Financial Aid FAQs
In This Section
Student Financial Services Frequently Asked Questions
Jump to a Section:
- Applying for Financial Aid
- Understanding Your Financial Aid
- Disbursements and Refunds
- Maintaining Eligibility: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
- Paying for School
- Special Situations
- Student Employment
- Contact and Office Information
- Nevada State University Bookstore
- Fall 2026 Registration and Term Dates
- Campus Building Information, Walking Routes, and Services
Applying for Financial Aid
When and how should I apply for financial aid?
You should complete the FAFSA® (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) or Non-Federal Aid Application as early as possible each year. At Nevada State, applying early gives you the best chance to receive state and institutional grants, which may run out. The FAFSA becomes available in December or October, depending on the year, and you’ll use your or your family’s tax info from two years before. You must submit a new FAFSA each academic year, even if your financial situation hasn’t changed. Be sure to check your myNevadaState ‘To-Do List’ for any follow-up documents you may need to submit. Missing documents can delay or prevent your aid from being processed.
| FAFSA® Year | Nevada State Semesters | FAFSA® Available | NS Grant Priority Deadline |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2027–2028 | Fall 27, Spring 28, Summer 28 | October 1, 2026 | January 15, 2027 |
| 2026–2027 | Fall 26, Spring 27, Summer 27 | October 1, 2025 | January 15, 2026 |
What is Nevada State’s school code for the FAFSA?
Our federal school code is 041143. Be sure to list this on your FAFSA to ensure we receive your information.
What happens after I submit my FAFSA?
Once you submit your FAFSA, you’ll receive a Student Aid Report (SAR). Review it to make sure everything looks correct. Nevada State will receive your FAFSA electronically. If we need more information, we’ll send a message to your Communication Center or To-Do List in your myNevadaState account. After everything is complete and reviewed, you’ll get an Award Offer showing the types and amounts of aid you’re eligible for. We usually start sending Award Offers for fall semester during the previous spring.
What if I haven’t received an Award Offer yet?
Start by checking your myNevadaState account’s Communication Center and To-Do List for any missing items. Make sure Nevada State is listed on your FAFSA and that your Social Security Number is on file with us. Missing or incorrect info—like a wrong SSN or missing documents—can delay your award. Students can add their Social Security Number (SSN) directly through the myNevadaState Student Center, under the Personal Information tab, or by submitting documentation through the Registrar’s Office. If everything looks good and you still haven’t received anything, reach out to the Financial Aid Office for help at finaid@nevadastate.edu.
What is FAFSA verification?
Verification is a process where you’re asked to provide documents to confirm the info you entered on your FAFSA. You might be selected randomly or because something on your FAFSA needs clarification. Nevada State uses a service called Inceptia to help collect and review your documents through a secure portal. It’s important to respond quickly so your aid isn’t delayed.
Understanding Your Financial Aid
How does my academic level affect my financial aid?
Your academic level is based on how many credits you’ve completed. It helps determine how much loan funding you’re eligible for each year:
- 0–29 credits = Freshman
- 30–59 credits = Sophomore
- 60–89 credits = Junior
- 90+ credits = Senior
You don’t need to update this yourself—Nevada State tracks your completed credits automatically through your academic record.
What does enrollment status mean for financial aid?
Enrollment status refers to how many financial-aid-eligible credits you are taking in a semester. Only courses that count toward your declared degree or certificate program qualify:
- 12+ credits = Full-time
- 9–11 credits = Three-quarter time
- 6–8 credits = Half-time
- 1–5 credits = Less than half-time
Taking fewer credits may reduce the amount of aid you receive. Double-check your schedule with your advisor if you’re unsure which classes qualify.
Can I get financial aid if I’m taking classes at another school too?
Possibly. If the classes at the other school apply to your degree at NSU, you may be eligible for a Consortium Agreement. This lets NSU count those credits when calculating your aid. Keep in mind, you can only receive federal aid from one school at a time. Check with the Financial Aid Office for specific requirements.
Is financial aid available for summer classes?
Yes, but it depends on how much aid you’ve already used during the school year. The summer term is the final semester of the aid year, so NSU uses the same FAFSA® you submitted for fall and spring. If you’re enrolled in financial-aid-eligible credits and have a complete file, we’ll review your eligibility automatically.
Can I get aid for repeating a class?
Yes, in most cases:
- If you didn’t pass the course, you can repeat it as many times as needed with aid.
- If you passed the course (D- or higher), you can retake it one more time with aid.
- Some courses—like internships or studio classes—can be repeated multiple times and still be eligible.
If you’re unsure, check with the Financial Aid Office to avoid losing aid for repeat courses.
Disbursements and Refunds
When will my financial aid be applied to my student account?
Financial aid does not pay to your account as soon as you accept an award. Disbursement is the process of applying eligible financial aid to the charges on your Nevada State student account.
For Fall 2026, the earliest possible disbursement and refund dates are listed below. These dates are estimates and may change because of processing delays, changes to your enrollment, or other eligibility requirements.
August 17, 2026: Grant and scholarship disbursements began
Grants and scholarships began applying to eligible student accounts. If you have not seen any financial aid activity on your MyNevadaState student account and you do not have outstanding items on your To-Do List, contact Financial Aid at finaid@nevadastate.edu or 702-992-2150.
August 19, 2026: Refund processing begans
If your financial aid is greater than the charges on your student account, the remaining amount may be issued to you as a refund.
BankMobile began sending electronic refund information to banks and preparing paper checks. You can log in to your BankMobile account to check your refund status. After BankMobile sends an electronic refund, your bank may take up to two business days to post the deposit to your account.
If you do not set up an alternative method of payment at refundselection.com, a check will be mailed to the address on file after 21 days.
September 3, 2026: Federal Direct Loan disbursements are expected to begin for full-time students
Federal Direct Loan disbursements are expected to begin for eligible full-time students on September 3, 2026. This date is an estimate and may change if additional processing or system issues arise.
Loans for students enrolled less than full-time will not disburse until after the add/drop period, when required enrollment-based reductions can be completed.
September 9, 2026: Financial aid is adjusted for reported non-attendance
At the end of the second week of classes, Nevada State asks instructors to report students who have not attended or participated in their courses.
Financial Aid will review these reports beginning September 9. Your financial aid may be reduced or canceled if your reported attendance affects your eligibility.
Do I need to make a payment while I am waiting for financial aid?
If your pending financial aid is equal to or greater than your current Nevada State charges, you do not need to make a payment or enroll in a payment plan while you are waiting for eligible aid to disburse.
You can review both your pending financial aid and current charges in the Finances section of your MyNevadaState Student Center.
If your pending financial aid does not cover your full balance, you are responsible for the remaining amount. You can enroll in a payment plan at Payments.NevadaState.edu. Payment plans have a $25 non-refundable enrollment fee.
Questions about payment plans can be sent to SFS@nevadastate.edu.
What can delay or change my financial aid disbursement or refund?
Your financial aid may be delayed, reduced, or otherwise affected by:
- Changes to your enrollment.
- Changes to your Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP) status.
- Receiving an I, U, or F grade in any course during the prior semester.
- Prior-semester grades that have not yet been posted.
- Outstanding requirements or documents on your MyNevadaState To-Do List.
Because your refund is calculated after eligible financial aid pays your student account charges, a change to your financial aid or account balance can also change your refund amount.
Why did my student account balance change?
Your balance can change after the semester begins. Common reasons include:
- Adding, dropping, or withdrawing from courses.
- Changes to your financial aid eligibility.
- Additional charges added to your account, such as housing or insurance charges.
Check the Finances section of your MyNevadaState Student Center regularly so you can see your current charges, pending aid, payments, and other account activity.
Can I get money for books before my financial aid refund is available?
If you have enough pending financial aid, you may request a book voucher to use at the Nevada State Bookstore.
To qualify, your pending financial aid must be enough to cover your current registration charges and the amount of the requested book voucher.
Visit the Financial Aid Forms and Documents page to find and submit the Book Voucher Request Form.
A book voucher uses a portion of your anticipated financial aid. If your financial aid eligibility later changes and your aid is reduced, you are responsible for repaying any amount you used through the book voucher that is no longer covered by your financial aid.
Maintaining Eligibility: Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)
What is Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)?
To keep receiving financial aid, you must make steady progress toward completing your degree. This is called Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP), and it’s checked at the end of each semester. The SAP rules include:
- GPA: 2.0 minimum for undergraduates; 3.0 for graduate students
- Pace: You must complete at least 67% of all credits attempted (including repeated or transfer credits)
- Maximum Timeframe: You must finish your degree within 150% of the required credits (e.g., 180 attempted credits for a 120-credit program)
What happens if I don’t meet SAP standards?
If you fall short of the GPA or pace requirement, you’ll be placed on SAP Warning and can still receive aid for one more term. If you don’t improve by the next semester, you’ll be placed on SAP Suspension and lose aid eligibility. Exceeding the maximum timeframe results in automatic suspension. You can appeal to have your aid reinstated.
How do I appeal a SAP suspension?
Submit a SAP Appeal Form with a written explanation of what caused the issue (e.g., illness, family death), what has changed, and your plan to succeed moving forward. You’ll also need supporting documents and, in some cases, an Academic Plan from your advisor. Appeals are due by the first day of the semester—or May 31 for summer.
What is an Academic Plan and when is it required?
An Academic Plan outlines the steps you’ll take to meet SAP standards again. It’s created with your advisor and required if your SAP appeal is approved. You must follow the plan every semester while on probation, or your aid may be canceled again.
Paying for School
What if I need help paying my bill?
If your financial aid doesn’t cover all of your tuition and fees, there are options to help you manage the cost:
- Use a monthly payment plan through the Student Account Center.
- Apply for scholarships or outside funding.
- Make payments online, in person, or by mail.
You can view your bill, set up a payment plan, or make a payment anytime by logging in to your myNevadaState account and accessing the Student Account Center.
When and how is my financial aid disbursed?
Disbursement means your financial aid is applied to your student account to pay for tuition and other charges. Disbursements usually begin no earlier than 10 days before the start of each semester. Your aid will only disburse if your file is complete and you’ve met all requirements, such as verification and enrollment in eligible credits.
What happens if I get an outside scholarship?
If you receive a scholarship or grant from an organization outside Nevada State University, report it to us as soon as possible. Outside aid may affect your existing financial aid package by reducing loans or other awards. You can submit scholarship checks to the Cashier’s Office in Student Financial Services. Include your name and NSHE ID on the check. All checks should be payable to Board of Regents.
How do I request a book voucher?
If you’re expecting a financial aid refund, you may be eligible for a book voucher to buy textbooks at the campus bookstore. Submit the Book Voucher Request Form from the Forms & Documents page by the Friday after classes start. Book vouchers are available during the add/drop period and unused amounts are returned to your account within 30 days.
How do I use the NSU employee Grant-in-Aid waiver?
NSHE employees, including NSU faculty and staff (and eligible dependents), can receive reduced tuition by submitting the Grant-in-Aid application through Workday. Questions about eligibility or the process should be directed to HR at HR@nevadastate.edu.
Special Situations
What if my family’s income has changed?
If you or your parents have experienced a significant loss of income (such as job loss or reduced benefits), you may qualify for a financial aid adjustment. Make an appointment with the Financial Aid Office to discuss your situation. If it looks like a petition would help, we’ll explain what to submit and how.
What is dependency status and how does it affect my FAFSA?
Your dependency status determines whether you’re required to include parental information on your FAFSA. If you can answer ‘yes’ to any of the questions about being over age 24, married, a veteran, or other criteria, you’re considered independent. If not, you’re considered dependent—even if your parents don’t support you financially. If you have special circumstances (like being estranged or at risk of homelessness), contact us to discuss your options.
Student Employment
Can I get a job on campus?
Yes! Nevada State offers many part-time jobs for students, both on campus and in community service roles. Working on campus is a great way to earn money, build your resume, and stay involved in the university community. Search for openings at handshake.nevadastate.edu or by choosing ‘Student’ under Job Type at jobs.nevadastate.edu. Most positions are limited to 19.5 hours per week and may require you to be enrolled at least half time.
Contact and Office Information
Where is Student Financial Services located?
Our office is on the second floor of Raker Student Success Center on campus at 1202 High Tech Circle in Henderson, Nevada. Stop by if you have questions or need help with your financial aid, student account, or billing.
What are your hours and how can I reach you?
We’re open Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Email us at SFS@nevadastate.edu (Cashier) or finaid@nevadastate.edu (Financial Aid)
- Call us at 702-992-2120 (Cashier) or 702-992-2150 (Financial Aid)
- Schedule a virtual or phone appointment through our Waitwhile system
- Walk-in anytime Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm.
We’re here to help!
How can I contact the VA Certifying Official?
First, review the Veterans Enrollment Checklist. To avoid delays in receiving your VA education benefits, please follow the steps listed and submit all required documents.
- Email VA@nevadastate.edu
- Call 702-992-2199
- Schedule an appointment
Nevada State University Bookstore
Where is the Nevada State University Bookstore?
The Nevada State University Bookstore is located in the Rogers Student Center, Building 300, at:
1300 Nevada State Drive
Henderson, NV 89002
The bookstore sells textbooks, digital course materials, school supplies, graduation items, Nevada State apparel, gifts, and other merchandise.
What are the bookstore hours?
- Monday through Thursday: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
- Friday: 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.
- Saturday and Sunday: Closed
Hours may change during holidays, academic breaks, graduation, inventory, or other special circumstances. Check the bookstore website for current hours before visiting.
How do I find textbooks and course materials for my classes?
You can search for required and recommended course materials through the Nevada State Bookstore website.
You may need to select your academic term, subject or department, course number, and class section.
Course materials may be available as new or used textbooks, rentals, eBooks, access codes, or online courseware. Not every format is available for every course. Before purchasing, confirm that the title, edition, author, access code, and other required components match what your instructor assigned.
Can I order bookstore items online?
Yes. Online orders may be shipped to you or made available for bookstore pickup when that option is offered.
You can check your order status and shipment tracking through the bookstore website. If you contact the bookstore about an order, have your order number available if possible.
Can I rent textbooks?
Some textbooks are available for rent. Availability depends on the individual title. Rental books must be returned by the rental due date and in acceptable condition.
You may be charged additional amounts if a rental book is returned late, damaged, or not returned. Review the rental agreement and return deadline when you place your order.
Can I sell my textbooks back to the bookstore?
The bookstore may purchase eligible textbooks through its textbook buyback program. Whether a book is eligible and how much it is worth depends on factors such as future course demand, edition, condition, and bookstore inventory.
A textbook is not guaranteed to have a buyback value.
What is the bookstore return policy?
Most eligible merchandise may be returned within 90 days of purchase with the receipt or packing slip. Refunds are generally issued to the original form of payment.
Textbook return deadlines are different and are tied to the academic calendar. A textbook purchased before or near the beginning of a class may generally be returned during the first seven days of the class if it is in resalable condition and you have the receipt.
A textbook purchased more than seven days after the class begins may generally be returned within two days of purchase, as long as it was not purchased during the final week of classes.
If you drop a course, an eligible textbook may generally be returned within 30 days of the class start date with proof that you dropped the course.
Can I return an eBook, access code, or online courseware?
An eBook may generally be refunded within 14 days after it is first accessed or within 30 days of purchase if it has not been accessed, whichever deadline occurs first. An eBook is no longer eligible for a refund after more than 10% of its content has been viewed or printed.
A physical access-code card may generally be returned within 14 days if it remains unopened. Online courseware may generally be refunded within 14 days of purchase. Digital delivery fees are not refundable.
How do I contact the Nevada State Bookstore?
- Phone: 702-992-2340
- Email: 2220mgr@follett.com
- Website: nscbook.bkstr.com
Questions about textbooks, orders, technical problems, returns, cancellations, special orders, products, or bookstore services may also be submitted through the bookstore contact form.
Fall 2026 Registration and Term Dates
When can I register for Fall 2026 classes?
- Continuing degree-seeking students: March 30, 2026
- New degree-seeking students: April 13, 2026
- Non-degree students: May 4, 2026
These are registration opening dates, not deadlines. After registration opens for your student group, you may continue registering through August 30, subject to course availability and any registration holds or restrictions on your account.
What is the last day to register for Fall 2026 classes?
The last day to register or enroll for Fall 2026 is Sunday, August 30, 2026.
This deadline applies to continuing degree-seeking students, new degree-seeking students, non-degree students, students in the Regular 16 Week Semester, and students in the 15 Week Nursing Semester.
When does the Fall 2026 semester begin and end?
The Regular 16 Week Semester begins August 24, 2026 and ends December 12, 2026.
- Classes begin: August 24, 2026
- Last day to register or enroll: August 30, 2026
- Last day to drop with a 100% refund: September 4, 2026
- Last day to withdraw: October 29, 2026
- Semester ends: December 12, 2026
What are the Fall 2026 Nursing semester dates?
The 15 Week Nursing Semester begins August 24, 2026 and ends December 5, 2026.
- Classes begin: August 24, 2026
- Last day to register or enroll: August 30, 2026
- Last day to drop with a 100% refund: September 4, 2026
- Last day to withdraw: October 25, 2026
- Nursing semester ends: December 5, 2026
Campus Building Information, Walking Routes, and Services
Building Abbreviation Guide
- RSC = Rogers Student Center
- RSS = J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center
- RSC and RSS are different buildings.
- RSC address: 1300 Nevada State Drive, Henderson, NV 89002
- RSS address: 1202 High Tech Circle, Henderson, NV 89002
RSC and RSS should not be used interchangeably.
What are the Fall 2026 building hours?
Fall 2026 building hours are in effect from August 24 through December 12, 2026.
All campus buildings are closed on the following holidays:
- September 7: Labor Day
- October 30: Nevada Day
- November 11: Veterans Day
- November 26: Thanksgiving Day
- November 27: Family Day
Christenson Education Building (CEB)
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:30 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: Closed
Dawson Building (DAW)
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
Kasner Academic Building (KAB)
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:45 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: Closed
Liberal Arts & Sciences Building (LAS)
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: Closed
Rogers Student Center (RSC)
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 7:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
- Friday: 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
- Saturday: 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center (RSS)
- Sunday: Closed
- Monday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Tuesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Wednesday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Thursday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Friday: 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
- Saturday: Closed
Reminder: RSC is the Rogers Student Center. RSS is the J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center. RSC and RSS are separate buildings.
Where are the main Nevada State University campus buildings?
The Liberal Arts & Sciences Building, Christenson Education Building, Kasner Academic Building, and Rogers Student Center (RSC) are clustered together on the central campus at:
1300 Nevada State Drive
Henderson, NV 89002
The J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center (RSS) and the Dawson Building are separate walkable campus buildings with their own locations.
What is the RSC building?
RSC stands for Rogers Student Center. It is also commonly called Rogers.
RSC is located on the central Nevada State University campus at:
1300 Nevada State Drive
Henderson, NV 89002
RSC is not the same building as RSS.
The Rogers Student Center includes:
- Executive Offices
- Marydean Martin Library
- Scorpion Café
- Nevada State Bookstore
- Information Technology Services (ITS)
- Human Resources (HR)
- Career Services Center
- Disability Resources Center (DRC)
- Scorpions Den student lounge
The Scorpion Café is the primary campus food-service location.
What is the RSS building?
RSS stands for the J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center. It is also commonly called Raker.
RSS is located at:
1202 High Tech Circle
Henderson, NV 89002
RSS is not located at 1300 Nevada State Drive and is not inside the Rogers Student Center.
RSS houses:
- Admissions & Recruitment
- Registrar’s Office
- Academic Advising
- Student Financial Services
- Financial Aid
- Student Accounts
- Cashier
- VA Services
Are RSC and RSS the same building?
No. RSC and RSS are two separate Nevada State University buildings.
- RSC = Rogers Student Center
- RSS = J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center
RSC / Rogers Student Center
1300 Nevada State Drive
Henderson, NV 89002
RSS / Raker Student Success Center
1202 High Tech Circle
Henderson, NV 89002
RSC and RSS should not be used interchangeably.
How do I get to RSS / Raker Student Success Center?
RSS is the J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center, located at:
1202 High Tech Circle
Henderson, NV 89002
From the central campus at 1300 Nevada State Drive, Raker is approximately a 10-minute walk.
The paved walking route follows Paradise Hills Drive to the Raker Student Success Center.
The Scorpion Shuttle also provides transportation between the central campus and RSS / Raker.
Where are Financial Aid, Student Accounts, the Cashier, and VA Services located?
Financial Aid, Student Accounts, the Cashier, and VA Services are part of Student Financial Services and are located in the J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center (RSS).
1202 High Tech Circle
Henderson, NV 89002
These offices are in RSS / Raker, not in RSC / Rogers Student Center.
Where is the Dawson Building?
The Dawson Building is located at:
1125 Nevada State Drive
Henderson, NV 89002
Dawson is separate from the central campus cluster. It houses Finance and Business Operations, Liberal Arts & Sciences faculty offices, classrooms, computer labs, and the Multicultural Collective.
Classes in Dawson may appear on your class schedule with the abbreviation DAW or DA, such as DA110.
Can I walk between the central campus, RSS / Raker, and Dawson?
Yes. RSS / Raker and Dawson are each approximately a 10-minute walk from the central campus.
For RSS / Raker, the paved walking route follows Paradise Hills Drive.
For Dawson, the pedestrian route follows Paradise Hills Drive to Compassion Street and then to Nevada State Drive.
Does the Scorpion Shuttle go to RSS / Raker and Dawson?
Yes. The Scorpion Shuttle operates between the central campus, the J. Russell & Carol Raker Student Success Center (RSS), and the Dawson Building.