The Federal code is used when filling out the FAFSA

What is the EFC and how is it calculated?

The Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, is the amount that the student's family is expected to contribute toward the Cost of Attendance. The U.S. Department of Education uses Federal Methodology (FM) to calculate your financial aid eligibility.  FM takes into account:

• Your family income
• Taxes paid
• The # of family members
• The # of brothers and sisters in college
• Net value of assets

How do I check the status of my TAP award?

You may log onto the HESC web site (www.hesc.com) to check your award status. To check your award status on campus, self serve computers are available at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.

How do I go about establishing New York State Residency?

All requests to establish residency are handled by Student Accounts.  You can read about residency requirements and download the residency questionnaire at: www.stonybrook.edu/bursar

How do I know when my Financial Aid Award package has been created?

A SOLAR System To Do List item will be assigned.  Directions will be provided in the To Do List item detail.

Visit our parent web page for Parent Loan process.

How will I know when my financial aid awards will disburse?

• Log into the Solar System. 
• Click Financial Aid which can be found in the Student Financial Services section. 
• Click View & Accept Decline FinAid. 
• Click the appropriate Aid Year. 
• Scroll to the term in question. 
• Click View Scheduled Disbursements.

Why hasn't my student loan disbursed? 

• You have not accepted the loan on the Solar System. 
• You have not taken care of required To Do List items.
• Log into the Solar System to view your To Do List items.
• You have not signed your Master Promissory Note (MPN). 

How will I know when I need to sign a Master Promissory Note? 

This information will be displayed as a To Do List item on your Solar System Account.  Specific directions will be provided in the To Do List detail.

What is the difference between a Subsidized Stafford loan and an Unsubsidized Stafford loan?

• Federally subsidized loan used to help fund a student's educational expenses

• Federally subsidized loan used to help fund a student's educational expenses

• Available to matriculated students who are enrolled at least halftime (6 credits)

• Available to matriculated students who are enrolled at least halftime (6 credits)

• The loan is funded through a participating lender

• The loan is funded through a participating lender

• Available to students with financial need

• Financial need is not a requirement

• Interest paid by the federal government while student is enrolled at least halftime and during grace period

• Student is responsible for interest during the life of the loan. Student can elect to pay the interest while in school or they may choose to allow the interest to accrue (accumulate) and capitalize (add to the principal amount of the loan). Capitalizing the interest will increase the amount of loan in repayment.

Where do I go to pick up a refund check?

The Bursar's Office introduces a convenient program for processing student refunds. Through direct deposit, they will deposit any student refund into the financial institution of your choice. Electronic deposits are secure, fast and convenient and you can avoid waiting to receive your refund check at the counter or in the mail. Enrollment is done via the SOLAR system. To enroll, log into SOLAR > Student Financial Services > Account Information/Payment > Direct Deposit > Add Account > Complete the Panel > Save. At any point during the term you may edit or delete this direct deposit refund option. Refund checks are printed weekly. Refunds through direct deposit are processed daily.

How are Federal Work-Study funds awarded?

Federal Work-Study is a form of need based aid.  In order to be considered for this program you must file your FAFSA by March 1st.  Since there is only a limited amount of funds available, students are encouraged to file their FAFSA as early as possible.

How do I find an on campus job?

A complete listing of all on-campus jobs is available on the Solar System.  You are welcome to use the computers in the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services to begin your search.

How can I find out about financial aid for a Study Abroad program I am considering?

I am currently considered a dependent student when applying for federal student aid, but due to extenuating circumstances, I feel that I should be considered independent. How do I go about requesting a dependency override?

For complete instructions and forms please visit the Request a Dependency Override page on our web site. 

For complete instructions and forms please visit the Request for Re-evaluation page on our web site.

I need proof of enrollment to qualify for an in-school deferment or to provide to my parent’s health insurance provider.  How can I get this form?

How can I get advice on loan consolidation? 

If you need information on loan consolidation the best place to look for information is on the Federal Student Aid Web Site.