FAQs
Admissions
- + Will I be admitted to USF?
- It is important to know that each application is reviewed individually and acceptance decisions are rendered based on academic preparedness as indicated by you GPA and standardized test scores. For full acceptance a student should achieve a minimum 2.8 high school GPA on a 4.0 scale, accompanied by an ACT score of 20 or higher. Transfer students should have a 2.5 cumulative GPA. If you do not meet these criteria, we still strongly encourage you to apply as there are varying levels of acceptance. We also encourage students with exigent circumstances to provide supplemental information in the form of essays or letters of recommendation. If you are a prospective student with a disability and need assistance or accommodations during the admission/application process, please contact the Director of Learning Accessibility Services at 605-331-6648 or access@usiouxfalls.edu.
- + When should I apply to USF?
- USF does not have an admissions deadline. However, it is in your best interest to apply sooner rather than later to ensure that you meet scholarship deadlines and receive the best financial aid package available. We typically encourage high school students to apply during fall and early winter of their senior year.
- + Do I have to live on campus?
- USF requires that all unmarried, full-time students live on campus their freshman and sophomore year. Exceptions may be granted to students with medical issues or students who live with a parent/guardian in Sioux Falls. USF has a variety of residence halls and apartment style complexes available.
- + Is there parking on campus?
- Yes! All students can receive parking tags for up to two vehicles for free. We have different parking lots designated for on-campus students and off-campus students.
- + Do I need to bring a lap top?
- No, you do not need to bring a lap top or other computer to campus, however many students choose to do so. There are computer labs with printers in every residence hall and in nearly every academic building, wireless hotspots all throughout campus and internet access in each residence hall room.
- + Will my high school AP classes transfer to USF?
- USF issues college credit for AP classes based on a test score of 4 or 5.
- + When do I register for classes?
- In order to register for classes you need to submit a New Student Registration card and a $100 tuition deposit. This allows you to attend a New Student Registration Day where you will sign up for classes, take your ID picture, gain access to your USF email account and much more. For fall classes, the $100 tuition deposit is refundable until May 31.
- + Will my classes from another institution transfer to USF?
- USF accepts transfer credit from accredited post-secondary institutions. Your admissions counselor can help you determine how your courses might transfer to USF. Upon submission of your $100 tuition deposit, our Registrar’s Office will conduct an official transcript evaluation.
- + When will I get my housing assignment?
- All students accepted for admission for the fall are sent housing applications in the spring. We encourage you to remit your housing application and $50 housing deposit as soon as possible to be placed in your top residence hall choice. Final room and roommate assignments are made during the summer and are mailed out in July.
Financial Aid
- + What is financial aid?
- Financial aid makes the cost of education more affordable for students and their families. There are four primary types of financial aid. They are grants, scholarships, work-study, and loans.
- + Can my family afford USF?
- Enrolling in a college is an investment in the student’s future. Families often think they cannot afford a private college education, but we believe a student who is admitted and wants to attend USF should not be prevented from doing so because of financial aid reasons. While understanding that the primary responsibility for meeting college costs rests with the students and their parents, financial aid programs are available to assist the family in attaining this goal.
- + When should I apply for financial aid?
- You should complete the FAFSA as soon after January 1 as possible. Some of the aid programs have limited funding and are given first to students who make the priority date of March 1.
- + How is financial aid eligibility determined?
- When you complete and submit a FAFSA, the Federal Processor calculates an expected family contribution or EFC. The formula takes into account factors such as family income, assets, number of dependents, number in college, as well as other factors.
- + What is a financial aid package?
- Your financial aid package is the combination of grants, scholarships, loans, and campus employment opportunities that you have been awarded.
- + How do I learn more about your institutional aid?
- By submitting your FAFSA and being accepted for admissions, you have applied for institutional aid. There are some scholarships that require additional applications. You must be attending USF full-time (12-16 credits) as an undergraduate student to receive institutional aid.
- + I know I’m not going to qualify for federal need based aid. Do you still want me to file the FAFSA?
- Applying for financial aid is voluntary. Filing the FAFSA may enable you to receive additional non-need based federal aid. If you decide not to complete the FAFSA, notify the USF Financial Aid Office so we can review your eligibility for institutional aid.
- + What is included in the student budget?
- The student budget, or cost of attendance, for financial aid includes tuition, fees, room and board, as well as an allowance for books, transportation and personal expenses incurred by the student.
- + How will a scholarship I receive from a community group or school organization affect my financial aid package?
- If you are applying for financial aid and receive a scholarship from a source outside USF, that scholarship becomes part of your financial aid package and is included in your total aid award. In some instances, it may be necessary to adjust other aid, usually a loan or work-study, to meet federal regulations. Please notify USF’s Financial Aid Office as soon as you receive any scholarships from outside sources.
- + What can I do if there has been a significant change in our family’s financial situation?
- If there is a significant change in your income from the prior year, the Financial Aid Office may review your aid. This is only done in extreme cases and it may or may not affect the amount of aid you receive. Notify the Financial Aid Office as soon as possible if your circumstances have changed.
- + Where can I get help?
- One of your biggest concerns might be “How am I going to pay for school?” Our experienced, helpful staff can guide you to many sources of financial aid. Some students qualify for grants. Many can receive loans with a variety of repayment options. Scholarships are also a possibility. And you might even pick up a work-study job on campus. Whatever your situation….traditional, nontraditional, veteran, single parent….we will help you navigate your financial options.
Additional information can be found by viewing our Fast Facts document.