Quick Facts about Financial Aid

  1. Funds are given on a FIRST COME, FIRST SERVED basis. Once the allotted government funds are distributed, no more funds will be approved.
  2. Be sure to submit your Financial Aid Application every year, as early as OCTOBER 3rd.
  3. You MUST apply for Financial Aid every single year. The deadline for most colleges is February 1st. Check for your school’s deadline an its website or contact your financial aid office.
  4. Funds ARE available for STUDENT-ATHLETES who have already earned a full-ride scholarship! You can STILL receive money to help you pay for items like clothes, food, gas, bills, etc.

How to Apply

The easiest way to complete the FAFSA is to apply online.  Students (and parents of dependent students) will need to obtain a FSA ID in order to sign the FAFSA electronically.

RETAIN a copy of the FAFSA or Renewal FAFSA for your file.  Also, be sure to retain copies of your/your parents’ tax information.  These items may be requested later.  (Do not send tax information or other documentation with your FAFSA).

Check Your Email

Within approximately four weeks of completing the FAFSA, you should receive a SAR (Student Aid Report) indicating that your FAFSA has been processed and sent to the institutions you designated. If you provided an email address, you will receive an email notification with instructions for viewing and printing your SAR.  If you did not provide a valid email address, a paper SAR will be mailed to you.  Check the SAR for accuracy, and make sure that your college(s) of choice is listed as a recipient(s) of your information. Then your data will be transmitted electronically to each listed Institution for review.

Submit Other Requested Documentation

Submit any other requested documentation right away.  You may be requested to submit copies of tax information or other documentation to complete your financial aid application. Respond promptly to these requests to assure timely processing of your application.

Award Notifications

Beginning the week of April 15, financial aid award packages will be emailed to all students.

AWARD CONDITIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES:  Be sure to read the materials accompanying your award letter for conditions attached to your award. If awarded federal or university loan assistance, a promissory note must be signed and returned before funds will be disbursed.

Repayment of Financial Aid due to Withdrawal

If a student withdraws or cancels enrollment on or before the 60% point of the semester, all or a portion of Title IV funds (Federal PELL Grant, Federal SEOG, Federal Direct Subsidized and Unsubsidized, Federal Direct PLUS and Federal Grad PLUS Loans) awarded must be returned according to provisions of the Higher Education Act amendment of 2008. The calculation and return of these funds may result in debt to the university and/or U.S. Department of Education. In addition, any future financial aid will be cancelled.

Federal regulations also require the university perform a refund calculation for unearned aid on all students who unofficially withdraw (cease attendance without school notification). Therefore, a student who does not earn a passing grade in the hours enrolled for in any given semester due to lack of attendance and received Title IV funds will be considered an unofficial withdrawal unless appropriate documentation is provided. These funds must be calculated using the 50% point of the semester unless the student can otherwise provide documentation for an official last date of attendance. With the calculation and return of these funds, as with an official withdrawal, debt and/or cancellation of future aid may result.

Summer School Financial Aid

After spring grades are posted and satisfactory academic progress is reviewed, summer financial aid is awarded.  In order for your award to be made prior to the beginning of the summer term, you must have pre-registered. You must be enrolled for at least 6 hours in summer to receive a Federal Direct Loan.

CALL US IF YOU NEED MORE ASSISTANCE at 1(888) 320-7270. We always respond immediately or within 24 hours.

Use this website FAFSA Checklist because it has useful information as well.