A college education is one of the most important investments you’ll ever make—and it’s more affordable than you think. Last year, Southern awarded more than $6.4 million in scholarship and grant aid, helping students from every background access a high-quality education. 

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. Use Federal School Code: 001406 to get started.

Complete your FAFSA or AACTUS

Everyone should complete a FAFSA—no exceptions. 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—no additional steps needed.

How to Get Started

The only financial aid application required by Southern is the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA):

• Southern School Code: 001406
• Guidance on Creating a FSA ID
• Options for Creating a FSA ID without a SSN

Not eligible to file a FAFSA? The AACTUS application (Spanish version available) is exclusively for a specific group of undocumented students who cannot apply for federal student aid. 

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, FWS funds are earned through hours worked, not applied to your bill upfront.

How It Works

• 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—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
• Up to 35 hours/week during breaks
• Students may hold one FWS job at a time with an approved FWS 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)

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/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—rates, fees, and benefits can vary widely. You can explore multiple options through Elm Select Alternative Loans.

Planning for Winter or Summer? You’ll need to submit a separate loan application for each session.