Financial Aid Process Overview
To us, you're more than just paperwork. We care about your financial aid package because we care about you. Read below about our process for applying for financial aid. Once you read through the process, get started on applying by accessing our Applying for Financial Aid section.
Financial Aid Application Process
Student is accepted to SAU.
Student completes a FAFSA entering SAU’s federal code of 002318.
Student completes the verification process if notified he/she has been selected.
The SAU Financial Aid Staff determines eligibility for institutional, state, and federal awards based on the rules that govern each program. Details of eligibility requirements and the selection process can be obtained by contacting the Financial Aid office. Institutional, state, and federal need-based awards are based on the information provided on the FAFSA and the resulting EFC (estimated family contribution).
Additional information regarding specific programs may be found on the Grants and Loans web pages.
Financial aid is disbursed each semester via electronic posting to a student’s school account once eligibility is verified.
Students are required to make satisfactory academic progress (SAP) to maintain financial aid eligibility each year. Details of the SAP policy are available from the Financial Aid office.
Students must meet enrollment requirements applicable to each aid program from which they receive an award.
Institutional awards -- Typically full-time
State awards -- half-time (awards will be pro-rated if less-than-full-time)
Federal Stafford and PLUS loans -- half-time (awards will be pro-rated if less-than-full-time)
Pell Grant – at least one-credit hour
Contact the Financial Aid office for enrollment requirements for other types of awards
Note that audit credits are not counted when determining aid eligibility or enrollment levels.
Students receiving federal work-study must continue to have need as determined by the federal formula to maintain work-study eligibility.
Awards may be renewed based on the award requirements for each type of award.
Off-campus Study Programs
Students enrolled in a program of study abroad approved for credit by SAU may be considered as enrollment at SAU for purposes of applying for federal student financial aid.
Students are not eligible for regular institutional awards during a period of study abroad; however, some funding is available during a study abroad semester. Contact the Financial Aid office for details.
Federal Student Financial Aid Penalties for Drug Law Violations
Students convicted of any drug offense during a period of enrollment for which the student was receiving Title IV, HEA program funds, under any federal or state law involving the possession or sale of illegal drugs will result in the loss of eligibility for any Title IV, HEA grant, loan or work-study assistance.
Get Started!
Ready to start applying for financial aid? Go to our Applying for Financial Aid section.
Questions? Don't hesitate to get in touch.
Find contact information for the Financial Aid Office here: