GSU Parents, This page was designed to provide you with quick and easy answers to various Financial Aid concerns.
Federal Financial Aid
Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) by April 1. This process takes up to 6 weeks so the earlier you apply, the earlier you will hear from us. Please remember to list GSU on the FA.
- Once GSU receives the electronic results of your student's FAFSA, we may request additional supporting documentation. Be sure to submit any requested information to GSU's Financial Aid Office as soon as possible.
- The Financial Aid Office will begin notifying recipients in late April.
- The GSU school code is 002006.
Other Financial Aid
Please contact the GSU Office of Student Financial Aid & Scholarships for information on any assistance programs.
Important Dates and Deadlines
January 1 Earliest date a student may submit the Free
Application for Federal Student Aid
April 1 Free Application for Federal aid should be filed by this date.
May 1 Priority Deadline for TOPS (Louisiana Tuition Opportunity Program)
June 1 Financial Aid Office must receive the electronic results of the FAFSA and any additional documents by this date.
Frequently Asked Questions
Exactly what is financial aid and how do we apply?
Financial Aid is money from the federal and state government and private sources that assist a family in meeting the cost of the student's education. Financial Aid is composed of scholarships, grant, work-study, and loans. Students must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) in order to determine eligibility for need-based financial aid.
How do I become eligible for financial aid?
To be eligible for any federal financial aid, your student must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) available from your high school guidance office or public library, or on the Internet at www.fafsa.ed.gov. The FAFSA may not be submitted before January 1, but must be submitted no later than April 1. This form, completed annually, is used by the government to determine your child's financial aid eligibility.
How is financial aid determined?
The majority of financial aid award is based on "need". A family's financial need is calculated according to a standard formula based on the information provided on the FAFSA. When the application is processed, you will receive a Student aid Report (SAR) with a calculated Expected Family Contribution (EFC). This contribution is a dollar amount that is used to determine eligibility for financial aid. The amount is calculated as follows:
Cost of Attendance (COA)
(Minus) Expected Family Contribution (EFC)
= Financial Need (eligibility for financial aid)
Must I complete the FAFSA every year?
Yes, the FAFSA is a document required each year a student attends school. Following the prescribed calendar deadlines is essential for maximizing your potential to receive financial aid.
What is GSU's School Code for the FAFSA?
The GSU School Code is 002006.
