There are many different assistance opportunities for students seeking financial aid: Federal and State Grants, Federal Stafford Loans, Federal PLUS Loans and the Federal Workstudy Program. Your first step is to have your application for admission submitted to JSU. Next, you will want to fill out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid). Once we receive your results and you have provided all necessary information, we will prepare a financial aid package designed specifically to meet your needs and eligibility.

As an entering freshman, you are automatically given consideration for scholarships based on your completed undergraduate admission, your scholarship application, and your official high school transcripts and test scores. Most scholarships are based on your academic or extracurricular record. While there are some scholarships awarded based on a demonstrated financial need and eligibility, these kinds of scholarships will be awarded based on filing FAFSA.

85% Number of first-time freshman students receiving some type of financial aid

3.15.10 - Priority deadline for filing FAFSA

3.01.10 - Deadline for filing scholarship application

TOP 10 TO-DO'S FOR FILING FINANCIAL AID

Apply Early.

Some grants and Work-Study opportunities are first-come, first serve. Waiting to apply may cost you the chance to get free money.

Use Exact Numbers.

Use completed federal income tax returns. If you estimate this data incorrectly, we may be required to make corrections, which will delay the processing of your application.

Fill in All Blanks.

Never leave questions blank on any form you submit if you are required to complete it. Blank questions will only delay your application's processing.

Keep Copies.

Retain photocopies of all forms and correspondence you submit with the dates they were mailed. Refer to them when inquiring about your application.

Use Your Full Given Name.

Complete all forms using your full given name. Do not use nicknames. Notify the Financial Aid Office of any name changes. Sign your name legibly to prevent a delay in processing.

Use Your Social Security Number and Date of Birth.

Entering your correct Social Security Number (SSN) and date of birth (DOB) on all forms, especially the FAFSA and parent or spouse tax returns, is very important. Be sure to review your SSN and DOB for accuracy; transposed numbers or incorrect numbers will result in delays.

Check, Read and Respond.

Check My JSU Self-Service Banner for updates on your application and Offer of Financial Aid. Carefully read and follow all instructions provided. Respond quickly to all requests from our Office. A slow response may result in cancellation of aid.

Sign All Documents.

Even if you file a FAFSA on the web, you must print the signature page, acquire signatures and mail it to the processor. If you have a PIN number, you may sign your FAFSA on the web. Also, sign all forms that are requested by our Office.

Take Responsibility.

You are applying for financial assistance to help you attend JSU. Although you may need your parents' help in completing your forms, the application forms are yours and you need to know what forms and information have been provided to whom and when.

Document Phone Calls.

If you call to discuss your application, keep notes of the day you called, with whom you talked and what was discussed. Please be patient if you are asked to hold. During peak times we experience over a thousand phone calls per day.