• 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 New Undergraduate Students

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?

New students who have completed the FAFSA by February 15th should expect to receive a financial aid award letter by the end of March.

What forms are needed in order to apply for financial aid?

St. John Fisher College requires the FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) to be completed. Also the TAP application needs to be completed if the student wants to be considered for a state grant.

What forms are needed to be completed for scholarships?

Please see the St. John Fisher College Undergraduate Admissions website at http://www.sjfc.edu/admissions/scholarships.asp regarding scholarships.

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 dependents 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.

Are all families expected to contribute towards educational expenses?

Yes, this is one of the fundamental assumptions made by colleges when awarding aid. If the student is considered a dependent student based upon the definition established by the Department of Education and therefore parental income and asset information was required on the FAFSA, then the expected family contribution will include amounts from both the student and parents according to their respective incomes and assets. The contribution for students who are deemed financially independent of their parents is based on the student’s income and assets, as well as those of the student’s spouse if married.

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.

How does the Federal Work-Study Program work?

This award provides employment opportunities in various campus offices. Work-Study awards are offered to students with financial need. Students are paid at an hourly rate and receive paychecks every two weeks; the funds are not applied to the student’s bill. Students are responsible for finding employment on campus. The jobs are posted on the College’s career services website, http://home.sjfc.edu/careerservices.

What does the EFC number on my Student Aid Report (SAR) mean?

The data reported on your FAFSA is used to calculate the Expected Family Contribution (EFC) value. This value is used to determine your federal aid eligibility. St. John Fisher College uses this value as a guideline for determining your Fisher aid eligibility. The Federal EFC value is not necessarily your out-of-pocket cost to St. John Fisher College.

What is the difference between a grant and a loan?

Grants and scholarships are considered “gift aid.” Gift aid is “free” money that does not have to be repaid. Loans are considered “self-help” programs. Loans have to be repaid by the borrower.

What is the difference between a subsidized and an unsubsidized Federal Stafford loan?

A subsidized loan is awarded on the basis of financial need. The federal government pays the interest on the loan during the time you are enrolled in college and during the period in which your loan is deferred. An unsubsidized loan is not awarded on the basis of financial need, and you are charged interest form the time the loan is disbursed until it is paid in full.

Will outside scholarships affect my financial aid package?

Yes, if you accept any subsidized federal source of student aid, you are required by law to notify the Financial Aid Office of any outside awards you will receive. These figures will be used in the calculation of your financial aid award. Students cannot exceed their federal demonstrated need with any form of need based financial aid. If a package has already been awarded, adjustments will be made as necessary. Loan amounts and works study allotments are the first components of a financial aid package to be altered.

How will my aid be disbursed to me?

Once all requested documentation has been received and processed by the financial aid office, your awards will be disbursed to St. John Fisher College’s Bursar Office to be applies towards any outstanding balance. Any credit balance will be disbursed to you by the Bursar’s office.

How do I pay for books before I get my refund?

Book store expenses are an out of pocket expense. After classes begin, if a student has a credit balance, a refund check will be issued to reimburse/use for any education related expenses.

What happens if my parent is denied for the Parent PLUS loan?

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

Will St. John Fisher College match my Dollars for Scholars award?

We will automatically match up to $500 for the freshman year only.

How do I get loans from my previous school deferred?

Obtain a loan deferment form from you lender and have the Registrar’s office complete it. You can view information regarding your Federal loans at www.nslds.ed.gov.