Application Process Checklist

Applying for financial aid doesn't have to be difficult. Follow the steps below to help insure you are considered for all the various types of financial aid available.

Financial Aid Awards cover the fall and spring semesters ONLY unless your degree program requires summer enrollment. If you think you will attend a summer session, you should budget your award to cover summer expenses. Very limited funding is available for summer semester.

1. Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) online at http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/. If you received a renewal application from the U.S. Department of Education, you do not need to complete a FAFSA. You should complete and mail the renewal application according to the instructions. You can also complete your application online at: http://www.fafsa.ed.gov/.

    

   1. The Central Processor will send a Student Aid Report (SAR) to the student's address indicated on the application. It will take approximately thirty (30) days for the student to receive a SAR. If you file online you should receive a SAR in approximately twenty-one (21) days.
      
   2. Check the information on the SAR. If the information is incorrect, contact the aid office for instructions.
      
      
2. The U.S. Department of Education mailed a PIN to students who have applied for aid. The PIN serves as your identifier to let you access your personal information in various Department of Education systems. If you are a new applicant and you or your parents do not have a PIN, be sure to request one at http://www.pin.ed.gov/. If you have questions about the PIN process, call 1-800-433-3243.
   
3. If your eligible noncitizen status is not confirmed by Immigration & Naturalization (INS), you must submit proof of eligible non-citizenship to the aid office. An Alien Registration Card must be presented for review and a copy will be maintained for your file.
   
4. All first time borrowers of a Federal Direct Stafford Loan must complete entrance counseling prior to signing a promissory note or receiving funds. A first time borrower is a student who does not have an outstanding, Federal Direct Stafford Loan, or a Federal Direct Unsubsidized Stafford Loan. You will receive additional information when your award is finalized. For 2007-2008, currently enrolled students will accept awards on BlazerNET. For 2007-2008, new students will accept awards on Banner Self Service.

   A first time borrower can fulfill the entrance counseling requirement online at: http://www.dlservicer.ed.gov/. 

   If you are required to sign a promissory note for 2007-08, you will do this electronically.

5. If you are approved for a Federal Perkins Loan, you will receive additional information from Student Accounting Services after your award is finalized, and you have accepted the award.
   
6. Parents of dependent undergraduate students who want to apply for a Federal Direct Parent Loan for Undergraduate Students (Federal Direct PLUS) should complete the appropriate worksheet below. You must also complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
   
   PLUS Loan application 2007-2008
   
   PLUS Loan application 2008-2009
   
   
7. If you are selected for verification by the U.S. Department of Education, you will be required to submit the following documents. [You can determine if you have been selected by reading your Student Aid Report (SAR) or contacting the aid office.]
   
   1. If you meet the federal definition of a dependent student, you must submit a signed copy of your and your parents’ 2006 Federal Income Tax Return.
      
   2. If you meet the federal definition of an independent student, you must submit a signed copy of your (and your spouse’s, if married) 2006 Federal Income Tax Return.
      
   3. All selected students must complete and sign a Verification Worksheet. These worksheets are available in the Financial Aid Office. Dependent students must make sure that the form is signed by them and a parent.
      
   4. If you, your spouse, or your parents did not file a Federal Income Tax Return and are required to file, you must submit a copy of your Application for Automatic Extension of Time To File U.S. Individual Income Tax Return (IRS Form 4868).
      
   5. If you, your spouse, or your parents did not file a Federal Income Tax Return and are not required to file, make sure it is so noted on the Verification Worksheet.
      
   6. After reviewing the documents stated above, often we find the need to request additional information. We regret the need to do this, but sometimes we must do so in order to satisfy the federal requirement to eliminate discrepancies and to ensure the quality of application data.
      
8. When a decision has been made regarding your eligibility for financial aid, you will be notified by mail or email. If required, currently enrolled students will accept award offers on BlazerNETand new students will accept award offers on Banner Self Service.
   
9. When you register for classes, you create a financial obligation to the University. An application for financial aid neither eliminates this responsibility, nor does it extend the deadlines established for payment.