Financial Aid Offer Information
Award Letter FAQ
What should I do next?
Depending on where you are in the process, your next steps will vary.
- Click here for instructions on how to view outstanding requirements on your account.
- Click here for more information on your next steps.
What is included in the Cost of Attendance?
Our estimated cost of attendance includes direct costs (e.g. tuition, housing, and food) and indirect costs (e.g. books, transportation, personal and miscellaneous expenses). Depending on your situation you may not need to utilize aid to cover the full cost of attendance if you are planning on paying some of your costs, direct and/or indirect, out-of-pocket.
How much does it cost to attend GVSU?
Financial aid is required to create an estimated cost of attendance. Each student will have their own actual costs, reflected on a bill that will be released in late-July. This cost of attendance is used to help families plan and budget for the upcoming academic year. As each family's circumstances varies, we are happy to talk about the various options based on your family's circumstances. Please contact us to discuss your options.
When is the bill due?
Deadlines for the 2024-2025 Academic Year are as follows:
Fall Semester: Friday, August 16, 2024
Winter Semester: Friday, December 13, 2024
What if my family's financial circumstances change?
We understand that your family's circumstances may have changed since you filed you FAFSA. A Special Circumstances form is available online to notify us of changes to your family's circumstances that could potentially alter your financial aid award. If you have specific questions regarding your circumstances, please contact us.
Due to delays from the Department of Education, we are currently unable to process any adjustments to a student's FAFSA. We will make the Special Circumstances form available as soon as we are able to do this. We anticipate this to be in May.
Is there a payment plan? What are my options to pay my bill?
GVSU does offer a payment deferment plan option for any expenses on the student's account. The deferment plan splits the student account balance into four monthly payments over the course of the semester. Please visit www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/paymentplan for more information on the payment plan option.
Payments can be made either in-person or online in myBanner. Click here for information on the forms of payments accepted at GVSU.
Is there a deadline to accept my aid?
While there is no specific deadline to accept your financial aid, we do recommend that you accept your aid and complete any additional requirements by the end of July.
How do I use the Parent PLUS Loan?
Parents or step-parents of undergraduate dependent students can choose to utilize the Federal Parent PLUS loan to pay educational expenses not already covered by other financial aid. This loan is in a parent’s name on behalf of the student and the application will open in June. If a parent’s PLUS loan application is denied, the student will be offered additional Federal Direct Unsubsidized loan in the student's name. For more information on the Federal Parent Plus loan please visit www.gvsu.edu/financialaid/plus.
How do I sign up for New Student Orientation?
Orientation for both incoming freshman and transfer students can be scheduled through the Admissions Office.
When do I sign up for classes?
Incoming Freshman and transfer students will sign up for classes during new student orientation. To schedule your New Student Orientation session, please visit the Admissions webpage.
What are my housing options?
There are a variety of options for students wishing to live-on campus. Visit the Housing webpage to view floor-plans and current prices. Housing Applications for on-campus housing can be completed by following the steps listed at the following link: https://services.gvsu.edu/TDClient/60/Portal/KB/ArticleDet?ID=5502
What is Federal Work Study, and how do I apply for on-campus jobs?
Federal Work Study is a federal program that reimburses employer's part of the cost of paying student employees. Federal Work Study is awarded to students based on financial need; if a student with Federal Work Study is hired as an on-campus student employee, part of their wages are paid through federal funding. Federal Work Study funds are not applied to a student's GVSU account but paid out through paychecks every two weeks.
While some on-campus jobs require Federal Work Study, there are many jobs that do not. Both students with or without Federal Work Study must apply for on-campus positions. Please visit www.gvsu.edu/studentjobs for more information about how to apply for an on-campus position.
What are my scholarships renewal requirements?
GVSU scholarships have certain renewal criteria based on the opportunity. Click here for more information about renewal requirements.