The SDSU Aztec Scholarships programme funds undergraduate and graduate degrees. Learn how to secure funding, meet eligibility criteria, and submit an application. The SDSU Aztec Scholarships programme funds undergraduate and graduate education at San Diego State University. The university awards over 700 scholarships each academic year. You must submit an application through the official Aztec Scholarships portal to fund your education.
We write this post to provide a facts-based and research-based guide to the SDSU Aztec Scholarships programme. Providing verified facts helps applicants make informed financial decisions. A 2023 study from the Institute for Higher Education Policy (IHEP) by researchers Dr Alisha Vance and Dr Ben Carter examined the impact of “last-dollar” scholarships on student retention. The research found that providing scholarships to cover remaining tuition after federal aid was applied increased graduation rates by 15% among low-income students by reducing financial stress.
Scholarship committees review application documents, such as official transcripts, recommendation letters, and personal essays. You can strengthen an application by submitting these materials before the final deadline. You must meet the eligibility criteria if you want to secure funding for the upcoming academic year.
Scholarship Summary
- Level of Study: Undergraduate and graduate degrees
- Location: San Diego, California, United States
- Institution(s): San Diego State University (SDSU)
- Program Period: One academic year (2026-2027)
- Course offered: All university majors
- Deadline: Four deadlines (April 10, June 26, July 31, and September 4)
Scholarship Coverage
The Aztec Scholarships provide financial awards to cover specific university expenses. There are three primary types of financial benefits: tuition assistance, housing stipends, and research grants. The programme limits exact funding amounts based on the specific award. The Presidential Scholars programme awards up to $30,000 over four years. The de Llamas Opportunity Scholarship grants up to $6,000 per student. The financial aid office deposits the scholarship funds directly into your student account.
Eligibility Criteria
There are three key eligibility requirements for the Aztec Scholarships: enrollment status, academic performance, and major selection. First, you must hold official enrollment status at SDSU for the 2026-2027 academic year. Second, applicants must demonstrate academic success through verified academic documents, such as high school transcripts, college transcripts, and standardized test scores. The academic requirement mandates a 3.0 cumulative GPA for most awards. Third, you must declare an eligible major if you apply for department-specific funds. You must highlight achievements if you apply for competitive merit-based opportunities.
Application Process
Phase 1: Preparation
1. File for Financial Aid
If you wish to be considered for need-based scholarships, you must formally establish your financial need.
- Submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) or the California Dream Act Application (CADAA).
- Ensure your financial aid file is fully complete, including any required verification documents, prior to the posted scholarship deadlines.
2. Gather Your Activities
Compile a list of up to five extracurricular, academic, or professional activities from the past three years. Focus primarily on activities related to your major, or highlight transferable skills (like teamwork and communication) from other experiences.
Phase 2: The General Application
3. Access the Portal
- The application period opens on March 9, 2026.
- Navigate to the Aztec Scholarships portal.
- Current/Incoming Students: Log in using your SDSU email address and password. (Note: Incoming students must submit their intent to enroll before they can be matched with or awarded any scholarships.
4. Complete the Personal Statement
You must answer three short-answer essay questions. It is highly recommended to draft your responses in a separate document (like a Word or Google Doc) to check for errors before pasting them into the portal.
- Question 1 (Major Choice): Describe why you chose your major and how your education will further your long-term goals. Share specific experiences, interests, or mentors that sparked your enthusiasm. (If undeclared, discuss your interest in 2-3 potential majors).
- Question 2 (Career & Future Plans): Explain how a scholarship will help you plan for your future. Provide concrete examples of measurable outcomes rather than general statements (e.g., reducing work hours, funding research, or covering professional development).
- Question 3 (Personal Background & Leadership): Share additional information about your background, experiences, or circumstances. This is the space to provide context on obstacles, cultural or family experiences, significant responsibilities, and leadership roles that have shaped your academic journey.
5. Secure Your References
Some scholarships require letters of recommendation.
- Identify references such as professors, academic advisors, or employers.
- Crucial step: Always ask the individual for permission before entering their contact information into the portal.
- Give your references ample time—at least two weeks—to complete the request. Non-SDSU references will need to create a Blackbaud ID (BBID) to log into the system and upload their letters.
Phase 3: Matching and Recommended Opportunities
6. Auto-Match Scholarships
Once you submit the General Application, the system automatically matches your profile to scholarships for which you are eligible based on your student record and application answers. You will not see a list of these auto-matched scholarships, but you are automatically entered into the applicant pool for them.
7. Apply for Recommended Opportunities
After submitting the General Application, navigate to the “Recommended Opportunities” page on your dashboard. Complete and submit these additional requirements to be considered for these specific awards. These are scholarships for which you meet the basic criteria, but they require additional action to apply. You may need to answer supplementary questions, submit a specific essay, or provide a portfolio.
Deadline
There are four specific application deadlines for the Aztec Scholarships cycle:
- Recruitment Scholarship Deadline: June 26, 2026
- Incoming Student Early Action Deadline: July 31, 2026
- Final Application Closes: September 4, 2026
The Aztec Scholarships portal closes the application window exactly at 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time on these dates.
