Current Graduate Students
Welcome Back Seawolf!

Welcome back to another exciting academic year! Whether you're a returning student or just starting your journey with us, we're thrilled to have you back on campus.

Below is a step-by-step guide that will continue you through the financial aid process here at Stony Brook University.  You will be able to find quick links to help narrow your questions and help you throughout the process.

• Getting Started...
  • Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online
  • Stony Brook University School Code: 002838, Make sure to retain your FAFSA Submission Summary (FSS) after your FAFSA is processed.
    • 2024-25 FAFSA - Summer 2024/Fall 2024/Spring 2025
    • 2023-24 FAFSA - Summer 2023/Fall 2023/Spring 2024
• Notifications...
  • Shortly after receiving the FAFSA application our office will sent out "To Do List" items on your SOLAR Account. 
    • All required documents must be submitted and reviewed before your awards are posted to your account.  Failure to respond in a timely manner may reduce your financial aid awards
  • Financial aid once posted to your SOLAR Account may be based on full-time enrollment (12 credits or more).  If you plan on staying under 12 credits your aid may be adjusted after the add/drop date each term.
• Funding Your Education...

  If the combination of your grants, scholarships, personal payments, and Payment Plan (TOPP) are not sufficient to cover your costs you may want to consider applying for a loan.

  Selecting the right loan for you

  • Federal Stafford Loans
  • Federal Graduate PLUS Loan
  • Alternative Private Loans
• The Process...
  • All students must meet financial aid Satisfactory Academic Process (SAP) standards to maintain eligibility for financial aid awards.
  • Students who are selected for Federal Verification must submit their requested documents before financial aid offers can be posted to students accounts.
• Award Notifications...

  Students who are enrolled for classes will begin to receive their financial aid awards prior to the bills being posted.  Students will receive a email notification to their Stony Brook email address once financial aid is posted to your account.  Students will also be able to view and accept any aid on their SOLAR Account at that time.

  • Financial aid is awarded for the academic aid year.
  • Financial aid is split evenly between the fall and spring terms.
  • Expected timeframe of awards to be posted may vary year by year, however we strive to have awarded posted by June prior to the start of the academic school year and prior to bills being posted in July/August.
• Are you applying for Summer...
  • Students who are planning on attending the summer session will have their financial aid posted to their accounts once summer aid processing begins. 
  • Students should make sure to have the FAFSA processed and submit any requested documents from their "To Do List" on SOLAR.  
  • Our office will send students out notifications once their summer aid is posted to their account.

  Information on Summer Aid and Timelines