A college education is one of the most important investments you will ever make, and it may cost less than you expect. Find out how to apply for financial aid.
In 2025, Southern awarded more than $6.4 million in scholarship and grant aid, helping students from every background access a high-quality education.
Apply for Financial Aid
Your path to financial support starts with the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). It’s the key to grants, loans, and other funding opportunities. Everyone should complete the FAFSA, without exception. Submitting it early gives you the best access to university-based grant funds, and even late applicants can still qualify for Pell Grants and Federal Direct Loans, if eligible. Once you’ve submitted your FAFSA, the Financial Aid Office automatically reviews your information and awards any aid you qualify for.
The only financial aid application required by Southern is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
- Visit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to start an application.
- Southern School Code: 001406
- Guidance on Creating a FSA ID
- Options for Creating a FSA ID without a SSN
Apply for the Aid Application for Connecticut Undocumented Students (AACTUS)
If you are not eligible to file a FAFSA, you can apply for the Aid Application for Connecticut Undocumented Students (AACTUS), which is available in Spanish and designed for certain undocumented students who cannot access federal student aid.
- Aid Application for Connecticut Undocumented Students
- Solicitud de ayuda para para estudiantes indocumentados de Connecticut (AACTUS)
Grants
Grants are free money that does not need to be repaid. Eligibility is based on your FAFSA, financial need, academic standing, and enrollment status. Note: Preference is given to full-time students, and grants may be reduced if you enroll part-time.
Undergraduate Grants
- Federal Pell Grant: Up to $7,395 (2026–2027), based on FAFSA.
- SEOG: $200–$1,000 for students with the highest financial need; priority to Pell recipients.
- Roberta B. Willis Scholarship: $500–$4,500 for eligible Connecticut residents.
- CSU Grant (CSUG): $1,000-$1,500; based on FAFSA and funding availability.
Graduate Grants
- CSU Grant (CSUG): $1,000-$1,500 based on FAFSA and available funding.
Federal Work Study
Federal Work Study gives eligible students the chance to earn money through part-time campus jobs while gaining valuable experience. Unlike grants or loans, Federal Work Study funds are earned through hours worked and are not applied to your bill upfront.
- Federal Work Study is based on financial need as determined by your FAFSA. Eligibility may change each year.
- Full-time students may be eligible for up to $4,000/yr; part-time students up to $2,000/yr.
- Actual earnings depend on your hours and job availability.
Example: A $4,000 award = up to 244 hours of work at $16.35/hour. You are paid only for the hours you work
Job Opportunities
You can work across many areas on campus, such as libraries, labs, offices, student services, and more. Some off-campus nonprofit roles may also qualify.
- Students may work up to 20 hours/week during the semester.
- Students may work up to 35 hours/week during breaks.
- Students may hold one Federal Work Study job at a time with an approved Federal Work Study Hiring Packet.
Federal Direct Loans
Southern participates in the Federal Direct Loan Program, which provides low interest loans directly from the U.S. Department of Education. Loans are available to undergraduate and graduate students, second degree seekers, teacher certification students, and parents of dependent undergraduates.
To qualify, students must:
- Complete the FAFSA
- Be enrolled in a degree program at least half-time (6 credits undergrad / 4.5 credits grad)
Types of Loans
- Subsidized Loans: For eligible undergraduates with financial need. The government pays the interest while you’re in school at least half time, during your grace period, and during deferment.
- Unsubsidized Loans: Available to both undergraduates and graduates; no financial need required. Interest accrues from the day the loan is disbursed.
- Parent PLUS Loans: For parents of dependent undergraduate students. Credit approval required.
- Graduate PLUS Loans: For graduate students. Credit approval required. Beginning July 1, 2026, the Federal Graduate PLUS Loan program will be discontinued for new borrowers.
- Legacy Provision: Students who have a Graduate PLUS Loan disbursed before July 1, 2026, and continue to be enrolled at SCSU in the same program may continue borrowing $20,500 of Direct Unsubsidized Loans and Graduate PLUS Loans up to the full cost of attendance through June 30, 2029 or until the end of their program, whichever comes first.
- Nurse Faculty Loan Program (NFLP): For graduate nursing students preparing for nursing faculty roles. Includes partial loan forgiveness for those who work full-time as nursing faculty after graduation.
Private or Alternative Loans
Private or alternative loans can help cover education costs beyond Federal Direct Loans. These loans come from banks or credit unions, and each lender sets its own interest rates, credit requirements, and repayment options.
Before borrowing, compare lenders carefully as rates, fees, and benefits can vary widely. You can explore multiple options through Elm Select Alternative Loans.
If you are planning for a winter or summer session, you will need to submit a separate loan application for each session.