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Financial Aid A Guide For Students and Parents
The most crucial step is completing the . This application determines your for various financial aid programs, including grants, loans, and work-study opportunities. We encourage you to start your application early and reach out to us if you have any questions. Your financial aid journey is important to us, and we're here to support you every step of the way. The application period will begin on December 31, with the priority deadline for ±«Óătv being April 2, 2024.
Navigating the financial aid process can be overwhelming, for students and parents alike, especially if it's your first time. If you find the process confusing, don't worry! We're here to help. Reach out to our Student Financial Services office for assistance. Applying early is key to ensuring that you recieve the most financial aid you are eligible for. We encourage all students to file their FAFSA each year as soon as it becomes available for the school year in which they will enroll.
Application Deadline
- FAFSA applications may be completed as early as December 31, the year before you plan to attend college. For example, students planning to attend Fall 2024 may fill out their 2024-2025 school year FAFSA on December 31 of 2023.
- We strongly suggest that you file your FAFSA by our April 2 priority deadline. Funds are limited for many programs, and are awarded on a first-come, first-awarded basis. La Sierra does not guarantee that all students that apply for the FAFSA by April 2 will receive these funds, but it's the best way to maximize your aid offer.
- FAFSA applications received after this date will be considered on a funds available basis only. Income estimations are acceptable on the FAFSA and any necessary corrections can be made further down the line using the Data Retrieval Tool. Contact your Financial Aid Counselor before making any correction.
Creating an Account
To get started, the student and parent(s)will need to create a Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID, which acts as an electronic signature for your FAFSA application. You'll also need to provide consent to use your previous year's (2022) tax information.
If your parents are married and filed taxes jointly, they can use one FSA ID for the FAFSA. However, if they filed separately, both parents will need to create their own FSA IDs.
FAFSA's New Look
- Reduced Number of Questions: The form has been simplified to make it more user-friendly.
- Student Aid Index (SAI) Replaces Expected Family Contribution (EFC): The new terminology aims to provide a clearer understanding of its purpose.
- Changes in Reporting Parental Information: For divorced or separated parents, the financial information of the parent with whom the student lives for the majority of the time is required.
- Expanded Eligibility for Pell Grants: Adjustments in the eligibility criteria for Pell Grants allow more students to qualify.
Docs & Forms
Download and print forms necessary for financial aid and services.
Missing paperwork?
Contact Info
sfs@lasierra.edu
951-785-2175
951-785-2942 (Fax)
Office Hours
Monday - Thursday:
8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Friday:
8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
During the school year, all service offices close on Tuesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. for University Worship.
Office Location
Administration Building, Room 101.
Connect with us
SFS Social Media @lasierrasfs
Financial Aid Timeline / Checklist
January
- Make sure you've applied to La Sierra, and completed your FAFSA (La Sierra’s FAFSA code is 001215).
- La Sierra’s early admissions acceptance begins.
February
- Attend a FAFSA & Scholarship Workshop (dates/times on OrgSync & School Calendar).
- Submit Cal Grant GPA verification (due March 2).
- Reserve a spot in the summer freshmen orientation program.
- Apply for scholarships.
- Current students only: apply for endowed scholarships through the Advancement office.
March
- File taxes as early as possible. Recommend e-filing.
- Track your Cal Grant application status at .
- Schedule an appointment for a financial estimate with a ±«Óătv enrollment counselor.
April
- Watch for your La Sierra award notification letter from the office of Student Financial Services.
May
- Turn in all documents requested by La Sierra’s Student Financial Services to complete your financial aid file by May 20.
June-August
- Complete any paperwork necessary for your student loans to be processed.
- Finalize your payment plan with La Sierra’s Student Financial Services.
September
- Make your first payment by September 10.
- Buy your books before classes begin.
October
- File your for next year.
Useful webpages:
Useful Phone Numbers:
- FAFSA: 1-800-4-FEDAID
- Cal Grant: 1-888-CA-GRANT
- IRS Transcript: 1-800-829-3676