Application Process

The Office of Student Financial Assistance at Stephen F. Austin State University is committed to providing superior service to our students, and to fair and equitable treatment in awarding financial assistance. We are pleased to know that you have chosen SFA and would like to help you in meeting the costs of attending college. If you have any questions about the application process, please contact our office at (936) 468-2403 to speak to a Financial Assistance Counselor. Below you will see the application requirements for your classification:

Receipt of scholarship(s) can affect your financial aid package. To help us create the most current and accurate award, please indicate any scholarship(s) you will be receiving during the Fall 2008 – Spring 2009 semesters by completing the online form listed below. Only complete this form if you have been offered a scholarship for 2008/2009.

First Year / Transfer Undergraduates (entering Fall 2008)

2008 - 2009 Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)
Have clear admission to SFA. Students admitted as Provisional or Transient are not eligible for aid.
Will you be receiving a scholarship in 2008/2009? If so, complete this online form Scholarship Notification Form.

Returning Undergraduates

2008 - 2009 Renewal or New FAFSA
Full compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy
Will you be receiving a scholarship in 2008/2009? If so, complete this online form Scholarship Notification Form.

Graduate / Professional Students

2008 - 2009 Renewal or New FAFSA
Full compliance with the Satisfactory Academic Progress Policy

Verification

Verification is a process through which the Department of Student Financial Aid verifies the information you reported on your FAFSA. Federal regulations require all institutions to perform verification on a percentage of applicants who file for financial aid. Applicants are randomly selected for verification. If you are chosen for verification, you will be notified of the required documents through you mySFA email account.

If you are selected for verification you will be required to submit the following:

Your 2007 signed federal income tax returns
Your spouse's (if applicable) 2007 signed federal income tax returns
Your parents' (if applicable) 2007 signed federal income tax returns
The 2008-2009 SFA Financial Aid Verification Worksheet

Any discrepancies found by our department must be corrected and your financial aid eligibility may be affected. This process can delay your aid, so please respond immediately to any requests from our department. The verification process normally takes 7-10 days from the time the final document is turned in. Should you fail to submit all required documentation; financial aid will not be awarded and/or disbursed. If funds were disbursed prior to your selection for verification, they may be cancelled until your file is complete.

Dependent Care Notification

If you are an Independent student with monthly daycare expenses for your child or children under the age of 12, you may be eligible for additional financial aid. Please indicate the number of children YOU pay daycare for on the form listed below:

Dependent Care Form

NOTE: If you are married and you and your spouse both attend SFA, only ONE of you may receive the additional aid consideration.

Additional Documentation

Students may be required to submit additional documentation even though they have not been selected for Verification. These documents may relate to citizenship status, veteran status, and/or orphan status. If requested, please submit the additional documentation immediately to the department because your aid can be delayed.

TIPS FOR COMPLETING THE FAFSA

Apply as early as possible! The FAFSA is available January 1 of each year.
The fastest, easiest and most accurate way to apply is on-line at www.fafsa.ed.gov
List your school choices and their Title IV school codes. The Title IV School Code for SFA is 003624.
Complete all income and asset information. Do not leave it blank. If the answer is zero, enter a zero in the blank.
Appropriate individuals (student and/or parent) must sign the FAFSA. Missing signatures will delay your processing.
Verify your answers and check for accuracy. Errors will delay the process.
Make a copy of your completed FAFSA application. Retain a copy for your records.
Keep a copy of your tax information. This may be needed at a later date for a process called Verification. If your tax information is requited and you do not have a copy, you will be required to contact the IRS for a copy of your tax information. This can cause significant delays in your application process.

Top of page