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Requirements for All Undergraduate Students
SEU requires all eligible students to submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to be considered for any form of financial aid with the exception of private student loans and/or scholarships from outside sources. The FAFSA can be completed at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Students must first create a FSA ID and Password and if dependent, so do their parents. The FSA ID and Password are used to sign the application electronically. This form is used to apply for federal, state, and institutional financial aid, which includes grants, scholarships, loans, and work study. NJ residents who do not meet the citizenship requirements to complete the FAFSA may be eligible to complete the NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application, which can be completed at https://www.hesaa.org/Pages/NJAlternativeApplication.aspx.
Completing the FAFSA is the first step in the financial aid process. Once the FAFSA is submitted to the Department of Education (DOE) and processed, the university will receive an electronic copy of your information; you will receive a report called a FAFSA Submission Summary electronically. It is important for you to review your FAFSA Submission Summary when it becomes available to make sure all of your information is correct.
The FAFSA generates a Student Eligibility Index (SAI) number which represents the amount your family is expected to contribute towards the cost of your education (although this amount may not represent what your actual out-of-pocket costs will be). SEU then uses the SAI along with the rest of your information to prepare a financial aid offer. Please note that financial aid is for one year and must be reapplied for annually. SEU recommends that all students complete the FAFSA or NJ Alternative Financial Aid Application annually prior to the April 1st priority filing deadline.
Requirements for Graduate and Certificate Program Students
Graduate students who wish to be considered for federal loans and/or federal work study must complete a FAFSA application by the applicable deadlines and be enrolled on at least a half-time basis.