South Dakota State University has committed to comply with the College Cost Transparency (CCT) initiative by 2/1/24. You can view more information on this initiative at
Students seeking federal financial aid must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). Dependent students will need to include parental information and have a parent electronically sign the FAFSA. The priority deadline for submitting the FAFSA is March 1.
Once SDSU receives the FAFSA results, an electronic award letter notification will be sent to the student's Jacks email account. The award letter will contain the types and amounts of aid available. The student will need to accept/reject the award letter through their Self-Service portal before any aid will be disbursed.
The amount of aid awarded to the student might not cover the entire cost of attendance. If the student or family does not have the resources to cover the unmet costs, the family may consider obtaining a Direct PLUS Loan or an Alternative/Private Loan.
Federal student aid is awarded based on income from two years prior. Consequently, if your income in the current year will be significantly less than it was in that year, please visit the Financial Aid Office to speak with a counselor about your circumstance.
SDSU complies with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA). If a student is enrolled and a parent wants to be able to discuss the student's financial aid with our office we must have a Right to Privacy Release Form on file that is signed by the student.