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Grad Student 101
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Welcome to Indiana State University
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We want you to be successful at Indiana State University—and to take advantage of all of the financial opportunities you may be eligible to receive. We have many resources available for you to access on our website and we are more than happy to provide any additional assistance that may help you along the way. For our office location, hours and contact information - click here.
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Helpful Guide to Getting Started |
Use the timeline below to make sure you are taking the right steps for a great first year! Click the steps to reveal/hide the answer.
Step 1: Apply for Admissions
Nearing completion of your undergraduate degree, you can apply for admission to Indiana State University.
Need assistance? Contact the Office of Admissions
Step 2: Submit your Transcripts
Submit required official transcripts from previous institutions using one of the following methods:
- Email | admissions@indstate.edu
- Mail | 318 N Sixth Street Terre Haute IN 47809
- Parchment | www.parchment.com
Step 3: Activate MyISU Portal
New students will need to activate their MyISU portal to access official university email, find important information, and complete key steps. With information provided in your admissions letter, activate your portal using a desktop computer. Click “Activate Your Sycamore Login.” You’ll use your University username and ID number from your letter, birth date, and last four digits of your Social Security Number.
For assistance with MyISU Portal activation contact our OIT Help Desk at 812-237-2910.
Step 4: Check for Graduate Assistantships or Fellowships
- Graduate Assistantships (GAs) can be awarded by a program to allow a graduate student the opportunity to work on campus for up to 20 hours a week. GAs come with a stipend and partial tuition waiver. Contact your program for additional details and deadlines.
- Information on Fellowships is available through your program of study. Click here for more information
Step 5: Complete or Update the FAFSA
File the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to be eligible for federal and state financial aid, and enter our federal school code 001807.
For more information, contact the Office of Student Financial Aid at 800-841-4744.
Step 6: Review your Financial Aid Notification Packet
Financial Aid Notification (FAN) packets are mailed and the document can also be viewed in your MyISU Portal account. The portal is your go-to resource for real-time information about your financial aid status, requirements, account balance and awards.
Step 7: Meet State Immunization Requirements
Submit health and immunization documents(required by the State of Indiana Department of Health).
For more information, contact the Office of Registration and Records at (812) 237-2020.
Step 8: Complete Your Housing Process
Indicate your intention to live on campus by submitting your housing contract or exemption form to Residential Life. Note that you must first activate your MyISU portal and pay your enrollment deposit before you can start your housing process.
For more information, contact Residential Life at (812)237-3993
Step 9: Make your Federal Student Loan Decisions
For details about Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans – visit Types of Aid.
Students that are eligible for Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loans will need to make a decision to accept or decline. After July 1st make your decision on your MyISU Portal (portal assistance)
If you choose to accept your Federal Student Loans, then complete Entrance Counseling and the Master Promissory Note.
Step 10: Consider Other Aid Options
Federal Loans & Eligibility > >
Graduate students with a valid FAFSA on file may be eligible to participate in the following programs:
- Federal Direct Unsubsidized Loan. Annual amounts and interest rates are determined yearly by the U.S. Department of Education.
- Federal Direct Graduate PLUS Loan. This loan requires an application through StudentAid.gov and credit approval. The interest rate is determined yearly by the U.S. Department of Education.
These programs offer fixed interest rates and flexible repayment options. Interest accrues upon disbursement. Students who will receive funding from employers or other sources should report the types of awards and amounts to the Office of Student Financial Aid. Receiving outside awards may affect the amount of loans a student is eligible to receive.
Federal Aid Eligibility
To be eligible for consideration for a federal loan, a graduate student must be:
- A U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen
- Admitted into an ISU graduate degree or a required teacher certification. Note certificate programs are not eligible for financial aid
- Enrolled in at least 5 credit hours
- Not in default on an educational loan or owe an overpayment on a federal education grant or other federal debt, or has made satisfactory arrangements to repay that debt
- Maintaining Satisfactory Academic Progress
In addition, the Federal Graduate Plus Loan requires that the student be creditworthy.
Other Funding Options > >
Indiana State University offers a variety of programs to assist with finding money to cover educational expenses. Explore the Related Links for detailed information.
- Graduate assistantships/fellowships
- Private Alternative Loans
- Military Benefits
- Scholarships
- Student Employment
- Types of Aid
- Special Circumstances
- Payment Plans
Step 11: Check your Bill
Approximately 10 days prior to the beginning of the term, aid will disburse to your ISU student account. If you are expecting a refund, sign up for direct deposit.
On the first day of the semester, Bursar bills are due for students who are already enrolled. Be sure to pay online by the due date.
Be sure to pay your remaining balance with the University to avoid registration holds.
Reminder: Text books are not included in your bill. Do not rely on Federal aid to purchase text books.
Step 12: Transportation Options
Parking permits are available through ISU Public Safety
ISU also provides a free Campus Bus around campus and the downtown area; just show your University ID when boarding. Visit Campus Bus.
Step 13: Optional Items
Arrange Accommodations for Disabilities
If you require accommodations for documented disabilities, contact the Center for Student Success for academic needs or contact Residential Life for housing needs.
Investigate Veterans Benefits
Explore veterans’ benefits and eligibility
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Keeping Your Aid |
Many students are not aware that there are steps to undertake to ensure that they maintain eligibility from year to year.
Following are general guidelines for keeping financial aid as a graduate/professional student. If you have a question, please ask us.
- Go to class! If yyou never attend your classes, you will not be eligible to receive aid. The same rule applies if you withdraw from courses or even audit courses. You must be enrolled in at least 5 credit hours to receive loans.
- Study! You need to earn at least a 3.0 GPA to keep your aid.
- Reapply for aid! October 1st each year. Funding rules are subject to change on a yearly basis, so the earlier you apply, the better.
- Stay in touch! If a situation arises in which you have financial difficulty, need to completely withdraw, or encounter an emergency, we may be able to help.
Related links: Satisfactory academic progress policy | Special circumstances | Sycamore emergency loan | Withdrawal policy
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Resources for Financial Aid |
There are many resources available on this website to help you with your Financial Aid questions. Here are a few links that may assist you:
- College of Graduate and Professional Studies
- FAFSA Help
- Decoding the Financial Aid Notification Letter
- Financial Aid Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Financial Aid Glossary
- Proxy Information
- MyISU Portal Guides
- Satisfaction Survey
Still can't find your answers? Contact Us!
Contact
220 North Seventh Street
150 Tirey Hall
Indiana State University
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Office Hours
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m.
Monday - Friday
8:30 a.m. - noon and 1:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.