consider carefully
Before you accept your personal financial aid package, carefully consider:
- Scholarship obligations
- Some scholarships require you to make personal and professional commitments, such as continued academic achievement and/or an act of service.
- Interest on loans
- Keep in mind that you’ll need to pay back any loans you accept to cover the cost of college.
- Interest rates can affect how much you pay and how quickly you’re able to pay off your debt.
- Remember, if you’re offered loans, you don’t have to accept the full amount offered. Borrow only as much as you need.
- Work commitments for work-study programs
- Most work-study programs require you to work a certain amount of hours per week.
- It’s important to make sure you can meet your work obligations and keep up with your coursework at the same time.
Accepting your financial aid offer
Once you receive your offer, you’ll need to respond and accept via mySFA within 60 days.
Step-by-step instructions
- Log in to mySFA.
- Click on the "Financial" Aid tab.
- Locate the "Financial Aid Status" box and select the option to view Financial Aid Awards.
- Click on "Award" and the "Award for Aid Year".
- Select appropriate academic year.
- Click on the "Terms and Conditions" tab.
- You will need to read and accept Terms and Conditions before you can continue to the Accept or Decline tab.
- Click on "Accept Award Offers".
- This will open up your personal award letter.
- For each award listed, Accept or Decline the award by making the selection in the “Action” column.
- You may click on each award for a brief description of the program.
- Proceed to the bottom of the page and click Submit Decision.
Direct loan
If you’re accepting a direct loan, you’ll need to complete and e-sign a Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the U.S. Department of Education.
Parent PLUS loan
To accept the Parent PLUS Loan offer, your parent must complete the PLUS credit application. Once their application is approved, your parent will need to e-sign the Parent PLUS Master Promissory Note (eMPN).
Transfer student with loan history
If you are a transfer student with loan history, you may send a copy of your completed entrance counseling by using our Transfer Student Entrance Counseling guide.
When is aid disbursed?
If we offer financial aid and you accept it, funds will be disbursed at the beginning of each semester, usually within 10 days before the first class day. The money is applied to your student account.
Some aid, including summer financial aid, is disbursed in two payments. If that’s the case, you can expect the second disbursement at the semester midpoint. If you are a one-term only student, you'll receive your financial aid in two separate disbursements.
For details on aid disbursement dates, view important financial aid dates and deadlines.