Application Process for 2020 - 2021

Summer 2020, Fall 2020, & Spring 2021

You can simplify your annual application for financial aid by following the steps below. Please note that you must also be registered in at least six credits per applicable toward your degree to be eligible for federal aid in each term or semester of study.

 If you are starting spring 2019, please complete the 2019-2020 FAFSA form.  If you are starting summer 2020 or later, you will need to complete the 2020-21 FAFSA.

 Step 1: Create a FSA ID (New TUC aid recipients only)

 Apply for a FSA ID online at https://studentaid.gov/. If you already have a FSA ID, you do not need to re-apply for another. Keep a record of your FSA ID for future use.  See more help here.  You may also use the myStudentAid App available at the Apple App Store or Google Play. 

Step 2: Fill out a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA)  

2019-2020 FAFSA will use 2017 income and the 2020-2021 FAFSA will use 2018 income.

Select school code 041426.  You may also use the myStudentAid app available for IOS and Android.

Do not select the “Will File” status. The Financial Aid Office will not award your financial aid until you have filed your federal tax return if you are required to file. 

See other FAFSA filing help: The Two-Minute FAFSA Video, FAFSA Checklist, Married and filing a FAFSA, 8 things to know about the 2020-21 FAFSA

Step 3: Submit Required Documentation and/or missing information.

You are able to view the missing information on TouroOne and will be sent emails to your Touro email address.  For example: citizenship or verification documentation. 

Note: You will be able to complete Loan Applications (MPN's) in April and the "Terms and Conditions" only after you have been offered your federal financial aid for 2020-21.  Approximately mid-May.

Step 4: Check out the Cost of Attendance of your program.

 The 2019 - 2020 Cost of Attendance  (COA) budgets are available for all programs. These forms will assist you in determining the maximum amount you can borrow for your year in your program.  The 2020-21 COA will be available late April 2020.

Step 5: Complete Entrance Counseling - TouroOne may not reflect this information until you complete Step 7. If you are starting summer 2020 or later, do not complete this step yet.

First time Direct loan Subsidized/Unsubsidized and Grad PLUS borrowers at Touro University California must complete Entrance Counseling before applying for student loans. Entrance Counseling is an online tutorial that teaches students about their rights and responsibilities as loan borrowers. Go to studentaid.ed.gov and select the dropdown for "COMPLETE AID PROCESS". You will need to sign in using your FSA ID.  To check Federal Loan Balances, please go to the National Student Loan Data System (NSLDS) website. You will need your FSA ID to access your account. Note: If you are enrolled in a Teacher Credential Program and not a Master's, you will not need to complete the Grad Plus.

Step 6: E-sign your Master Promissory Note (MPN) - TouroOne may not reflect this information until you complete Step 7.  If you are starting summer 2020 or later, do not complete this step yet.

 First time borrowers at Touro University California must complete the Loan Agreement also known as the Master Promissory Note (MPN) with the Department of Education's student loan website in order for their funds to disburse. Select the drop down for "APPLY FOR AID".

Your MPN can be signed using school code 041426. Students should complete both the 1) Subsidized/Unsubsidized Loan MPN and the 2) Grad PLUS Loan MPN. You can find more information about federal financial assistance programs loan interest rates and fees on our website and from the Federal Student Aid Information Center. 

If you want to apply for a private student loan (credit based non-federal) start here.

 Step 7: Accept/Reduce/Decline your award in TouroOne.

You will receive an email when your loan offers are ready to review.  For 2020-21 your offers will be ready approximately in mid-May.

Once you have fully completed all required steps, federal loans disburse to the school, in equal disbursements, at the beginning of each semester in the award year (per your financial aid award letter).  You can see your official semester dates on your Cost Of Attendance form.

* If a refund of federal funds is due to you (i.e., federal loan funds exceed total tuition and fees), federal regulations require the University to process your refund in 14 calendar days. Please contact the Bursar's office for additional information and for information regarding direct deposit.

Please note that your cost of living disbursements are generally dependent upon applying and being approved for the Grad PLUS Loan or private alternative loans.

All loan funds are disbursed to the school and distributed after verification of:

* satisfactory academic progress

* registration in at least 6 credits for the semester that lead toward your degree.

If you have any questions please call (707) 638-5280 or e-mail the Financial Aid Office at finaid@tu.edu. You can also visit us at 690 Walnut Avenue. Walk-ins are welcome, no appointment needed!  See our main page for hours and holiday schedules.

We look forward to working with you!