Financial Aid
Invest in Your Future
Delaware State University offers an affordable first-rate education. The Office of Financial Aid is here to assist you with the costs of your educational investment.
Financial Aid Checklist for New Students
The Office of Financial Aid understands that students and their families have a lot of questions about how the financial aid process works. To help answer many of your questions, we’ve created a detailed checklist that will help you through the entire process. We strongly encourage you to familiarize yourself with the steps below, then contact the financial aid office if you have additional questions.
All new students must be fully admitted to Delaware State University to receive financial aid. Please complete our online Admissions application to get started.
Step 1: Complete or update the application for federal student aid
Include Delaware State University’s school code of 001428 when you fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). DSU should receive your FAFSA in 7–10 business days after you receive email confirmation from the US Department of Education that your FAFSA has been processed.
- Apply online at studentaid.gov
- Apply for a PIN first before completing the FAFSA
Step 2: Read the Student Aid Report (SAR)
The US Department of Education will email your SAR. Make any requested corrections to your FAFSA. If your SAR indicates your FAFSA has been selected for a process called verification, Delaware State University will send you a written request outlining the documentation that you will need to submit. Allow the financial aid office 20–25 (as much as 40 during peak processing times in the late spring and summer) business days to review your documents after they are submitted.
- Download our verification documentation
- How to request an IRS tax return transcript
- More information on the verification process
Be on the lookout for mail from the financial aid office. We have the right to request any and all documentation we need to resolve issues with your FAFSA or other data. Therefore, please respond to any requests for documentation promptly to avoid delays.
Step 3: Read and accept the terms and conditions
Seven to 10 business days after your FAFSA is received by DSU (and verification is completed, if applicable), you will receive a financial aid award letter. Read the letter completely and visit our website if you need more information on the awards you’ve been offered. Log onto your MyDESU account to read and accept the Terms and Conditions of your Financial Aid Award.
- Learn how to read and accept your financial aid terms and conditions
Step 4: Accept your Federal Stafford loans online
If you wish to accept the Federal Stafford loans that are offered to you in your award notification, you must log on to your MyDESU account and accept your loans online. For more information, visit our FAQ page.
In addition to accepting your loan online, first time borrowers of Federal Direct Stafford loans must complete a Master Promissory Note (MPN) and Entrance Counseling. If you wish to participate in this loan program, complete your MPN and Entrance Counseling online.
- Learn how to accept, decline or reduce your Federal Direct Stafford Loans
- Learn more about the Federal Direct Stafford loan program
- Complete Entrance Counseling and MPN at www.studentloans.gov
Step 5: Estimate your cost of attendance (COA)
Remember: books and supplies are not included in your tuition and fees. They are an additional expense that you should take into account when determining your COA.
- Delaware State University’s current tuition and fee schedule.
Step 6: Determine your balance
Subtract your financial aid and scholarship awards from your estimated COA.
- Use our Net Price Calculator to help determine your out-of-pocket COA.
Step 7: Make plans to cover your balance
If you plan to apply for an additional loan, your loan application must be completed and approved before registering for classes during New Student Orientation. Please allow the Office of Financial Aid 25 business days to process your loan applications once they have been approved and are ready for school certification.
- Learn more about the Federal Direct Parent PLUS loan program
- Complete a Parent PLUS loan application at www.studentloans.gov
- If your parent forgot his or her FSA ID, go to Retrieve Your Username. (He or she will need this to access the studentloans.gov website.)
- Find information on Alternative Education loans
Step 8: Have checks sent directly to the Office of Financial Aid
Ask any outside scholarship agencies to include your full name and student ID# on the check, if possible.
Have checks sent directly to:
- Delaware State University
Office of Financial Aid
1200 N DuPont Highway
Dover DE 19901
Step 9: Accept terms and conditions of financial aid award
Before you can receive any financial aid payments, you must read and agree to the terms and conditions.
- Learn how to read and accept your financial aid award Terms and Conditions
Step 10: Stay informed. Check for updates regularly.
Check your student email, Blackboard and MyDESU accounts regularly throughout the semester for updates from the financial aid office.
Scholarships
Find out about the scholarships available to DSU students. Scholarship eligibility may be based upon academic achievement, financial need and/or group affiliation.
In-state incoming freshman
We offer numerous scholarship opportunities for incoming students who reside in Delaware.
Out-of-state incoming freshman
We offer a variety of scholarships for incoming students who reside outside the state of Delaware.
Returning and Transfer Student Scholarships
The Delaware State University Foundation offers Privately Funded Scholarships for current students as well as those who are transferring to DSU from another institution.
Learn more about returning and transfer student scholarships
Osher/Crankstart Scholarships
The Osher and Crankstart Scholarships are available to adults who are entering DSU after a five-year cumulative gap in pursuing their first bachelor’s degree.
Financial Aid Resources
Here are some other valuable resources that will help you navigate through the financial aid process. Contact the financial aid office if you have additional questions.
The FAFSA for the 2023-2024 school year is open. Submit you FAFSA Application now!
Forms & Publications
Access the forms, documents and guides you’ll need to apply for financial aid at DSU.
Verification Process
Understand the verification process used to confirm that the information provided on a student’s Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is correct.
Net Price Calculator
Calculate the actual cost of attending DSU, including tuition, room and board and other expenses.
NBS Monthly Payment Plan
Learn about DSU’s tuition payment plan administered by NelNet Business Solutions, an interest-free alternative to paying each semester’s tuition and expenses.
Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
The SAP is a process to review a federal aid recipient’s academic record and compare it to specific criteria.
Student Employment & Work Study
Search for student employment and work study positions on the DSU campus. Newly hired students must register for an orientation session.
Current Students
As a student borrower you are legally required to complete Exit Counseling if you were a recipient of Title IV financial aid.