FINANCIAL AID

Most Colleges and Universities use the Free Application of Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to award all need-based financial aid programs, which include grants, work-study, student loans, and parental loans. No additional institutional application is necessary; however, the offices of Financial Aid may require supplementary information during the awarding process. Students are required to respond to all request for information in a timely manner. The FAFSA form must be completed for each academic year that aid is requested. The office of Financial assistance awards upon receipt of the request of the FAFSA throughout the academic year. However students whose FAFSA results are received by the priority deadline of April 15th preceding the fall term are guaranteed consideration for all aid programs and are assured that their aid will be in place by the beginning of the fall term. Student should file the FAFSA by March 1 in order to meet the annual priority deadline.

Students may be offered many forms of aid. Grants are gift aid and do not require repayment. Work programs allow the student work part-time to earn income to supplement expenses. Loans must be repaid, but students are not required to do so until six months after they droop below half time or ceased to be enrolled. In order to qualify for federal funds, a student must meet the eligibility criteria listed on the free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA). The FAFSA cab be obtained at www.fafsa.ed.gov. A brief FAFSA description of the federal programs can be found in the FAFSA. A more detailed description is available in "The Student Guide" published by the U.S. Department of Education, which can be accessed at www.ed.gov/office/OPE/students or requested by contacting the College or Universities' office of Financial Aid.