How to Apply

It can feel like a lot of work to apply for financial aid. But we'll be here to answer questions every step of the way. Here's how the application process works:

1. First things first: Apply and be admitted to CityU. Continuing students must meet Satisfactory Academic Progress requirements.
2. Fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) for the upcoming academic year.

   Complete the 2010-2011 FAFSA if you're planning to attend during the Summer 2010/11, Fall 2010/11, Winter 2011 or Spring 2011 quarters.

   You can apply online at www.fafsa.ed.gov. Our Federal School Code number is 013022. Be sure to follow all the prompts and recommendations on the site, including signing up for a PIN.

3. After your FAFSA is processed by the federal government, you'll receive a Student Aid Report* (SAR) electronically or by mail. If you included our school code 013022 on your application - which we certainly hope you did - we'll also receive a copy of your SAR. (If you left off our school code, no worries: You can add it by correcting your SAR online or by calling 1.800.4.FED.AID.)

   *If you applied for 2010/2011 and your SAR information shows you were selected for review in a process called "verification," you must submit the following completed and signed documents:

   • 2010-2011 Independent Verification Worksheet (if no parent information is required), or 2010-2011 Dependent Verification Worksheet (if you were required to put parent tax information on your FAFSA)
   • "B" Worksheet
   • A signed copy of your 2009 Federal Income Tax Return including all schedules.
   
   If you are married, you will need a signed copy of your and your spouse's return. If you are a dependent student, you will need a signed copy of your parent's 2009 Federal Income Tax Return including schedules.

   If you, your spouse, or your parents didn't file and are not required to file an income tax return for 2009, you will verify this on the Verification Worksheet.

4. If our Financial Aid Office needs more information, we'll let you know by mail or email. Be sure to respond quickly, so we can keep your application moving along. Summer and fall quarters are very busy, so processing can take up to 12 weeks.
5. After we've received and reviewed all of your documentation, we'll calculate your eligibility for federal financial aid programs and notify you of your award package by email. This must be done every year.
6. First-time borrowers at CityU, go to www.edfund.org to complete the Entrance Interview and Stafford Master Promissory Note (MPN).

If you're a continuing student you are required for the 2010/11 year to complete a new MPN due to the mandatory change over to the Direct Lending Program.