Click on a question to see the answer. If you don’t see your question or need further clarification, email fa@sva.edu.
All students must submit a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as the first step. The fastest way to apply is online at studentaid.gov. You can electronically sign your application using your federal PIN, or download, sign, and mail the certification page after completing the online application.
The optimal filing dates are February 1 for new students, February 15 for transfer students, and March 1 for returning students. Applications are reviewed on a first-come, first-serve basis. We encourage all students to file as early as possible.
The federal school code for SVA is 007468 — use this when filing your FAFSA.
The NYS TAP code is 7858 for undergraduate programs — use this when filing the NYS Express TAP Application.
Yes, a new application is required every year. You will receive a FAFSA renewal notification by mail or email from the Department of Education. You may also complete a new FAFSA online at studentaid.gov or pick one up in our office.
Our office will make every effort to send you an offer letter within 2–3 weeks of receiving your FAFSA results (timing may vary). The fastest way to view it is to log into MyServices Financial Aid for your online offer letter.
Except for Federal Work Study, all awards will be deducted from your tuition bill. Awards listed as “Accepted” are approved and require no further action. Awards listed as “Estimated” or “Pending” require additional information before they are finalized. If you do not comply within the given timeframe, the award will “Expire” and you will be billed for the remaining balance. Expired awards can be renewed by meeting the outstanding requirement before the end of the semester.
Depending on your Offer Letter, you may be asked to complete additional forms or attend information sessions such as Entrance Counseling. For example, a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and the “Informed Borrower Confirmation” are required if you want to borrow a Federal Stafford Loan. Additional instructions are provided with each award offer — please review carefully and contact us with any questions.
Federal regulations require students to complete Entrance Counseling before receiving funding through self-help programs (Federal Stafford Loans and Federal Work-Study). It explains your rights and responsibilities. Entrance Counseling can be completed at studentaid.gov/entrance-counseling.
Once approved, awards are paid to your tuition account as funds are received. Typically, funds begin arriving the second week of the semester. Any excess funds (beyond tuition, fees, and residence costs) will be refunded to you approximately 10 business days after receipt. Note: refunds are made after the course adjustment period for each semester ends.
You can view the disbursement schedule below:
There are many useful scholarship search engines on the web. Here are a few we recommend:
Generally, any matriculating student attempting 6 or more credits during the summer semester may be eligible for aid. Contact a financial aid advisor for details.
- FAFSA status: studentaid.gov
- Federal loan status: studentaid.gov
- Private loan status: elmselect.com
Yes. Students who drop below full-time registration (minimum 12 credits) will have their eligibility affected. Contact your financial aid advisor for details.
Students are deemed eligible for FWS by SVA Financial Aid after successfully completing the FAFSA and meeting the awarding criteria. Students must also attend a Financial Aid Information Session during Orientation.
On-Campus:
- $17/hour for undergraduates and graduate students
- $17/hour — Undergraduate Freshman & Sophomore
- $18/hour — Undergraduate Junior & Senior
- $19/hour — Graduate students