Financial Aid

What is Financial Aid?

Financial aid is any source of funds available to help students pay for their college education.

If you think you will need support beyond your own financial resources, whatever your family situation, you should apply for financial aid.

Types of Financial Aid

• Grants

  Federal and state grants and tuition assistance are gift aid that usually do not have to be repaid. They are need based – students must fill out the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to verify their financial need.

• Loans

  Both public and private loans must be repaid with interest. Some loans are need-based. Students must fill out the FAFSA to be eligible for ANY student loans.

• Scholarships

  Scholarships are based on academic merit. You do not have to show financial need, and the money does not have to be repaid. SNU Tahoe has a generous merit scholarship program for undergraduates. Most graduate scholarships are program-specific – ask your admissions counselor or program administrator.

• Work-Study

  Undergraduate students with financial need can apply for part-time Federal Work Study (FWS) jobs on campus. Students must fill out the FAFSA to determine their eligibility.

Can I Afford College?

We’re here to help you afford a great SNU education. Use the Undergraduate Tuition & Fees and Graduate Tuition & Fees links to estimate your costs. Undergraduates on our main campus should use the FRESHMAN or TRANSFER Cost Calculator to see how our merit scholarships will reduce your tuition.

• Undergraduate Tuition & Fees
• Graduate Tuition & Fees

Who is Eligible for Need-Based Aid?

The basic requirements to be eligible for receive need-based financial aid are:

• Complete the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid).
• Have financial need (for need-based programs).
• Be accepted for enrollment, or be enrolled, as a student working toward a degree or certificate. You may apply for aid before you are accepted, but aid can not be offered until you have been admitted to SNU.
• Be a U.S. citizen, or an eligible non-U.S. citizen.
• Have a valid Social Security Number.
• Be registered with the Selective Service, if required.
• Be making Satisfactory Academic Progress toward a degree.
• Use federal student aid only for educational purposes.
• Not owe a refund on a federal grant or be in default on any federal educational loan.

More Financial Aid Info

• Sources of Financial Aid
• Apply for Financial Aid
• Undergraduate Scholarships
• FAQs
• Deadlines & Policies
• Financial Aid Resources and Forms

Special Circumstances
Students enrolled at more than one institution:
Students who are enrolled at more than one college or university at the same time may receive financial aid from only one of the institutions, not both.

Undergraduate students who have already received one or more bachelor’s degree(s):
Undergraduates who have already received a bachelor’s degree will only be eligible for loans. This includes students in double major or dual degree programs who have already met the requirements for one of their majors or degrees and are continuing their education toward the additional major or degree.