Financial Aid
SUNO’s Office of Student Financial Aid is here to assist students in applying for and securing the financial resources available to pursue their educational goals.
We strive to provide the best financial aid package consisting of assistance from federal, state, and institutional programs, tailored to meet each student’s need. Counseling and assistance are also provided to students in the areas of Default Prevention and Student Loan Debt Management.
Students interested in applying for federal and state financial aid should complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as early as possible, after January 1 of each year. Financial assistance is available to students who complete the necessary application and are determined eligible. The Student Financial Aid staff will evaluate each student’s need and make awards based upon the information obtained from the Student Aid Report (SAR) or Institutional Student Information Report (ISIR) and in accordance with Federal, State, and University policies and guidelines.
Because the amount of financial assistance awarded usually reflects the financial situation of the student’s family, the University does not make a public announcement of the amount of financial aid awarded to individual students. The University will clearly state the total yearly cost of attendance and will outline for each student seeking assistance a proposed annual budget.
SUNO is committed to providing equal access and opportunity to all students who are in pursuit of higher academic achievement that will assist them in becoming productive citizens in society.
Students who truly value a college education as a means to achieve success in life will find the office of Student Financial Aid a reliable source of information and assistance. Our office hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday.
Steps for Applying for Financial Assistance
Do I have to complete a FAFSA every year?
- Yes. The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) can be completed each year beginning January 1. The priority deadline is April 15 of each year (current FAFSA for Spring 2014/Summer 2014 is the 2013-2014 application).
How do I complete a FAFSA?
- Complete the FAFSA electronically at the official and FREE website www.fafsa.ed.gov. Dependent students and the parent whose income is used on the FAFSA should both have a PIN to electronically sign the FAFSA. The PIN website is www.pin.ed.gov.
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If you wish to complete a hard copy of the FAFSA, pick up your copy at the SUNO Office of Student Financial Aid (Lake Campus Building 23). If you are a high school student, you may also check the office of your guidance counselor to pick up a form. However, the U. S. Department of Education has limited the number of paper applications schools may receive.
If you are unable to pick a paper application you may call (800) 433-3243, and they will mail one to your home.
When is the deadline to apply for Financial Aid?
- The FAFSA can be completed at any time throughout the year. However, in order to have your financial aid processed in a timely manner you should complete the FAFSA no later than June of the year you begin the Fall semester. (Example: June 30, 2009 for classes beginning August 2009).
Who is my Financial Aid Advisor?
- Your Financial Aid Advisor is assigned according to the first letter of your last name:
Joyce Scott-Clipps - A-F - Sonita Boyd - G-I, Work Study
Victoria Jones - K-P, Default Management
Aline Bianchini - J,R-Z, Go Grant
I left a voicemail message and sent an email, but I have not received a response from my Financial Aid Advisor?
- Please allow 24 to 72 hours from the date and time that you leave a message for a Financial Aid Advisor either by e-mail, voicemail or in the Financial Aid Office.