Navigating Aztec Scholarships at San Diego State University

San Diego State University (SDSU) provides a multitude of scholarship opportunities through its Aztec Scholarships program, aimed at recognizing and supporting students with diverse talents, academic achievements, leadership skills, and resilience in overcoming hardships. These scholarships also extend to supporting participation in SDSU-approved study abroad and internship programs. The university strives to eliminate economic barriers to graduate study, offering various federal, state, and institutional financial aid programs.

The Aztec Scholarships Application Portal

The "Aztec Scholarships" application portal serves as a centralized hub for students seeking university scholarships. A single General Application allows students to be automatically matched with scholarships for which they are eligible. In addition, the system recommends scholarships where the student meets basic requirements, but requires submission of additional information for a complete application.

The 2026-27 Aztec Scholarships General Application opens on March 9, 2026. SDSU recommends using Google Chrome or Mozilla Firefox for optimal compatibility when accessing the portal.

Important Note: Do not sign in if you are an SDSU faculty or staff member. Use the SDSU Students, Faculty and Staff Login option. If you don’t have a BBID, click Continue with Blackbaud ID, then select Sign Up and follow the steps to create one. Signing up is a one-time process.

Eligibility for Aztec Scholarships

All matriculated SDSU students in good standing are encouraged to apply, regardless of their area of study. This includes nonresidents, students attending SDSU Global Campus and SDSU Imperial Valley, international students with F1 student visas, and undocumented students with AB540 status.

Financial Aid Programs at SDSU

Student financial aid programs are designed to assist students who lack the financial resources to cover their educational costs. Most students qualify for some form of assistance. Information about all state, federal, and institutional aid programs is available from the Financial Aid Office. The Cal Coast Student Financial Center can answer questions about the financial aid application process and aid eligibility.

Federal and State Aid

Only United States citizens and eligible noncitizens can receive federal financial aid. Applicants seeking consideration for all types of state and federal financial aid should complete a Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) as soon as possible after October 1. California Dream Act-eligible students should complete the California Dream Act application.

Accessing Financial Aid Information

Students can access financial aid award information, activate loans, view requests for and submit documentation, and more through my.SDSU. It is important to regularly check my.SDSU for important financial aid updates.

Scholarship Coordination

The SDSU Office of Financial Aid and Scholarships collaborates with core committees from various colleges, departments, and organizations to coordinate the scholarship application and awarding process.

National Fellowship Programs

SDSU students have the opportunity to apply for prestigious national fellowship programs such as Fulbright, Marshall, and Rotary. Due to campus limitations on the number of applications it may endorse, students interested in these fellowships should consult with their designated campus advisor and faculty members who have previously held such fellowships.

Read also: Camp Scholarships Guide

Graduate Record Examinations (GRE): Students should take the Graduate Record Examinations General Test well in advance of application deadlines, as test scores are required for many of these fellowships. The GRE can be scheduled through the SDSU Testing Services Office.

Graduate Student Funding Opportunities

SDSU offers a range of financial aid programs specifically designed to support graduate students in their pursuit of advanced degrees. Eligibility requirements and award amounts may vary by discipline and experience, and some opportunities are exclusively available to students admitted to doctoral programs.

Graduate Equity Fellowship Program

The Graduate Equity Fellowship program provides support for economically disadvantaged graduate students, particularly those from groups underrepresented in their disciplines. To be eligible, applicants must be legal residents of California demonstrating significant financial need. Recipients must be classified or conditionally classified graduate students enrolled in a minimum of six units of coursework each semester they hold the fellowship. Fellowships range from $500 to $2,000 for an academic year, based on demonstrated need. Students can receive awards for a maximum of two academic years, but must apply each year.

California Pre-Doctoral Scholarship Program

The California Pre-Doctoral Scholarship Program targets students with economic and educational disadvantages who intend to apply to a doctoral program. The program supports upper-division undergraduate students and current (non-Ph.D.) graduate students, with a focus on increasing the number of CSU students entering doctoral programs at University of California institutions. Students chosen for this award are designated Sally Casanova Scholars.

Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program

The Chancellor’s Doctoral Incentive Program is geared towards current or incoming doctoral students aspiring to become CSU instructional faculty. Students obtaining a loan through this program may have a portion forgiven upon securing a CSU faculty position.

Read also: Benefits of NSHSS Scholarships

Departmental Fellowships and Traineeships

Various departments on campus offer fellowships and traineeships. These programs, funded by federal, state, and private industry sources, are primarily directed towards graduate students or those preparing for specialized occupations.

Non-Resident Tuition Waiver

For graduate students demonstrating superior scholastic achievement, SDSU may waive all or part of the cost of non-resident tuition. Eligibility requires applicants to be permanent residents or citizens of the United States, or non-residents who are citizens and residents of a foreign country. Assistance is provided on a semester-by-semester basis. Domestic non-residents are eligible for only one year. New students should contact the chair or director of their Master’s program or the doctoral director for Ph.D. students for more information.

Administration of Graduate Funding

Nominations for most graduate awards originate with the chair or director of the department or school for master’s degree students, or the coordinator of the doctoral program for students pursuing a Ph.D., AuD, DNP, Dr.PH, D.P.T., or Ed.D. degree. The College of Graduate Studies administers most of these programs for the university. The graduate dean must approve most awards and appointments and determine whether the applicant is in good standing with the university.

Contacting the College of Graduate Studies

Continuing and prospective students seeking specific information about on-campus programs can contact the College of Graduate Studies.

List of Available Scholarships

This section contains a list of all available scholarships at SDSU and their requirements and deadline dates. After submitting the General Application, Aztec Scholarships automatically matches students to all scholarships for which they are eligible. The system also recommends scholarships where the student meets the basic requirements, but additional information must be submitted to apply.

A.P.I.C.S.
The Alejandro & Florencia E.
The Arthur C.
The Awona W.
The B. James & Margaret M.
The Cynthia J.
The Danny L.
The David W.
The Dr.
The Dr.
The Dwight J. and Barbara J.
The Edmond A.
The Eldred George Mugford, in Memory of Clare H.
The Ellen G. and Edward G.
The Elynor F.
The Emily C.

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