San Diego State University offers doctoral programs jointly with other doctoral granting institutions in California.  The agreements with the various campuses allow for the use of the educational resources of both institutions by students who are approved to enroll in a designated Joint Doctoral Program (JDP).

In any period of enrollment, a JDP student may be enrolled in courses at one institution or at both concurrently.  Enrollment each semester determines from which campus a JDP student may receive financial aid.  A JDP student cannot receive aid from both institutions during the same semester.

Obtaining Financial Aid

Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) every academic year (see Step 1 – Applying for Aid).  List one or both institutions to receive your FAFSA data, depending on the following enrollment conditions.

If you are enrolled entirely through another institution
You must obtain financial aid from that institution.  (Check with that institution for their aid application procedures.)

If you are enrolled only through SDSU
You obtain your financial aid from SDSU.

• Complete and submit a Doctoral Program Enrollment Questionnaire that is available through your AidLink account after we receive your FAFSA data.

If you are enrolled concurrently at both SDSU (home) and another campus (host institution)
You may receive financial aid from either institution, but not from both institutions during the same semester. 

If you choose to receive your financial aid through SDSU, you must:

• Complete and submit a Doctoral Program Enrollment Questionnaire that is available through AidLink after we receive your FAFSA.
• Complete a Verification of Enrollment for Joint Doctoral Program Students form, if you are enrolled in less than 5 units at SDSU (home) also available through AidLink.
  • Concurrently enrolled JDP students must complete this form each semester that they are enrolled in less than 5 units at SDSU. You may download additional copies of this form from the PDF Forms tab, as well. 

Eligibility and Cost

Your eligibility is based on SDSU’s standard cost of attendance or is modified to reflect the cost of attendance at the institution where you are concurrently taking courses (which may differ from one enrollment period to the next).  For other expenses unique to your program, complete and submit a Student’s Request for a Budget Increase form.