Applying For Financial Aid

First things first, get to know the FAFSA.

The basic application used to apply for financial aid at any school in the nation is called the FAFSA: Free Application for Federal Student Aid. This application is used to apply for federal, state, and institutional sources of financial aid. If you cannot apply online, you may obtain a paper FAFSA directly from the college or by calling the US Department of Education directly at 800.4.FED.AID (800.433.3243). The University of Silicon Valley's school code is: 001177. Be sure to list the University of Silicon Valley when completing Step 6 of the FAFSA.

Need to file the FAFSA quickly? Go on-line with FAFSA On The Web. FAFSA on the Web is a free Internet site with easy-to-follow screens and extensive on-line instructions to help you complete the FAFSA using "interview" style questions. It will edit your information as it is entered, ensuring better data quality and reduced rejection rates.

You may also complete a renewal FAFSA using FAFSA On The Web. The renewal process is faster in that it will retrieve the information that you filed last year and allow you to make updates as appropriate rather than having to start from scratch. You must request an Electronic Personal Identification Number (PIN) to access your renewal FAFSA Application. Please see the FAFSA On The website for complete information and instructions for requesting your PIN. University of Silicon Valley Title IV School Code for use on FAFSA is 001177.

If you fill out a paper FAFSA, mail your form to:

Federal Student Aid Programs
PO Box 7001
Mt. Vernon, IL 62864-0071


Review your Student Aid Report (SAR) and make any necessary corrections

Approximately four weeks after you file your FAFSA, the US Department of Education will send you a Student Aid Report (SAR), summarizing the information reported on your application. Carefully review your SAR for any errors upon receipt, and make any necessary corrections. If any of the information on your application has changed, follow the instructions on the SAR to make corrections and return it to the address provided. Be sure that University of Silicon Valley (School Code: 001177) is listed as an institution authorized to receive your application information. If no updates or corrections are required, keep the SAR for your reference.

If you do not receive your SAR within four weeks, call 800.4.FED.AID (800.433.3243) to check the status of your FAFSA application.

Once we receive your FAFSA information, you will receive an email and/or a letter from University of Silicon Valley asking you to provide verification information to the Financial Aid Office. This verification information will allow us to produce a financial aid award letter for you. If additional documents are requested, you may submit the documents in person or by mail, if mailing, send to:

University of Silicon Valley
Financial Aid Office
191 Baypointe Parkway
San Jose, CA 95134


Reviewing and accepting your award

Within a few weeks of receiving your completed information, we will provide you with an award offer. Written Notification from University of Silicon Valley will send by US Mail. Review your award carefully. This award offer will outline the aid for which you are eligible. Follow the instructions enclosed with the award offer to determine the next step in processing your aid.