Applying for Financial Aid: Frequently Asked Questions

Financial Aid at Syracuse University

Syracuse University is committed to making a world-class education accessible to all admitted students.

Financial aid is offered in the form of merit-based scholarships, need-based grants, and student employment, as well as student and parent educational loans.

During the previous academic year, approximately 81% of Syracuse University students received some form of financial support totaling more than $498 million, including assistance from institutional, federal, state, or private sources. The single largest form of that financial aid was approximately $376 million awarded to students in the form of Syracuse University grants and scholarships.

We strive to meet the full financial need of our students based on eligibility determined by the FAFSA and CSS Profile.

Financial Aid Quick Tips

  • Check your email! The Financial Aid Office uses email to communicate with all students. If we need any additional information, we’ll send you an email to let you know.
  • Check your MySlice account! When you apply to Syracuse University, you’ll gain access to your student portal, called MySlice. From there, you’ll be able to view your Financial Aid page, which includes your Financial Aid To Do List. We recommend checking it often!
  • Check the Deadlines! Adhere to posted dates and deadlines to ensure timely processing of your financial aid applications.

Frequently Asked Questions:

  • To apply for need-based aid, students are required to complete the FAFSA and the CSS Financial Aid Profile.
  • FAFSA is the application for all federal grants, loans, and work-study. Syracuse University school code: 002882
  • CSS Financial Aid Profile is the application for all Syracuse University grant funding. Syracuse University Profile code: 2823
  • FAFSA* and CSS Profile open on October 1st each year.
  • *For the 2025-2026 academic year the FAFSA will not open until December 1, 2024. 

  • There is no separate application for merit-based scholarship funding.
  • All students who apply for admission to Syracuse University are considered for merit-based scholarships by the Admissions Committee.
  • There is no set criteria for merit scholarships, and students are evaluated on the overall strength of their application for admission.

  • No. Students are not required to complete the FAFSA or CSS Profile to be considered for admission to Syracuse University.
  • However, both the FAFSA and CSS Profile take numerous factors into account, so we recommend that you complete both applications to accurately assess your eligibility for all types of need-based aid.
  • Some families may have limited eligibility for federal grants through the FAFSA. However, the CSS Profile is how Syracuse University determines eligibility for Syracuse University Grant funding, which is much more comprehensive than federal grant funding.
  • Both aid applications are required for full consideration of all types of need-based aid.

  • No! Any delay in applying for aid can delay the awarding of your financial aid awards.
  • Timely notification of your financial aid awards is contingent on submitting the applications by the posted deadlines.
  • Financial aid decisions are made on a funds-available basis, so it is important that you submit the applications by the posted deadlines.

  • Once you submit your application for admission to Syracuse University, you will receive an email to access your MySlice Portal.
  • In MySlice, students will have access to their Financial Aid To Do List, Financial Aid awards, and student accounts.
  • Any missing materials will be posted to your MySlice Financial Aid To Do List.
  • See sample To Do List:Example of the MySlice Financial Aid To Do List
  • Check your To Do List often to stay current on requirements and deadlines!

  • Through the CSS Profile, Syracuse University considers the contribution of both the parent of records and noncustodial parent when determining aid eligibility.
  • If your biological parents are divorced, separated, or were never married to each other, then one parent is your parent of record for financial aid purposes and will need to be invited as a Contributor to your FAFSA. See FAFSA Rules on Parent Information.
  • List the same parent of record on both the FAFSA and CSS Profile, as the parent of record on those applications must match.
  • When you submit the CSS Profile, indicate that your biological parents are divorced, separated, or were never married to each other.
  • The CSS Profile (College Board) will send you an email containing the link to the NCP (noncustodial parent) Profile application. This link should be sent to the noncustodial parent for completion.
  • The noncustodial parent must complete the Noncustodial Profile application. You cannot complete this application on their behalf.
  • In cases of abuse, abandonment, estrangement, legal orders, or never having contact with the noncustodial parent, please contact our office regarding the NCP waiver process.

  • Each year, many students are selected for a process called Verification. The Department of Education mandates that we verify and update information entered on the FAFSA.
  • Verification requirements can range from tax forms, income information, asset information, household size verification, citizenship documents, and much more.
  • Syracuse University must also resolve any conflicting information between the FAFSA and CSS Profile. If you enter different income, asset, or family information on each application, we may request documentation to resolve the differences between the two applications.
  • Don’t assume you’re being accused of doing anything wrong. Some people are selected for verification at random. You will need to provide the documentation requested—and be sure to do so as soon as possible, or you won’t be able to get financial aid.

  • Corrections to the FAFSA can be made by logging in to your FAFSA application and submitting corrections.
  • Corrections to the CSS Profile are made by printing and correcting your CSS Profile acknowledgment page and submitting the corrected printout to our office.

  • Special circumstances should be noted in the “Explanation” section of the CSS Profile.
  • Once you receive your admissions decision, you can begin the Financial Aid appeal process with your Financial Aid Counselor.
  • Learn more about Professional Judgment and special circumstances.
  • Please contact our office for more information about special circumstances appeals.

  • You must reapply for financial aid each year that you are attending Syracuse University by completing the FAFSA.
  • If you meet all the eligibility requirements and information on the FAFSA and CSS Profile remains the same, your aid may renew in subsequent years.
  • Changes in family circumstances (income, assets, etc.) will affect your financial need and aid eligibility.
  • See the Financial Aid Policies page for details on eligibility requirements.

  • Syracuse University’s Net Price Calculator can help you estimate your eligibility for financial aid and your out-of-pocket expenses.
  • It provides an early indication of how much and what types of financial aid you might qualify for.
  • Parents and students can use the Net Price Calculator to learn about college costs and receive early financial aid information.

  • The Cost of Attendance is a breakdown of the direct and indirect costs of attending Syracuse University. The Cost of Attendance helps parents and students determine the overall cost of attending Syracuse University each academic year.
  • Direct costs are billed by the University, such as tuition, fees, housing, and meals.
  • Indirect costs are not billed by the University, such as books, supplies, transportation, and personal expenses.

We are here to help! If you have questions, please contact our office for more information.