• Financial Aid Office
• Undergraduate Financial Aid
  • Financial Aid Programs
  • Alternative Financing Options
  • New Student Financial Aid Checklist
  • New Student FAQ's
  • Current Student Financial Aid Checklist
  • Current Student FAQ's
  • Preferred Lender List Selection Process

Financial Aid FAQ's Returning Undergraduate Students

Can I apply financial aid toward a study abroad program?

We recommend that you meet with a financial aid counselor prior to applying for the study abroad program.

What is the average student loan indebtedness of the college’s graduates?

The average student loan indebtedness of St. John Fisher College’s graduates is $22,900.

When will we be notified about the amount of financial aid we can expect?

If all requested documents have been submitted and processed, returning students will receive an award letter in June.

Are tuition payment plans available?

Yes, St. John Fisher College does have a payment plan. Please visit the Bursar’s office website at http://home.sjfc.edu/bursar for details.

If my parents are divorced or separated, which parent should complete the FAFSA?

You should answer the questions using information about the parent that you lived with more during the past 12 months. If you did not live with one parent more than the other, give answers about the parent who provided the most financial support for you (e.g. money, gifts, loans, housing, food, clothes, medical expenses.)

Is it too late to apply for financial aid?

Probably not. The FAFSA takes approximately 4-6 weeks to process. Financial aid can be calculated and awarded to students once we receive the FAFSA data. It is recommended that you keep a copy of the FASFA for your records before sending it. We are not able to retroactively process financial aid after a student’s last term of enrollment.

My Student Aid Report (SAR) indicates that I have been selected for verification. What does that mean?

The Department of Education randomly selects students to have their submitted FAFSA information verified by the school. St. John Fisher College notifies students by mail of any required documentation needed to complete the verification process.

How can I be declared an independent student?

In order to be considered independent, a student must be born before January 1, 1984, be enrolled in a graduate, master’s or doctorate program, be married at the time of filing the FAFSA, have dependent(s) who receive more that half of their support from you, your parents deceased or you are (or were until age 18) a ward/dependent of the court, be a veteran of the U.S Armed Forces, or you are currently serving on active duty in the U.S. Armed Forces for purposes other than training.

Will I receive the same amount of aid every year?

Financial aid is reviewed annually and requires you to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year that aid is requested. The FAFSA filing priority deadline for St. John Fisher College is February 15th of each year. An award is continued if the student is making satisfactory progress toward a degree, is in need of financial assistance and meets academic requirements of merit scholarships. Substantial adjustments in aid from year to year are seldom made unless there is a significant change in family financial need.

What happens if my family’s circumstances change after I’m in school?

Students or parents are encouraged to call the Financial Aid Office if a situation arises which affects their ability to finance the student’s education. Examples of change in circumstances which warrant a re-evaluation would be a loss of job, separation/divorce, death, high medical expenses, etc. Additional documentation may be requested by the Financial Aid Office depending upon the circumstance.

Do I need to re-apply every year for aid or is it automatically renewed?

You need to re-apply every year. Aid eligibility is reviewed annually and requires you to file the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or Renewal FAFSA each year that aid is requested. The FAFSA filing deadline for St. John Fisher College is February 15th of each year. Late applicants will be reviewed only if funds are available. TAP Grant eligible students also need to complete the TAP application every year at www.tapweb.org.

What are the school codes for St. John Fisher College?

The Federal School Code for St. John Fisher College is 002821.
The New York State Undergraduate TAP Code is 0735.

Can I use my aid for summer classes?

If you are taking 6 or more credit hours and full time undergraduate student please make an appointment to meet with a financial aid counselor. If you are taking 6 or more credit hours and are a part time undergraduate student, please complete the summer financial aid request form available in our office or in the summer course registration booklet.

What happens to my aid if I move to off campus housing?

Your aid will remain the same, unless you receive the room grant, First Generation Scholarship, Service Scholarship, and the Catholic High School Scholarship. These awards will either be reduced or eliminated.

What happens to my aid if I drop a class?

Please see the Bursar office refund policy and a financial aid counselor.

What happens if my parent(s) are denied for the Parent PLUS loan?

Upon receipt of notification of the denial, you will be awarded an additional unsubsidized Stafford loan.