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Applying for Aid

Instructions for Applying for
Financial Aid at Indiana State University

Students apply for most types of aid by completing the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

1. Questions on how to complete the FAFSA? This link https://studentaid.gov/apply-for-aid/fafsa/filling-out will take you to instructions and videos to assist you with creating a StudentAid.gov account all the way through completing and submitting your FAFSA.

2. What is the Student Aid Index (SAI)?
Your Student Aid Index (SAI) is a formula-based index number ranging from –1500 to 999999. Where your SAI falls within the SAI range helps your school determine how much financial support you may need. 
A negative SAI indicates you have a higher financial need. For example, if you have an SAI of –1500, you’ll qualify for a maximum Pell Grant award assuming you have not exhausted your lifetime amounts and meet all student eligibility requirements. Learn how the SAI is calculated.
Your SAI is not

  • a dollar amount of aid you’ll receive,
  • what your family is expected to provide, or
  • your final financial aid offer.

Your SAI is an index number used by financial aid professionals when creating an aid offer. Your SAI is calculated using information that you (and other contributors, if required) provide on the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA®) form.

During your aid process, you will see the following:

  • an estimated SAI on the confirmation page of your FAFSA form
  • an official SAI within your FAFSA Submission Summary (after your FAFSA form is processed)

Follow these steps to find your SAI:

  • Log in to StudentAid.gov using your account username and password.
  • Select your processed FAFSA submission.
  • Select “View FAFSA Submission Summary.”
  • Select the “Eligibility Overview” tab.

3. Cost of Attendance Links: https://indianastate.edu/costs-aid

4. Important Deadlines https://www.indstate.edu/financial-aid/important-dates

After Filing the FAFSA

Aid is typically applied to school accounts ten days before a term begins. Late paperwork submission or late FAFSA filing can cause delays in processing. Check the MyISU Portal to verify that all requested documents have been submitted.

  1. Apply for Scholarships
  2. Review your Requirements (Assistance)
  3. Selected for Verification? We can help!
  4. Make Federal Loan Decisions (Assistance)
  5. Complete Entrance Counseling for Federal Student & Parent Loans (Assistance)
  6. Complete the Master Promissory Note for Federal Student Loans (Assistance)
  7. Complete the Annual Student Loan Acknowledgment for Federal Student & Parent Loans *optional (Assistance)
  8. Exit Counseling *required if graduating, dropping below 1/2 time, or withdrawing (Assistance)

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