Parents

Can I obtain information on my student's account?

It is important for your student to understand the financial aid process, especially since the University is unable to provide information on a student's account without the student's permission (even if the parents are providing support for all or part of the cost of the student's education). This is in accordance with FERPA regulations.  The Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974, as amended (also sometimes referred to as the Buckley Amendment), is a federal law regarding the privacy of student records and the obligations of the institution, primarily in the areas of release of the records and the access provided to these records. Any educational institution that receives funds under any program administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education is bound by FERPA requirements. Institutions that fail to comply with FERPA may have funds administered by the U.S. Secretary of Education withheld. If your student would like the Financial Aid Office to share information on his or her account, please have him or her complete the Federal Release of Information form.   Otherwise, you and your student are welcome to come into the Financial Aid Office or call together so that you both can hear financial aid information.

Releases must be signed in each office every year, and are specific to that particular office (signing a release in the Registrar's Office does not mean that you will have access to financial aid information).

How do I apply for a PLUS Loan?

The Direct Parent PLUS loan is a credit based loan; only the student's parent, adoptive parent, or step-parent may apply. Dependent students will be offered a PLUS loan on the award letter. The maximum PLUS loan you may borrow for an academic year is determined by your student's Cost of Attendance minus all other aid (including student loans). You do not have to borrow the entire amount offered to you. 

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What is the status of my son/daughter's file?

Your student should monitor his or her My Sac State account on a regular basis. All financial aid information is available in My Sac State.  Sections to look at include To Do List, Holds, and Accept/Decline Awards.  The To Do List will tell your student if additional documentation is required, including copies of parental income information like tax transcripts.

Holds are items that may prevent financial aid disbursement and should be acted on as soon as possible. Accept/Decline Awards will show what financial aid has been offered and allow your student to decide the types of aid he or she will need for the academic year. Please note the Financial Aid Office cannot share specific information about your students account with anyone except the student.

How can I help my son/daughter receive financial aid?

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) requires dependent students to provide income information for both the student and the parent. By sharing your income information with your student on the FAFSA, you have already taken the first step towards helping them receive financial aid.  You may also be required to submit copies of your Federal Tax Transcript or other documents verifying your income. Completing these requirements timely, accurately and completely will help your student avoid delays in financial aid processing.  Most aid offered to students becomes the student responsibility. Grants are funds that do not require repayment at graduation. Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized loans are borrowed by the student and become the student’s responsibility to repay upon graduation or reduced enrollment. The Parent PLUS loan is a loan borrowed by the parent on the student’s behalf and is the responsibility of the parent to repay.