Frequently Asked Questions

What are Stony Brook University’s State and Federal Codes?
State:
5431 (Dental & Medical students)
The state code is used when applying for TAP and other New York State programs administered by
NY State Higher Education Services (HESC).
 
Federal:
002838
The Federal code is used when filling out the FAFSA
 
What is the EFC and how is it calculated?
The Expected Family Contribution, or EFC, is the amount that the student's family is expected to contribute toward the Cost of Attendance. The U.S. Department of Education uses Federal Methodology (FM) to calculate your financial aid eligibility.  FM takes into account:
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 Your income
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 Taxes paid
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 The # of family members
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 The # in college
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 Net value of assets
 
How do I check the status of my TAP award?
You may log onto the HESC web site (www.hesc.com) to check your award status. To check your award status on campus, self serve computers are available at the Office of Financial Aid and Scholarship Services.
 
How do I go about establishing New York State Residency?
All requests to establish residency are handled by Student Accounts.  You can read about residency requirements and download the residency questionnaire at: www.stonybrook.edu/bursar.
 
How do I know when my Financial Aid Award package has been created?
A SOLAR System To Do List item will be assigned.  Directions will be provided in the To Do List item detail.
 
How will I know when my financial aid awards will disburse?
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 Log into the Solar System.
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 Click Financial Aid which can be found in the Student Financial Services section. 
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 Click View & Accept Decline FinAid.
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 Click the appropriate Aid Year.
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 Scroll to the term in question.
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 Click View Scheduled Disbursements.
 
Why hasn't my student loan disbursed?
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 You have not accepted the loan on the Solar System.
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 You have not taken care of required To Do List items.
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 Log into the Solar System to view your To Do List items.
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 You have not signed your Master Promissory Note (MPN).
 
How will I know when I need to sign a Master Promissory Note?
This information will be displayed as a To Do List item on your Solar System Account.  Specific directions will be provided in the To Do List detail.
 
What is the difference between a Subsidized Stafford loan and an Unsubsidized Stafford loan?
Subsidized Loans
Unsubsidized Loans
Federally subsidized loan used to help fund a student's educational expenses Federally subsidized loan used to help fund a student's educational expenses
Available to matriculated students who are enrolled at least halftime (6 credits) Available to matriculated students who are enrolled at least halftime (6 credits)
The loan is funded through Direct Lending The loan is funded through Direct Lending
Available to students with financial need Financial need is not a requirement
Interest paid by the federal government while student is enrolled at least halftime and during grace period Student is responsible for interest during the life of the loan. Student can elect to pay the interest while in school or they may choose to allow the interest to accrue (accumulate) and capitalize (add to the principal amount of the loan). Capitalizing the interest will increase the amount of loan in repayment.
 
Where do I go to pick up a refund check?
The Bursar's Office introduces a convenient program for processing student refunds. Through direct deposit, Bursar will deposit any student refund into the financial institution of their choice. Students can sign up via SOLAR. Paper refund checks are picked up from the Bursar’s office which is located on the second floor of the Administration building and can be picked up from the Check Disbursement window number eight.  Available refund checks and processed Direct Deposit refunds will be displayed on the SOLAR System listed under Account Activity listed in the Student Financial Aid Services section.
 
How are Federal Work-Study funds awarded?
Federal Work-Study is a form of need based aid.  In order to be considered for this program you must file your FAFSA by April 1st.  Since there is only a limited amount of funds available, students are encouraged to file their FAFSA as early as possible.
 
How do I find an on campus job?
See Deborah Schade in the Student Services/Financial Aid Office in room 148 Rockland Hall, in the School of Dental Medicine. A complete listing of all SDM-campus jobs is available on the Solar System. 
 
For complete instructions and forms please visit the Request for Re-evaluation page on our web site.
 
I need proof of enrollment to qualify for an in-school deferment or to provide to my parent’s health insurance provider.  How can I get this form?
Log into the Solar System.  Click Enrollment under the Student Records & Registration section.  Click Enrollment Verification.  This document should be sent to your lender or loan servicer.
 
How can I get advice on loan consolidation?
If you need information on loan consolidation the best place to look for information is on the Federal Student Aid Web Site.

 

Last updated by Webmaster on July 29, 2009

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