Frequently Asked Questions

1. What are the Federal School codes for CSB and SJU (for Step 6 on the FAFSA)?
2. How can a student be considered independent for financial aid purposes?
3. Is it true that schools give a great aid package the first year to entice a student to enroll and then reduce aid in subsequent years?
4. How do I get a job on campus?
5. If there are two siblings enrolled at CSB/SJU, is there a discount?
6. My parents are divorced. How does this affect financial aid?
7. The financial aid award I received wasn't enough; what else can be done?
8. I would love to go to CSB/SJU, but I’m concerned about the amount of loans I may have. What can I do?

1. What are the Federal School codes for CSB and SJU (for Step 6 on the FAFSA)?

School codes (required in Step 6 of the FAFSA):
CSB (women) 002341
SJU (men) 002379

2. How can a student be considered independent for financial aid purposes?

There are five situations in which a student is considered independent:

• Veteran of the U.S. Armed Forces
• Orphan or ward of the court
• Have reached the age of 24
• Married
• Have a dependent other than a spouse for which the student provides more than half the support.

There are "special circumstances" which can also be considered in determining independent status. For example, the case of a student who had been living in a foster home and not with his/her parents. Contact the Financial Aid Office to apply as an independent student based on special circumstances.

3. Is it true that schools give a great aid package the first year to entice a student to enroll and then reduce aid in subsequent years?

This is a financial aid myth that comes up at many colleges.

Any student receiving need-based aid is required to complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year, and those results are used to compute the award. Financial aid packages at CSB/SJU are very similar from one year to the next provided the family’s financial situation is consistent.

4. How do I arrange campus-based student employment?

Those who apply for financial aid by March 15 and demonstrate need will have the best opportunity to receive a work award. Preference is given to students with the greatest financial need.  Students not offered campus employment may request that their names be placed on a waiting list. Typically, job opportunities become available to students on the waiting list in early October.

5. If there are two siblings enrolled at CSB/SJU, is there a discount?

The schools themselves do not offer any discounts. However, with two or more children in the family in college, eligibility for need-based financial aid (grants, loans, student employment) may increase.

6. My parents are divorced. How does this affect financial aid?

The financial aid is based on the income of the parent with whom the student lives. If that parent has remarried, the income of the stepparent is also taken into consideration in accordance with federal regulations.

7. The financial aid award I received wasn't enough; what else can be done?

Students with financial concerns are encouraged to contact the Financial Aid Office to discuss their financial situation. Students who need additional help beyond the financial aid package offered can usually obtain help through a variety of optional loan programs.

8. I would love to go to CSB/SJU, but I’m concerned about the amount of loans I may have. What can I do?

Loans are very common for students regardless of what college they attend. Most student loans do not have to be repaid until the student has graduated. Student loans should be looked at as an investment in the future. Nationwide surveys have shown that college graduates earn more money than people who did not complete or start college. CSB/SJU alumnae/i are paying their loans on time; in fact, over 97 percent of them are currently doing so. Approximately 68 percent of CSB/SJU’s 2005 graduates borrowed to help pay for college. The average amount borrowed was $24,758 during their four years at CSB/SJU.

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Office of Admission College of Saint Benedict Saint John's University PO Box 7155 Collegeville, MN 56321 (800) 544-1489 (320) 363-2196 (320) 363-2750 (fax) E-mail admissions@csbsju.edu