Financial Aid Checklist

Follow these steps to apply for federal student aid:

  • Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Include the St. John Fisher University federal school code: 002821.
  • Sign the FAFSA electronically using your Federal Student Aid (FSA) ID. You can create an FSA ID on the Federal Student Aid website, or when logging in to the FAFSA.
  • If you wish to apply for the Federal Direct Student Loan, you must complete and submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). You will need to review and accept your loan amount on Fish ‘R’ Net
    • First-time borrowers at St. John Fisher University will also need to complete loan entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) at Studentaid.gov in order for funds to be disbursed to their student account. 
    • If you have previously borrowed federal student loans, be sure to update your loan servicer(s) with contact information and enrollment status (for loan deferment purposes). Loan servicer contact information can be found at Studentaid.gov.
  • Evaluate your need for additional funding such as the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan through the Department of Education, or private education loans through various lenders of your choice. 

Note: The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is a federal loan that graduate or professional degree students can use to help pay education expenses. The Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan is credit-based. Please visit StudentAid.gov for detailed information regarding PLUS loan credit requirements. 

  • Prior to borrowing through the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan program, you may need to review your credit reports for potential issues. Contact any of the following credit bureaus for information: Experian, Equifax, or TransUnion.
  • Once you have made the decision to apply for the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you must apply at Studentaid.gov
    • First-time borrowers will also need to complete entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN) for Graduate/Professional Students at Studentaid.gov
  • If you are denied the Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan, you can add an endorser to the application or appeal the denial through the Department of Education. More information is available at Studentaid.gov
  • Visit Studentaid.gov for more information on Federal Student Aid programs and eligibility criteria. 

Revised: March 2021