Financial Aid

Applying for federal Financial Aid can be, at times, challenging. The Federal Government in recent years, in an effort to utilize 21st century technology and reduce the amount of paperwork required, has created an easier and faster way for families to provide tax information when completing the application for financial aid. While this new process has helped, it can still be cumbersome for some families if you fail to answer questions within the financial aid application. This will impact the processing of your financial aid application.

To help you through this process, we want to make sure that you are aware and prepared when filing your Federal Application for Financial Aid (FAFSA). The following steps must be taken when applying for financial aid:

• Please file your federal tax returns before you complete the free application for federal student aid (FAFSA). Federal financial aid decisions are based on your federal income tax return(s).
• Apply for the federal Personal Identification Number (PIN) at www.pin.ed.gov. The PIN (access code unique to you) is used to sign the aid application. You will use this same PIN every year.
• Click YES to the IRS Data Retrieval Tool question on the application. This will expedite the processing. Failure to answer this question will cause incredible delays to your financial aid application.
• Know our federal school code number, 003032 - keep this number close by while you complete the FAFSA as you will be asked for it in the application.

For a step-by-step guide in applying for financial aid, select Apply for Financial Aid.

Campus411 All-In-1 Enrollment Services is also available to you to help you navigate through this process. Be sure to contact us through several ways: 1) chat with us online, 2) call us at 216-687-5411, and 3) email us at allin1@csuohio.edu.

Visit the Federal Student Aid website and watch videos on learning how to complete your FAFSA

• The Help icon is now available on all FAFSA pages.
• FAFSA signing option encourages students and parents to use PIN
• Improved information on confirmation as to what happens next in the aid application process.
• The IRS data retrieval tool has been enhanced and mentions who is not eligible to use the tool.

Tax Returns Are No Longer Acceptable!! Federal regulations have changed and we are no longer able to accept copies of Tax Returns. Need help in completing federal verification, select Apply for Financial Aid for a step by step guide.

To begin the financial aid process, you will need to complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You must file a FAFSA every year after January 1st in order to receive your financial aid, www.fafsa.gov. Click here for more information.

Each year, the US Department of Education will select financial aid applicants to verify the information on their FAFSA with that on their Federal Tax returns.

When you complete your FAFSA, you are applying for gift aid (scholarships and grants) and self-help programs (Federal Work-Study and loans). Click here for more information.

You will receive a financial aid award email which explains the types of financial aid and amount of assistance you are eligible to receive at CSU for a particular academic year. Click here for more information.

You should plan ahead and be prepared to take the necessary steps needed to meet the requirements in order to keep your financial aid. Click here for more information.

Significant changes to the standards of academic progress (sap) policy became effective fall semester 2011. Please be aware that there are new forms. Click here to learn more.

Scholarships do not have to be repaid and are based on many factors, including academic merit and/or financial need. Click here to find scholarships.

CSU's Student Employment Program is administered by the Career Services Center. The program is designed to assist matriculating students in financing their education, developing essential job skills and enhancing their University experience.  

Learn how much it will cost to attend Cleveland State. Click here to visit the Treasury Services website.