Getting Started

Students interested in federal and/or state financial assistance should review the steps below to ensure they are awarded in a timely manner for the academic year in which they are applying.

Step 1: Apply for a DOE PIN

Students and parents of dependent students should request a Federal Personal Identification Number (PIN). Your PIN may be used as your electronic signature and identifier to apply for financial aid and to allow you access to personal information in various U.S. Department of Education (USDOE) systems.

Step 2: Complete FAFSA

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online annually (between January 1 and June 30 of the following calendar year). The earlier you apply, the better chance you have of receiving maximum financial aid funds.

Important: The priority deadline for NSU is April 15!

You will need your (and parents’, if dependent) prior year federal income tax returns and W-2 forms (and other records of income) to complete. If you do not have your tax return, you may estimate the tax information. However, you will be required to correct the information at a later date when you complete your taxes (should be no later than April 15). Click on the “Before Beginning a FAFSA” section on the www.fafsa.ed.gov Web site for a full list of required documentation. When completing the FAFSA, make sure you provide a valid email address. The NSU School Code is 001509.

Step 3: Plan for Housing and Meal Plan (if applicable)

Your financial aid budget includes a housing component. Students are responsible for ensuring that their budget covers their housing and meal plan expenses. For information regarding on-campus and off-campus housing visit Residential Life & Housing.

Step 4: Complete the NSU State Aid Application

(Undergraduate students only) You only need to complete the NSU State Aid Application if you are an undergraduate student seeking your first bachelor’s degree or a graduate student eligible for the Florida Bright Future Scholarship who is interested in receiving state funds. Exception: Students who received FRAG, FSAG and/or Florida Bright Futures Scholarship in the prior year (i.e., received aid in 2008-2009 academic year at NSU and are applying for 2009-2010), and did not have a break in enrollment for more than 12 months do not have to complete the NSU State Aid Application.

Check the Financial Aid Calendar for priority deadlines for the academic year in which you are applying. Out-of-state students do not have to complete the NSU State Aid Application.

Step 5: Review your Student Aid Report (SAR)

If you provided a valid email address at the time you completed the FAFSA and your application has been processed successfully, you will receive an email notification with instructions on how to retrieve your SAR. You must have your PIN to retrieve your SAR.

The SAR summarizes the information you included on your FAFSA. The SAR contains your official Expected Family Contribution (EFC), which is used in determining your federal student aid eligibility. It also shows if the information you have provided on your FAFSA is in conflict with any information held at the federal government (e.g., mismatch of social security number and name; discrepancies in citizenship information).

A copy of the SAR will be sent to all schools you indicated on the FAFSA. If necessary, make changes or corrections through Corrections on the Web at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Your corrected SAR will be sent to the institutions you indicate.

Step 6: Submit Additional Documentation (if required)

Some students may be required to submit additional documents prior to being awarded. You should check your WebSTAR account regularly to view any outstanding requirements. WebSTAR is the official means of communication for the Office of Student Financial Assistance.

Access your financial aid file by following the steps below:

Step 7: Register for Classes

Students must be fully admitted and registered for a minimum number of credits (enrollment requirements vary depending on academic and financial aid program) in order for your financial aid funds to disburse.