Financial Aid FAQs
In This Section
Student Financial Services Frequently Asked Questions
Jump to a Section:
- Applying for Financial Aid
- Understanding Your Financial Aid
- Maintaining Eligibility: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Paying for School
- Special Situations
- Student Employment
- Contact and Office Information
Applying for Financial Aid
When and how should I apply for financial aid?
You should complete the ® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or Non-Federal Aid Application as early as possible each year. At Âé¶¹Ô´´ State, applying early gives you the best chance to receive state and institutional grants, which may run out. The FAFSA becomes available in December or October, depending on the year, and you’ll use your or your family’s tax info from two years before. You must submit a new FAFSA each academic year, even if your financial situation hasn’t changed. Be sure to check your ‘To-Do List’ for any follow-up documents you may need to submit. Missing documents can delay or prevent your aid from being processed.
| FAFSA® Year | Âé¶¹Ô´´ State Semesters | FAFSA® Available | NS Grant Priority Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2025–2026 | Fall 25, Spring 26, Summer 26 | December 1, 2024 | March 15, 2025 |
| 2026–2027 | Fall 26, Spring 27, Summer 27 | October 1, 2025 | January 15, 2026 |
What is Âé¶¹Ô´´ State’s school code for the FAFSA?
Our federal school code is 041143. Be sure to list this on your FAFSA to ensure we receive your information.
What happens after I submit my FAFSA?
Once you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it to make sure everything looks correct. Âé¶¹Ô´´ State will receive your FAFSA electronically. If we need more information, we’ll send a message to your Communication Center or To-Do List in your account. After everything is complete and reviewed, you’ll get an Award Offer showing the types and amounts of aid you’re eligible for. We usually start sending Award Offers for fall semester during the previous spring.
What if I haven’t received an Award Offer yet?
Start by checking your account’s Communication Center and To-Do List for any missing items. Make sure Âé¶¹Ô´´ State is listed on your FAFSA and that your Social Security Number is on file with us. Missing or incorrect info—like a wrong SSN or missing documents—can delay your award. Students can add their Social Security Number (SSN) directly through the myÂé¶¹Ô´´State Student Center, under the Personal Information tab, or by submitting documentation through the Registrar’s Office. If everything looks good and you still haven’t received anything, reach out to the Financial Aid Office for help at finaid@nevadastate.edu.
What is FAFSA verification?
Verification is a process where you’re asked to provide documents to confirm the info you entered on your FAFSA. You might be selected randomly or because something on your FAFSA needs clarification. Âé¶¹Ô´´ State uses a service called Inceptia to help collect and review your documents through a secure portal. It’s important to respond quickly so your aid isn’t delayed.
Understanding Your Financial Aid
How does my academic level affect my financial aid?
Your academic level is based on how many credits you’ve completed. It helps determine how much loan funding you’re eligible for each year:
- 0–29 credits = Freshman
- 30–59 credits = Sophomore
- 60–89 credits = Junior
- 90+ credits = Senior
You don’t need to update this yourself—Âé¶¹Ô´´ State tracks your completed credits automatically through your academic record.
What does enrollment status mean for financial aid?
Enrollment status refers to how many financial-aid-eligible credits you are taking in a semester. Only courses that count toward your declared degree or certificate program qualify:
- 12+ credits = Full-time
- 9–11 credits = Three-quarter time
- 6–8 credits = Half-time
- 1–5 credits = Less than half-time
Taking fewer credits may reduce the amount of aid you receive. Double-check your schedule with your advisor if you’re unsure which classes qualify.
Can I get financial aid if I’m taking classes at another school too?
Possibly. If the classes at the other school apply to your degree at NSU, you may be eligible for a Consortium Agreement. This lets NSU count those credits when calculating your aid. Keep in mind, you can only receive federal aid from one school at a time. Check with the Financial Aid Office for specific requirements.
Is financial aid available for summer classes?
Yes, but it depends on how much aid you’ve already used during the school year. The summer term is the final semester of the aid year, so NSU uses the same FAFSA® you submitted for fall and spring. If you’re enrolled in financial-aid-eligible credits and have a complete file, we’ll review your eligibility automatically.
Can I get aid for repeating a class?
Yes, in most cases:
- If you didn’t pass the course, you can repeat it as many times as needed with aid.
- If you passed the course (D- or higher), you can retake it one more time with aid.
- Some courses—like internships or studio classes—can be repeated multiple times and still be eligible.
If you’re unsure, check with the Financial Aid Office to avoid losing aid for repeat courses.
Maintaining Eligibility: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
To keep receiving financial aid, you must make steady progress toward completing your degree. This is called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and it’s checked at the end of each semester. The SAP rules include:
- GPA: 2.0 minimum for undergraduates; 3.0 for graduate students
- Pace: You must complete at least 67% of all credits attempted (including repeated or transfer credits)
- Maximum Timeframe: You must finish your degree within 150% of the required credits (e.g., 180 attempted credits for a 120-credit program)
What happens if I don’t meet SAP standards?
If you fall short of the GPA or pace requirement, you’ll be placed on SAP Warning and can still receive aid for one more term. If you don’t improve by the next semester, you’ll be placed on SAP Suspension and lose aid eligibility. Exceeding the maximum timeframe results in automatic suspension. You can appeal to have your aid reinstated.
How do I appeal a SAP suspension?
Submit a SAP Appeal Form with a written explanation of what caused the issue (e.g., illness, family death), what has changed, and your plan to succeed moving forward. You’ll also need supporting documents and, in some cases, an Academic Plan from your advisor. Appeals are due by the first day of the semester—or May 31 for summer.
What is an Academic Plan and when is it required?
An Academic Plan outlines the steps you’ll take to meet SAP standards again. It’s created with your advisor and required if your SAP appeal is approved. You must follow the plan every semester while on probation, or your aid may be canceled again.
Paying for School
What if I need help paying my bill?
If your financial aid doesn’t cover all of your tuition and fees, there are options to help you manage the cost:
- Use a monthly payment plan through the .
- Apply for scholarships or outside funding.
- Make payments online, in person, or by mail.
You can view your bill, set up a payment plan, or make a payment anytime by logging in to your myÂé¶¹Ô´´State account and accessing the Student Account Center.
When and how is my financial aid disbursed?
Disbursement means your financial aid is applied to your student account to pay for tuition and other charges. Disbursements usually begin no earlier than 10 days before the start of each semester. Your aid will only disburse if your file is complete and you’ve met all requirements, such as verification and enrollment in eligible credits.
What happens if I get an outside scholarship?
If you receive a scholarship or grant from an organization outside Âé¶¹Ô´´, report it to us as soon as possible. Outside aid may affect your existing financial aid package by reducing loans or other awards. You can submit scholarship checks to the Cashier’s Office in Student Financial Services. Include your name and NSHE ID on the check. All checks should be payable to Board of Regents.
How do I request a book voucher?
If you’re expecting a financial aid refund, you may be eligible for a book voucher to buy textbooks at the campus bookstore. Submit the Book Voucher Request Form from the Forms & Documents page by the Friday after classes start. Book vouchers are available during the add/drop period and unused amounts are returned to your account within 30 days.
How do I use the NSU employee Grant-in-Aid waiver?
NSHE employees, including NSU faculty and staff (and eligible dependents), can receive reduced tuition by submitting the Grant-in-Aid application through Workday. Questions about eligibility or the process should be directed to HR at HR@nevadastate.edu.
Special Situations
What if my family’s income has changed?
If you or your parents have experienced a significant loss of income (such as job loss or reduced benefits), you may qualify for a financial aid adjustment. Make an with the Financial Aid Office to discuss your situation. If it looks like a petition would help, we’ll explain what to submit and how.
What is dependency status and how does it affect my FAFSA?
Your dependency status determines whether you’re required to include parental information on your FAFSA. If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions about being over age 24, married, a veteran, or other criteria, you’re considered independent. If not, you’re considered dependent—even if your parents don’t support you financially. If you have special circumstances (like being estranged or at risk of homelessness), to discuss your options.
Student Employment
Can I get a job on campus?
Yes! Âé¶¹Ô´´ State offers many part-time jobs for students, both on campus and in community service roles. Working on campus is a great way to earn money, build your resume, and stay involved in the university community. Search for openings at or by choosing ‘Student’ under Job Type at . Most positions are limited to 19.5 hours per week and may require you to be enrolled at least half time.
Contact and Office Information
Where is Student Financial Services located?
Our office is on the second floor of Raker Student Success Center on campus at 1202 High Tech Circle in Henderson, Âé¶¹Ô´´. Stop by if you have questions or need help with your financial aid, student account, or billing.
What are your hours and how can I reach you?
We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Email us at SFS@nevadastate.edu (Cashier) or finaid@nevadastate.edu (Financial Aid)
- Call us at 702-992-2120 (Cashier) or 702-992-2150 (Financial Aid)
- Schedule a virtual or phone appointment through our system
- Walk-in anytime Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.
We’re here to help!
How can I contact the VA Certifying Official?
First, review the Veterans Enrollment Checklist.Ìý To avoid delays in receiving your VA education benefits, please follow the steps listed and submit all required documents.
- Email ÌýVA@nevadastate.edu
- CallÌý 702-992-2199
- Schedule an