How and When to Apply for Financial Aid

In order to apply for financial aid, you must complete the following forms:

Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)

This U.S. Department of Education form is designed to determine your eligibility for federal and state financial aid and should be completed as soon as possible after January 1 of each year.

• Deadline: April 30, 2009
• www.fafsa.ed.gov — to begin completing the FAFSA
• www.pin.ed.gov — to request a pin number (if you don't already have one)
• Arthur A. Dugoni School of Dentistry Federal School Code: G04498

If you want to be considered for a Health Professions Student Loan (HPSL), you must provide parental financial information.

Although it is preferable to use a completed 2008 federal income tax return to complete the FAFSA, you may use reasonable estimates for your 2008 income.

Once you complete the FAFSA, the federal processor will send you an acknowledgment that your application was received and processed. This acknowledgment will provide your Expected Family Contribution (EFC). The federal processor will also electronically transmit the analysis of the data you submitted to each institution you specified on the FAFSA.

It is your responsibility to ensure that you have submitted all forms necessary to complete your financial aid application. The Financial Aid Office will notify you of any forms needed to complete your application. Be sure to submit all requested information as soon as possible. If you are unsure if all required forms are on file, contact the Financial Aid Office at 415.929.6452. Once you have completed and submitted all required forms, your application will be reviewed and packaged. 

The Financial Aid Office calculates the estimated cost of attendance including tuition and fees, books and supplies, room and board, personal expenses, transportation and miscellaneous expenses. To determine your financial need, your EFC is subtracted from the cost of attendance.

We will send you a financial aid award letter outlining the financial aid included in your package. This notice will include information about each award offered and instructions for accepting or rejecting each award. It is our policy to first award scholarships and grants, followed by eligible loans. The loan programs, Federal Stafford, HPSL and alternative loans will require supplemental applications. The applications will be sent along with your award letter.

The dental school's Business Office is responsible for disbursing your financial aid. Stafford, Grad PLUS, HPSL and most alternative loan disbursements are applied electronically to your student account. Your financial aid is applied directly to the payment of institutional charges (i.e. tuition, fees, books and supplies, and dental school housing). Any credit balance on your account will be refunded to you by the Business Office.

Helpful Hints:

• Apply early — File the FAFSA as soon as possible, after January 1, 2009.
• Be accurate — Read all instructions carefully before you begin. Make sure you use your correct social security number and legal name on all application materials.
• Keep copies — It is your responsibility to photocopy the forms, correspondence and other information you submit to the Financial Aid Office. We recommend that you record the dates you submit information and the name of persons you talk to.
• Re-apply every year — Your financial aid is not renewed automatically.