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Preparation + opportunity = success

That's the DSU equation. We're a four-year university with nationally recognized programs, cutting-edge facilities, and the brightest thinkers. But we're also a tight-knit, inclusive community. Small class sizes mean hands-on training and individualized attention. All this with an affordable, public school price that's among the best values in the region.

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Home ― Admissions ― Financial Aid

Financial Aid

How do I apply for financial aid?

Finding and applying for financial aid might seem complex - but we're here to help. These steps will walk you through filling out your Free Application for Student Federal Aid (FAFSA) online and what happens next.

You must complete a FAFSA in order to receive federal financial aid of any kind, including grants, work-study, and federal loans.

  1. First, apply for admission to DSU. You must be accepted to DSU in order to receive a financial aid award offer.
  2. To fill out your FAFSA online, both you and a parent will need to create an account at studentaid.gov.
  3. Collect the documents required by the FAFSA, including income tax returns, W-2 forms, etc.
  4. Complete the FAFSA online. You can submit the FAFSA as early as October 1. Be sure to include DSU's FAFSA School Code which is 003463.
  5. Compile an estimated cost of attendance. The cost of attendance is a standardized estimate of the overall cost of Dakota State University for a specific period.
  6. Complete the applications for any scholarships that fit your needs, talents, and achievements.
  7. You'll get a FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) after filling out your FAFSA. Review it, and if any changes need to be made, make them and resubmit them. Your complete, correct FSS will contain your Student Aid Index (SAI) - the number used to determine your federal student aid eligibility.
  8. If you are selected for federal verification, you'll receive information from the Enrollment Service Center in Vermillion, SD, on which forms to submit. Be sure to provide the requested documents as soon as you can.
  9. If you are eligible for financial aid, we'll send you an award offer notification in the mail. This usually happens in January for new first-time students.

NASFAA

The DSU Financial Aid Office, as a member of the National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators (NASFAA), complies with the NASFAA Ethical Principles and Code of Conduct for Institutional Financial Aid Professionals

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Questions? Whether you need personalized information about your specific financial situation, or you need guidance on the FAFSA, we’re here to help.

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“The admissions, registration, and finance office made everything so smooth and easy for my son's admission process. Every email was professional, everyone was flexible, patient, helpful and questions were answered right away.”

DSU Parent