Florida State University (FSU) is committed to providing its students with the necessary financial aid to pursue their academic goals. The university's financial aid program is designed to help students and their families navigate the cost of higher education. FSU's Office of Financial Aid is responsible for administering various forms of financial assistance, including grants, scholarships, loans, and work-study programs. The office works closely with students to determine their eligibility for financial aid and to provide them with the resources they need to succeed.
Types of Financial Aid Available at FSU
FSU offers a wide range of financial aid options to its students. These include federal grants, such as the Pell Grant and the Federal Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (FSEOG); state grants, such as the Florida Student Assistance Grant (FSAG) and the Access to Better Learning and Education (ABLE) Grant; and institutional scholarships, such as the FSU Presidential Scholars Award and the FSU National Merit Scholarship. Additionally, students may be eligible for federal loans, including the Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans, as well as private loans from various lenders.
Applying for Financial Aid at FSU
To apply for financial aid at FSU, students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA is available online and must be submitted by the university’s priority deadline, which is typically in early January. Students who submit their FAFSA by the priority deadline will be considered for all forms of financial aid, including grants, scholarships, and loans. Students who submit their FAFSA after the priority deadline may still be eligible for some forms of financial aid, but their options may be limited.
| Financial Aid Program | Eligibility Criteria | Award Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Pell Grant | Undergraduate students with exceptional financial need | Up to $6,195 per year |
| FSAG | Florida residents with financial need | Up to $2,000 per year |
| Direct Subsidized Loan | Undergraduate students with financial need | Up to $5,500 per year |
Financial Aid Deadlines and Important Dates
FSU has several financial aid deadlines and important dates that students should be aware of. These include:
- January 1: FAFSA becomes available online
- January 15: Priority deadline for submitting FAFSA
- March 1: Deadline for submitting additional financial aid documents
- April 1: Financial aid award packages are sent to students
Financial Aid for Graduate Students
FSU also offers financial aid to graduate students. Graduate students may be eligible for federal loans, including the Direct Unsubsidized Loan and the Graduate PLUS Loan. Additionally, graduate students may be eligible for teaching assistantships and research assistantships, which can provide a stipend and tuition waiver. Graduate students who are interested in applying for financial aid should contact the FSU Office of Financial Aid for more information.
What is the FAFSA and how do I submit it?
+The FAFSA is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid. You can submit the FAFSA online at fafsa.gov. You will need to create an FSA ID and gather required documents, such as your social security number and tax returns. The FAFSA is available on October 1 each year, and FSU's priority deadline is January 15.
How do I check the status of my financial aid application?
+You can check the status of your financial aid application by logging into your myFSU account. You can also contact the FSU Office of Financial Aid at (850) 644-0539 or [financialaid@fsu.edu](mailto:financialaid@fsu.edu) for assistance.
FSU’s financial aid program is designed to help students achieve their academic goals. By understanding the types of financial aid available, the application process, and the deadlines and important dates, students can make informed decisions about their financial aid options. The FSU Office of Financial Aid is committed to providing students with the resources they need to succeed, and students are encouraged to contact the office with any questions or concerns.
