FINANCIAL AID: Checklist
- Apply for admission to Northern State University.
- Complete the NSU Scholarship Application and return by deadline.
- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form as soon as possible after January 1. This application is available in your high school guidance counselor's office, from the NSU Financial Aid Office, or online at FAFSA On THE Web. Keep a photocopy for your records. Applications submitted before March 1 are given first priority consideration for Federal Supplemental Grants, Federal Work-Study, and Federal Perkins Loans.
- Four to six weeks after you have filed the FAFSA (two to four weeks if you filed electronically), you should receive a copy of your Student Aid Report (SAR). The SAR summarizes the information you submitted on the FAFSA. Review the SAR carefully for errors. If necessary, make any corrections on Part 2 of the SAR and return it promptly to the address listed on the SAR. You may also make corrections electronically.
- If your application is selected for verification, NSU will require you to submit additional documentation, such as signed copies of your tax returns, W-2 and 1099 forms. You will also be required to complete a Verification Form that will be mailed to you from the Enrollment Service Center.
- If your information on the financial aid application does not accurately show your family's circumstances, or if your financial status has changed significantly, you should send a letter explaining your situation to the NSU Financial Aid Office. Adjustments may be possible to improve your financial aid eligibility.
- If you are a transfer student, you will need to have your academic transcripts mailed to the NSU Registrars Office. Transcripts will be required from each postsecondary school previously attended.
- NSU begins mailing out Award Letters in April. Your Award Letter will be based on the entire academic year, with one-half of the award given at the beginning of each semester. You are required to sign a copy of your Award Letter and return it along with any other required documents to the Financial Aid Office within two weeks.
- Keep in mind that you will need to reapply for financial aid each year you are in school.
finaid@northern.edu • 1200 S. Jay Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401 • 1-800-NSU-5330