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Important Dates

As part of our commitment to supporting your academic journey, we want to ensure you're informed about important milestones from Stony Brook University Financial Aid Office. These dates are crucial for managing your new student experience effectively and ensuring you don't miss out on any opportunities.

Below students and families can review a general timeline of the financial aid process in which our office highlights some important dates and key factors to review for during that time period.

New Student Timeline 2024-2025

 

CREATE FSAID

ASAP

In order to complete a FAFSA application students and parents will first need to create a FSAID, which is used to sign in and complete a FAFSA application.  You can create a FSAID at anytime and our office encourages you to complete this step as soon as possible. *Students that already have an FSAID can skip this step*

Create FSAID
 

JANUARY - FAFSA & NYS AID

January

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) opens January 1st. We strongly encourage you to submit your FAFSA as early as possible to maximize your eligibility for aid. Remember, some financial aid programs have limited funds, so early application is key.  NYS residents will also be able to apply for state aid at hesc.ny.gov once you complete your FAFSA application.  Stony Brook University Financial Aid Office will contact students via email once our office has received your FAFSA Application.

Stony Brook University School Code: 002838

NYS HESC School Code: 0875

FAFSA
 

MARCH/APRIL - CHECK SOLAR "TO DO LIST" ITEMS

March - April

FAFSA applications will begin to be processed and sent to Universities.

Log into your SOLAR and check your "To Do List" items to see if additional documentation is required to finalize your award Package.

Your financial aid package is available when you see "FA Award Response". Click the link which provides information on how to view, accept, and decline your awards. 

Review terms and conditions of awards by clicking the "Award Detail" link. 

If you do not see an award notification, check the "To Do List" detail for instructions. 

If you need assistance, contact your associated financial aid office

Learn More about the FAFSA Changes
 

MID APRIL - REVIEW FINANCIAL AID AWARD PACKAGES

Mid April

Log into SOLAR to review your financial aid award package. Your package is available when you see "FA Award Response." On SOLAR, click the link which provides information on how to view, accept, and decline your awards. If you do not see an award notification, check the "To Do List" to see if any further information is required.  Our Financial Aid Office will contact students via email with notifications once your award package is posted to your SOLAR account.

Log into Solar
 

APRIL/JUNE - CHECK SOLAR FOR UPDATES AND FINALIZE STUDENT LOANS

April - June

Log into SOLAR to check for updates. If you have accepted student loans, you may be required to complete online entrance counseling and a Master Promissory Note (MPN). Check your "To Do List" to see if any new action is required.

Log into Solar
 

JULY - DOUBLE-CHECK AWARD PACKAGE

July

Review your billing statement on SOLAR to make sure it reflects all of the tuition and fee charges for your current semester enrollment status. If you are eligible for TAP, you should see both a fall and spring TAP award (estimates will not appear as anticipated aid).  If you are living on campus and have signed up for a meal plan, your bill should include room and meal plan charges. Information about parent loan processing can be found under "Applying For Parent Aid." 

Log into Solar
 

AUGUST - PAY FALL SEMESTER BILL ON SOLAR

August

Invoices for each semester can be paid on SOLAR.  If you would like to pay the balance due in monthly installments, you can sign up for the Time Option Payment Plan (TOPP).  Failure to pay your bill you the due date may result in late fees and holds, which may prevent future registration

University Student Financial Services