Financial Aid
We know the financial aid process can sometimes feel overwhelming; we’re here to help you navigate. This page shares how to start your application, defines types of aid, and gives answers to common financial aid questions.
How to Apply for Financial Aid
The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) helps determine your family’s expected financial contribution (EFC) to your education and your eligibility for federal financial aid programs.
Complete the FAFSA
You’ll need to do the following to complete your FAFSA online:
- Create a username and password (referred to as your federal student aid ID, or FSA ID) at StudentAid.Gov.
- Gather personal and financial information such as your social security number, most recent tax returns, bank and investment account balances.
- Find the federal financial aid codes for any school to which you’re applying. For quick reference, here are our federal and state codes:
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St. Lawrence Financial Aid Codes |
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Federal School Code/FAFSA |
002829 |
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NY State School Code/TAP - undergraduate |
0075 |
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NY State School Code/TAP - graduate |
5340 |
**If you are missing a document or need more information, rest assured that you don’t have to complete the FAFSA in one sitting; when logged in with your FSA ID, you will be able to save your application and return later.
Deadlines and Timelines
Submit your FAFSA and other supplemental financial aid application information by the deadline:
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Student/Application Type |
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First-year students |
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Transfer students |
March 1 |
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Returning students (renewal application) |
February 1 |
Types of Financial Aid
Financial aid can help students and their families meet the remaining cost of attendance after gift aid is applied.
St. Lawrence University recognizes students for their academic and extracurricular achievements with a range of merit scholarships; additionally, we offer need-based scholarships for ambitious students with academic promise.
Grants are need-based financial aid awards that don’t have to be repaid; options include:
Federal grants, such as the PELL Grant and Supplemental Educational Opportunity Grant (SEOG).
State-funded grants, such as New York’s Tuition Assistance Program (TAP) and the Arthur O. Eve Higher Education Opportunity Program (HEOP)
St. Lawrence institutional grants, including need-based awards in varying amounts; and Legacy Grants, available to students with a sibling, parent, grandparent, or other immediate family members who attend St. Lawrence.
Additionally, eligible St. Lawrence students may apply for one-time grants to help fund travel for research, off-campus study, or study abroad.
St. Lawrence University participates in several federal student loan programs, including:
Unsubsidized Federal Direct Loan - rewarded regardless of financial need
Subsidized Federal Direct Loan - based on financial need; interest is deferred until repayment begins
Federal Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students (PLUS) - a credit-based student loan in the parents’ name(s)
Your lending institution might also offer private educational loans at a reasonable interest rate; these are sometimes called “alternative student loans.”
Part-time, on-campus employment helps many students cover educational and personal expenses -- and the experience also builds professional skills. Sometimes student employment, also called work-study, is offered as part of a financial aid package.
CARES Act
Thanks to the federal funding from the Higher Education Emergency Relief Fund, under the Coronavirus Aid, Relief and Economic Security (CARES) Act, St. Lawrence University can offer a limited number of emergency grants to eligible students.
CARES Act funding can be used toward:
- Food
- Housing
- Books and course materials
- Technology
- Healthcare
- Childcare
- Transportation
Federal & State Aid to Native Americans
The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) Grant offers financial assistance to eligible tribe members (at least ¼ indigenous blood, certified by their tribe) who demonstrate need and are enrolled in (or accepted to) a four-year degree program.
The New York State Native American Aid Program offers annual grants of up to $2,000. To be eligible, students must be:
- an enrolled member of a New York State tribe
- a resident of New York State
- Enrolled in an approved two- or four-year degree program at a college in New Yor
Next Steps & Resources for Admitted Students
If you’re joining us this fall, congratulations on your acceptance and decision to join the St. Lawrence community! Here are the next steps and helpful resources for all things related to financial aid.
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Accept or View Your Financial Aid Award |
Your financial aid award letter will arrive by June; you can review and accept your personalized package through the SLU Portal. If you have questions about your award letter, you may call the Financial Aid Office at 800-355-0863. |
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Enroll in a Payment Plan or Pay a Bill |
Visit our Student Financial Services office to learn about or enroll in interest-free payment plans. |
For orientation, move-in, and other details, be on the lookout for emails/letters from the First-Year Program or visit our website.