The first step in the financial aid process is completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). By completing the FAFSA, you are applying for gift aid (scholarships and grants) and self-help programs (Federal Work-Study and loans). You must file a FAFSA every year in order to receive your financial aid.

The FAFSA and Renewal FAFSA are available to be completed online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The online version is the fastest way to apply for financial aid. You will need a Personal Identification Number (PIN) to complete and access your FAFSA. You will use your PIN to sign your FAFSA electronically. Both students and a parent are encouraged to apply for a PIN number. Your PIN can be used each year to sign your FAFSA and access your U.S. Department of Education records online. The web address to request your PIN is www.pin.ed.gov.

If you need a paper FAFSA mailed to you, you may request one by calling 800.433.3243.

For the upcoming academic year, file the FAFSA as soon as possible after January 1. Cleveland State's priority deadline to file the FAFSA is February 15. Funding for the Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG), Federal Work-Study, Federal Perkins Loan, University Grant and Viking Hall Grant is limited and students filing after the priority deadline may not be considered for these programs. If you do file your FAFSA after the priority deadline, you will still be eligible for all other financial aid such as the Pell Grant and Stafford Loan. For information on financial aid for the summer, click here.

Cleveland State's Federal School Code Number is 003032. This number should be listed on the FAFSA to ensure that Cleveland State will electronically receive the results of your application.

You should be familiar with financial aid eligibility requirements and dependent status and know what to expect after you file your FAFSA.

Your academic status impacts your financial aid eligibility and application process. Review the information below applicable to your status:

First-Time Applicants

Do not procrastinate. You must complete the admission process for Cleveland State. You will not receive financial aid until you are admitted and all necessary financial aid documentation has been received and processed. You also should learn more about the types of financial aid.

Continuing Students

If you are currently attending Cleveland State and receiving financial aid, you must file a Renewal FAFSA to be considered for financial aid for the next academic year. You can file your Renewal FAFSA online at www.fafsa.ed.gov after January 1.

Transfer Students

You must cancel any loans you are receiving through the school from which you are transferring. You can reapply for a loan at Cleveland State. This process may take several weeks.

Your FAFSA for the current academic year must be on file at Cleveland State, regardless of which semester you transfer to Cleveland State. Students who filed the FAFSA but did not add Cleveland State as a receiving school should access their FAFSA online and add Cleveland State as a receiving school. Once your request has been processed and your admission to Cleveland State is completed, Cleveland State will then be allowed to view your FAFSA and provide your financial aid.

If you received financial aid at a different institution for part of the current academic year, aid offered for the remainder of the year at that school is not transferable. You will receive an award from Cleveland State. This award will take into consideration aid received at the previous school when determining remaining eligibility.

Once your transfer credit evaluation has been completed, you may check with Campus411 to see if you are eligible for any additional student loan funds.

Transfer students can also review frequently asked questions relative to their situation.

Graduate Students

All degree-seeking graduate students are eligible for student loans. The same FAFSA rules and regulations apply to graduate students and undergraduate students. In addition to student loans, graduate students are eligible for a variety of assistantships to help them cover the cost of tuition.

Non-degree graduate students may also be eligible for loans.

Law Students

Law students who are in need of financial aid must complete the FAFSA and the Law Aid Application (Microsoft Word Document). More information is available through the Financial Aid Office in the Cleveland-Marshall College of Law.

Transient Students

A Cleveland State student wishing to apply for aid to help defray the cost of education at another institution during a transient term may be considered enrolled in an eligible program of study by Cleveland State. Financial aid will be awarded and disbursed based on the cost of education at both institutions. Cleveland State will also handle any refunds and/or repayments resulting from the student's withdrawal from classes according to established policies.

To be considered for financial aid as a transient student you must submit the following information to the Financial Aid Office at Cleveland State at least 15 days prior to the start of the semester:

• Proof of enrollment at the visited institution.
• A completed Consortium Agreement.
  • For more information download the Consortium Agreement FAQ.
• A letter from your Cleveland State academic advisor indicating that classes in which you will enroll will count toward meeting degree requirements and are transferable to Cleveland State.

If your financial aid does not cover your total charges at the visited institution, or if your financial aid is delayed, you are responsible for any payment arrangements. Your financial aid will be calculated based on the combined hours at both institutions. Any excess funds above your cost at Cleveland State will be mailed to you in the form of a refund check.

If you attend another institution as a transient student, you will have your aid processed on the same schedule used for all Cleveland State students. Refund checks for amounts exceeding Cleveland State charges are mailed to you. You are responsible for all payments to the visited institution. Cleveland State does not issue checks payable to other institutions.

Visiting Students

Non-Cleveland State students need to contact their home school. Please note: You must make payment arrangements with Cleveland State regardless of any aid that may be processed by your home institution.

Students who are not enrolled at Cleveland State as degree-seeking students must obtain any financial aid assistance from the school that is granting their degree (home school). Students should check with their financial aid office to see what aid might be available to them while studying at Cleveland State.

Generally, a student will need to complete a consortium agreement which can be obtained from their home school. These agreements require a signature from Cleveland State's Financial Aid Office. All schools disburse financial aid on different dates and will make aid checks available directly to the school or to the student. Therefore, if funding will arrive after the tuition due date, visiting students may wish to use one of the available payment options.

Student Athletes

Student Athletes are encouraged to file a FAFSA to determine their financial aid eligibility. Athletes are eligible for all federal and state aid, however, NCAA rules and regulations govern the administration of all types of aid.

Athletic Grants awarded are considered part of the overall financial aid package. For more information on NCAA compliance, please visit http://csuvikings.cstv.com.