How to Apply for Financial Aid - Domestic Students

Application for financial aid is completed through a series of steps.  Each step must be complete before the next can be started.

STEP 1: Complete a Free Application for Student Aid (FAFSA) online by March 2^nd 2012 

• You may complete this application even before your parents file their taxes. Estimate your annual family income based on last year’s taxes.  You will have an opportunity to update this information during the verification process.
• You must submit this application online no later than March 2^nd 2012 to be considered for financial aid. If you submit your FAFSA after the deadline, you may not be eligible to receive some forms of aid.
• The Soka University of America school code is: 038144

STEP 2: Complete a Verification Form and submit supporting documentation by May 1^st 2012

• The Verification form must be completed by May 1^st. If you cannot provide some documentation until after May 1^st, you must note that on the form. We will only accept late documentation from students who notify us in writing on this form by May 1^st.
• Supporting documentation required will depend on the information you provided on your FAFSA and will vary by student.  Necessary documentation will be determined by completing your verification form.

STEP 3: Accept aid online at your Soka account

• You will be able to start accepting aid once you have been issued your final financial aid award after verification is complete.  You will be notified when you are able to begin accepting aid.

STEP 4: Complete lending paperwork online if you choose to accept any Federal Loans offered to you or your parents by July 1^st 2012

• Students must complete only one online MPN for their Stafford Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans throughout their time at Soka University of America
• Parents will have to complete an online application for the PLUS loan as well as complete an online MPN each year they wish to participate in the lending program
• Both lending programs can be completed at studentloans.gov

Financial Aid Timeline

The Office of Financial Aid begins to accept financial aid applications	January 1st
Financial Aid Application Deadline	March 2nd
Preliminary packages are released for newly admitted students	2nd week of March
Verification forms and supporting documentation due for all students	May 1st
Verified financial aid packages released to all students	1st week of June
Deadline to accept aid online (learn.soka.edu)	June 10th
All lending documentation due	July 1st
First disbursement of aid	3rd week of September

Financial Aid Links

FAFSA

Verification Form-Dependent Students

Verification Form-Independent Students

Your Online Soka Account

How to request a tax transcript

The Financial Aid Office maintains the right to request additional documentation such as, but not limited to, income verification, non-taxable income certification, verification of non-filing status, bank/investments, verification of household size and number in college.