Financial Aid

The primary purpose of the financial aid program at USD is to provide financial assistance to students who, without such aid, would be unable to attend the university. Financial assistance consists of scholarships, grants, loans, and employment.

Primary responsibility for financing an education rests upon the student and the student’s family. Financial aid from the university is viewed as a supplement to funds which can be provided by the student, the student’s family, and other sources. Students requesting financial assistance may be expected to meet a portion of their educational expenses by accepting employment, loan(s), or both. Because financial aid funds are limited, need is the primary factor in awarding most financial aid. For USD scholarships and grants, consideration is given to the applicant’s academic achievement, character, and potential. Students requesting financial assistance from USD resources should also apply for all of the scholarships for which they may be eligible. Scholarship resources can be found on the Scholarship website.

A financial aid offer may consist of funding from one or more programs and can vary depending on established need and/or merit.

Eligibility Requirements

  1. The student must be accepted officially by the Office of Undergraduate Admissions to pursue a degree or certificate, and maintain satisfactory academic progress as defined in the USD Guide to Financial Aid Consumer Information. The guide is available on the Office of Financial Aid website.
  2. The student must complete the appropriate application(s) – see application procedure below.
  3. The student must be a United States citizen or eligible non-citizen.
  4. The student must not be in default on any federal loan(s) or owe a refund on any federal grant(s).
  5. Financial aid applicants must be aware that certain financial aid programs are designed to assist students who complete their degree work in a four-year period. Those who elect or require additional time may have to rely more heavily on self-help assistance in the form of work and/or loans.
  6. Certain USD funds require full-time enrollment.

Application Procedure

  1. Each student must complete a Financial Aid Application. US Citizens and eligible non-citizens must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available at https://studentaid.gov/h/apply-for-aid/fafsa. Students without legal immigration status who meet California AB540 criteria must submit the California Dream Act Application available at https://www.csac.ca.gov/. Students without legal immigration status who are from outside of California must submit the USD Dream Act Application available at https://www.sandiego.edu/one-stop/forms/financial-aid.php. 
  2. When required by federal law, and upon request from the Office of Financial Aid, it will be necessary for the student to provide their/their parents’ most recent tax information and/or respond to other requests for information by the Office of Financial Aid.
  3. All financial aid applications must be submitted or postmarked on or before the priority deadline dates listed in the academic calendar in order to receive priority consideration. Additionally, all follow-up information must be received by the USD Office of Financial Aid by the deadlines specified on the follow-up requests. Non-priority applicants are considered for any remaining funds and are processed after priority applicants.
  4. Students must follow these procedures each year in reapplying for financial aid.