FINANCIAL AID
Financial Aid: 10 Helpful Hints
Do file a FASFA between January 1st and March 1st, even if you don’t believe you qualify for federal funds. It doesn’t hurt to try.
Avoid waiting until you realize you are short on funds to file for aid! Although it’s never to late too fill out the FASFA, many funds and work study opportunities are limited and do run out, which is why it is important to meet the March 1st priority date.
Do explore all possibilities of grants and scholarships.
Avoid borrowing the maximum amount of student loans unless absolutely necessary. Borrowing should be done conservatively and with the mindset that these funds have to be paid back…with interest
Do keep track of your aggregate loan amounts. This can be done by saving all disbursement notices sent by Direct Loans or your other loan provider. Also, through the National Student Loan Data System (http://www.nslds.ed.gov) you can view a list of loans you have received throughout your college career.
Avoid seeking non-certified loans to help cover costs of attendance. Because they do not require approval from the Financial Aid Office, non-certified loans are an easy way to borrow more than what is needed and can substantially increase student debt
Do plan for the summer. Summer financial aid awards are based on aid not used during the Fall and Spring semesters. If you plan on funding summer classes with federal aid, ask a financial aid counselor to allocate funds to cover all terms you plan to attend classes.
Avoid registering for classes with the intent of withdrawing. This can affect your enrollment status and may result in a repayment of federal funds during the school year
Do comply with the University’s policy of Satisfactory Academic Progress found in the undergraduate catalog. Not doing so could result in a loss of federal aid privileges.
Do make an appointment with a financial aid counselor to discuss the best way to finance your education.
