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Financial Aid

Financial Aid Overview

Questions on financial aid? Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website.

We understand that applying for financial aid and figuring out how to pay for your education can be one of the most challenging parts of continuing your education. At SDSU Global Campus, we are here to help walk you through the financial aid process and answer all your questions along the way.

Taking a course with SDSU Global Campus means flexibility — you can take many of our classes online and at your own pace. It also means financial flexibility, with several financial aid options available to you. The amount and type of aid for which you are eligible is based on your enrollment, the length of the term, your cost of attendance, and other expenses unique to your program. 

We’re excited to help you start your next academic journey – and that means that we’re here to help you explore your funding options and find a financial solution that works for you. Read below for a complete overview of the financial aid options for our different types of programs.

SDSU Global Campus Credit-Bearing Programs

Eligible enrollment programs offered through SDSU Global Campus have slightly different requirements and processing procedures when you are applying for and receiving financial aid.

To be eligible for financial aid, all Global Campus students must be admitted, matriculated students to SDSU in a degree or certificate program that has been approved for financial aid.

Here is an updated list of all the SDSU Global Campus programs that are eligible for financial aid:

Bachelor’s Degree Completion Programs

Click to see list

Master’s Degree Program

Advanced Certificate Programs

Not all certificate programs offered by SDSU Global Campus are eligible for financial aid. In order to qualify for Federal Direct Loans, you must be taking a certificate course that meets the U.S Department of Education standards for financial aid.

Here are the current Global Campus certificate programs that are eligible for federal financial aid:

Other Programs

Click to see list

Eligibility for Fall and Spring Semesters

To maximize financial aid eligibility during the fall and spring semesters, you should be at least a half-time student for the full length of the semester. Half-time means 6 units for undergraduate students and students in a teaching credential program or 5 units for graduate students.

Eligibility for Summer Term

To maximize financial aid eligibility during the fall and spring semesters, you should be at least a half-time student in at least one summer session. Half-time means 6 units for undergraduate students and students in a teaching credential program or 5 units for graduate students. Information on summer aid eligibility is available on the Financial Aid and Scholarship website under “Aid for Summer Classes.”

If you are an SDSU main campus student who is enrolled less than full-time and would like to take an SDSU Global Campus course, you may qualify for additional financial aid. Refer to the Current Students page from the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website. Note, you will need to submit a Concurrent Enrollment Agreement here.

Understanding the FAFSA

Each academic year, in order to receive financial aid for the coming school year, you’ll need to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) between October 1 – June 30 to determine your financial aid eligibility (SDSU Federal School Code: 001151). Once your FAFSA application is received by SDSU, you may need to provide additional documents or verification. You or your parents also may need to submit more documentation or clarification of information you provided in your FAFSA application. 

You’ll receive emails and messages from the SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships, which will alert you to additional information you may need to complete your records and receive your financial aid. You’ll be able to access this information through my.SDSU, which is a secure online system that gives you 24-hour-a-day access to your SDSU financial aid records.

Remember, SDSU Global Campus is here to help you with your FAFSA application and any other questions you have about funding your education.

Types of Graduate Financial Aid

Unsubsidized Loan and Graduate PLUS Loan
Borrowed money that you pay back after graduation.

Private/Alternative Loans
Borrowed money that you pay back after graduation.

Types of Undergraduate Financial Aid

Pell Grant 
Need-based “free money” that doesn’t need to be repaid

Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant
Need-based “free money” that doesn’t need to be repaid

Cal Grant A and B
Need-based “free money” that doesn’t need to be repaid

Middle Class Scholarship
Need-based “free money” that doesn’t need to be repaid

Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized Loans
Borrowed money that you pay back after graduation

Federal Direct Parent PLUS Loan
Borrowed money that you or your parents pay back while you are still in school

Federal Work Study
A part-time employment program designed to help you meet your cost of attendance

Scholarships

In addition to loans and other types of financial aid, San Diego State University students have access to almost 700 scholarship opportunities to support their tuition, fund extracurricular activities, and more. Funding for SDSU scholarships has been provided by generous donors to SDSU who believe in higher education and your ability to achieve academic success. Students can also look for external scholarship opportunities.

Additionally, the Graduate Equity Fellowship program provides support for economically disadvantaged graduate students, especially from groups who are underrepresented within their respective disciplines. More information can be found here.

In most cases, scholarships do not have to be repaid, as long as the funds are used to pay for your college expenses. Visit the SDSU Financial Aid and Scholarships website at sacd.sdsu.edu/financial-aid to find available scholarships and access the Aztec Scholarship application.

State University Grant Funds

While SDSU Global Campus students are not eligible for State University Grant funds, you would still be eligible for other types of grants, such as Pell Grants and other funds awarded through the FAFSA application process.

Learn more about the State University Grant program.

Want to Learn More?

Visit the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships website for more information on financial aid.

Financial Aid for Veterans, Military, and Military Dependants

San Diego State University is proud to offer a robust array of financial aid options for veterans of the United States Armed Forces. Please visit our VA benefits webpage to learn which programs are eligible for tuition assistance.

If you are the spouse of a military person, you are eligible for free financial aid through the Military Spouse Department of Defense financial aid program. A variety of educational opportunities are available to choose from in areas such as health care, hospitality, technology, construction, and human resources.

The GI Bill is applicable, but SDSU Global Campus students who are dependents of disabled veterans are not eligible for the CalVet Fee Waiver benefit as part of their financial aid. 

To find information about our Veterans Assistance programs, the G.I. Bill, or other military-related inquiries, please contact SDSU’s Joan and Art Barron Veterans Center online at arweb.sdsu.edu/es/veterans, by phone at 619-594-5813, or by email at veterans@sdsu.edu.

Workforce Development Financial Aid

Several SDSU Global Campus programs are approved by the local San Diego Workforce Partnership for free tuition. The Workforce Partnership has specific eligibility requirements to receive this funding. Contact a Career Center near you to determine if you’re eligible to receive financial assistance for training from a provider.

Local Lending Institutions

The total amount of federal and state aid you receive (including grants, scholarships, and loans) may not cover the full cost of your program. To help cover the balance of your tuition, you may be able to borrow additional loans from a private lender. 

Various local banks, credit unions, and lending institutions now offer private loan programs specifically for continuing education. Check with your local financial institution to see what types of programs may be available.

Company Tuition Reimbursement

Many companies and organizations have tuition reimbursement programs for their employees. Check with your company’s human resources department to see if you qualify. Some companies will also pay for the costs up-front.