The Financial Aid Basics
Do you know what financial aid you qualify for? Don't worry if you answered no — that's what we're here for. There are three major applications that most students qualify for:
Aid for All
Many organizations and foundations offer scholarship assistance to students, but the majority are limited to U.S. citizens. Here's more information, depending on your circumstances:
Do you hold a United States Visa?
Holders of T Visas should file the FAFSA and holders of U Visas must file the California Dream Act Application.
You are ineligible to receive federal financial aid through the FAFSA, CA Dream Act or need-based USD financial aid if you're a non-immigrant that has been granted one of the following Visas: A, B, C, D, E, F, G, H, I, J, K, L, M, N, O, P, Q, R, S, TN, TD, V, TROV and NATO.
Please contact the USD Office of Financial Aid for more assistance.
The Application Process
Completing and submitting the correct financial aid application is the first step in receiving a financial aid award. Whether you’re an undergraduate or graduate student, we'll walk you through it.
After You've Applied
Understand Your Award
Understanding Your Financial Aid Award Letter
To view and submit your Financial Aid Requirements, log into the MySanDiego portal. In the Financial Aid Requirements portlet, you will also see the list of your outstanding requirements to complete.
Accept Financial Aid
Accepting Your Financial Aid Offer
You will receive an email notification when your financial aid offer is available to view on the MySanDiego portal.
Review Educational Costs
Review Your estimated Cost of Attendance (COA)
The University of San Diego utilizes standardized budgets in determining a student's cost of education during an academic year — including tuition, fees, books and supplies, room and board, transportation, personal necessities, and loan fees (when applicable). You can view your personal estimated cost of attendance (COA) in your MySanDiego portal.
Sign E-Forms
Viewing and Signing Eforms
Many financial aid forms are available in electronic format. Your Student Aid Index (SAI) and financial aid offer remain estimated until all forms and documents have been received and signed. You can see the status of each form in your MySanDiego portal.
Submit Verification
FAFSA Verification
The US Department of Education (ED) selects a certain number of FAFSA filers for a review process called verification. This process requires the Office of Financial Aid to ensure the accuracy provided on your FAFSA. All verification requirements must be completed, reviewed and satisfied before your financial aid eligibility can be finalized.
Title IV Authorization
Complete Title IV Authorization
The Title IV Authorization form authorizes USD to pay miscellaneous charges on a your account with funds remaining from Title IV financial aid (including Federal Pell Grant, Federal SEOG, TEACH Grant, Federal Subsidized Loan, Federal Unsubsidized Loan, and Federal PLUS Loans). Without this authorization, miscellaneous charges will not be paid and an enrollment hold will be placed on future registration.
Are you interested in using financial aid for Summer or Intersession?
Summer and Intersession require separate Financial Aid Applications. Note, you must have already completed a FAFSA for that current academic year.
Everything Else You Need to Know
Do you know that 78% of current USD students receive financial assistance? That's because we want to make the premier education we offer accessible for all students.
Questions?