File your 2020-21 FAFSA!
File your 2020-21 FAFSA as soon after October 1st as possible. Check AidLink regularly and submit all required documents.
Apply Now!
SDSU's new and improved online scholarship search and application portal is now open.
How to use AidLink
Find out how to use AidLink, our online financial aid system.
About Us
The Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships provides information and counseling so that you can make informed choices as you and your family plan for meeting the costs associated with attending San Diego State University. We also provide outreach and access services in collaboration with other university departments and the community.
No appointment is needed to speak with a counselor. Contact a financial aid and scholarship counselor.
SDSU federal school code: 001151
Cares Disbursement
The Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act passed the House of Representatives, and was then signed into law by the president. The act provides federal government support in the wake of the coronavirus public health crisis and associated economic fallout. One section of the CARES Act established the Higher Education Emergency Relief fund and is providing the nation’s colleges and universities funding to then provide grants to students. This funding also covers a portion of unbudgeted costs and lost revenue due to the disruption of campus activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Click here for more on CARES Disbursement.
Virtual Coffee Hour
Join the Office of Financial Aid & Scholarships, Housing, & Student Account Services for an informative session about important topics relevant to the start of the semester, Aug. 6 at 10 a.m. This session is for newly admitted students and their parents. The meeting ID will be sent to SDSU students and the parent they listed on the FAFSA.
If you need live-transcription, please email us at [email protected] at least three days in advance.
Click here for coffee hour details.
Miss a Coffee Hour?
Previous sessions are available. Click the button below to view the list of videos.
Watch Past Video Sessions
Videos and Tutorials
Find videos and tutorials to help you complete your applications and receive aid!
What is the difference between loans, work study, grants and scholarships?
A loan must be repaid to the lender, plus interest. Income from a work study job is earned by students hired to work, and it is taxable. Grants and scholarships do not have to be repaid.
Economic Crisis Response Team
Visit the ECRT website to request assistance if you or a student you know has an immediate, temporary food or housing need.
- AidLink: a secure online account that gives you 24-7 access to your financial aid and scholarship records and applications.
- FAFSA Overview: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. All SDSU students should complete the FAFSA to be considered for all types of state and federal aid including grants, work study, student and parent loans, and some scholarships.
- Financial Aid: Learn about types of aid, your eligibility, how to apply, how to get your funds, and how to estimate your cost of attendance at SDSU.
- Scholarships: Learn about scholarships available through SDSU and about non-SDSU scholarships: how to apply, eligibility, essay writing tips, and more.
- Satisfactory Academic Progress: Learn about your responsibility to maintain satisfactory academic progress, and how your grades, units, and enrollment affect the financial aid you receive.
- Disbursement, Receiving Your Aid: Disbursement means the payment of money. Find out about how and when your financial aid and/or scholarship money is paid to you.