Financial Aid FAQs

The Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) is the form you need to complete to be considered for federal grants, loans, and work-study programs. The FAFSA opens on October 1 each year. We encourage all new and returning students to complete the FAFSA as early as possible each year and no later than March 2 for fall and November 1 for spring to ensure consideration for all types of aid, including grants and scholarships. Be sure to add Otis's school code: 001251.

Yes. Financial aid is not automatically renewed. You must submit a new FAFSA and any required documents each year you wish to receive financial aid.

The priority deadline is March 2.

Can I still apply if I miss the priority deadline? Yes. Students may apply for financial aid any time, but certain forms of aid may already be exhausted. However, the Financial Aid Office may process aid for a given semester no later than two weeks prior to the end of the semester. Keep in mind that the financial aid application process may take a few weeks.

Before completing the FAFSA, you'll need:

• An FSA ID (username and password) for yourself and one parent if you're a dependent student
• Social Security Number
• Tax returns and W-2 Forms 
• Record of child support received
• Current balances of cash, savings, checking
• Net worth of investments, businesses and farms
• Otis College school code: 001251

Your FSA ID is your username and password used to log in to U.S. Department of Education websites including the FAFSA. It's used to sign legally binding documents electronically. Visit https://fsaid.ed.gov/npas/index.htm to register for your FSA ID.

No. International students are not eligible to complete the FAFSA, as it is only available to U.S. citizens and eligible non-citizens. The CSS profile is also not required.

The CADAA is an alternative application for undocumented students who don't qualify for federal aid but may be eligible for California state aid. Learn more at https://dream.csac.ca.gov/landing.

No, Otis does not require a separate scholarship for new students. All students are automatically considered for merit scholarships at the time of application. Separate applications may be required for continuing student scholarships.

Otis does not have a GPA requirement to earn a merit scholarship. However, there are certain GPA requirements for state grants, such as the Cal Grant. High school students must have a 3.0 cumulative GPA in 10th and 11th grade in certain courses. You can learn more at csac.ca.gov.

Applicants who are U.S. citizens and permanent residents are eligible to apply for the Charles White Scholarship. There are no full ride scholarships for international students.

To be eligible for federal and state financial aid, you must:

• Be a U.S. citizen, national, permanent resident, citizen of certain Pacific Islands, or other eligible non-citizen
• Be enrolled at least half-time for federal student loans (BFA ≥ 6 units, MFA ≥ 4 units)
• Be enrolled full-time for maximum awards (BFA ≥ 12 units, MFA ≥ 9 units)
• Maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress (SAP)

It never hurts to submit the FAFSA and see what aid may be available. The FAFSA is free to submit, so there is no cost to the student to apply. 98% of all undergraduate Otis College students receive scholarships and financial aid, so we encourage all families to apply for aid regardless of income.

For maximum awards and Otis scholarships, yes. However, students enrolled at least half-time (BFA ≥ 6 units, MFA ≥ 4 units) may be eligible for federal student loans.

Students are required to maintain Satisfactory Academic Progress to remain eligible for financial aid. SAP is evaluated at the end of each academic year. If SAP standards are not met, you may be disqualified from receiving federal financial aid. You can appeal in writing by submitting the Appeal Form listed on your Dashboard.

Once all required documentation is received, the Office of Financial Aid will offer you financial aid based on your eligibility. An award letter will be emailed to your Otis email address with guidance for accepting, reducing, or declining offered awards.

There are four main types of financial aid:

• Grants: Monetary gifts provided by the federal government or state that don't need to be repaid
• Scholarships: Awards based on academic achievement, talent, or other criteria that don't need to be repaid
• Loans: Money borrowed now that must be repaid later with interest
• Work-Study: Programs that allow you to work on-campus to help pay for school

Federal student loans typically offer more favorable terms, including fixed interest rates, income-driven repayment plans, and loan forgiveness options. Private student loans are offered by banks and other lenders and may have variable interest rates and fewer repayment options.

Yes. If you're a first-time Otis College loan borrower, you'll be required to complete a Master Promissory Note and Entrance Counseling at www.studentaid.gov prior to receiving your first federal loan disbursement.

Contact the Office of Financial Aid at onestop@otis.edu or 310-665-6999 to discuss your financial situation. The team can review your circumstances and discuss your options.

Yes. The college increases tuition approximately 2-3% every year.

The Cost of Attendance (COA) includes both direct costs (charges billed by the school such as tuition and fees) and indirect costs (estimated expenses such as housing, food, books, transportation, and personal expenses). Actual indirect costs vary from student to student.

Changing your major within Otis College typically does not affect your financial aid eligibility unless you require more time to complete your degree. However, you should notify the Financial Aid Office of any changes to ensure there are no impacts.

Taking time off from school can affect your financial aid. Contact the Office of Financial Aid before making any enrollment changes to understand how it may impact your current and future aid.

Outside scholarships may affect your financial aid package if you awarded aid exceeds the cost of attendance. Federal regulations require that all aid, including outside scholarships, cannot exceed your Cost of Attendance. The Financial Aid Office will work with you to adjust your aid package if necessary.

No. Scholarships and grants do not need to be repaid.

For federal student loans, repayment typically begins six months after you graduate, leave school, or drop below half-time enrollment. This is called your grace period.

Our Financial Aid and One Stop team is here to help! Contact us:

• Phone: 310-665-6999
• Email: onestop@otis.edu
• Schedule an appointment: otis.edu/faappointment

Yes! We offer information sessions where we explain important concepts, talk about next steps, and answer questions about how financial aid works. Check our website here for upcoming session dates.